Matthew 28:11-15 New International Version (NIV)
The Guards’ Report 11 While the women were on their way, some of the guards went into the city and reported to the chief priests everything that had happened. 12 When the chief priests had met with the elders and devised a plan, they gave the soldiers a large sum of money, 13 telling them, “You are to say, ‘His disciples came during the night and stole him away while we were asleep.’ 14 If this report gets to the governor, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.” 15 So the soldiers took the money and did as they were instructed. And this story has been widely circulated among the Jews to this very day.
Friday - April 9
People have been trying to explain away and cover up the resurrection of Jesus from the very beginning because it does not fit their understanding of God, the world or life. Do not be surprised by this, especially when people do this now. If you know someone who is struggling with believing in God there are some great resources available, such as “The Case for Christ” by Lee Strobel. The reason Matthew included this story about the guards and the cover-up was because he wanted Christians like you and me to be ready. He wanted us to know that this has always happened and will continue to happen. People will always try to cover-up the Gospel, but don’t worry. Jesus really is risen! Hallelujah! He is risen!