By Ken R. Speakman
Member, Tulip Grove Baptist Church, Old Hickory
The importance of Jesus’ death is surpassed only by the wonderful news of His resurrection. Without the resurrection we would have no forgiveness of sin, and all preaching and faith would be in vain (I Corinthians 15:14). Since the Jewish leaders had heard Jesus would be raised from the dead, they called a meeting and bribed the solders to say the disciples came and stole His body (Matthew 28; 12-13). This could not happen. The tomb was carefully guarded (Matthew 27:62-66), and it would have been impossible for the frightened apostles to overpower the guards, move the stone, and steal the body. Even though Jesus, on several occasions, told His followers He would suffer and die and be raised from the dead (Matthew 17:23; Luke 9:22), they did not believe Him. So, why would they perpetrate such a hoax? The message of the gospel rests on the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ (I Corinthians 15:3-4). [Read more…]