” ‘Sir, we remember how that impostor said, while he was still alive, ‘After three days I will rise.’ Therefore order the tomb to be made secure until the third day, lest his disciples go and steal him away and tell the people, ‘He has risen from the dead,’ and the last fraud will be worse than the first.” Pilate said to them, “You have a guard of soldiers. Go, make it as secure as you can.’ So they went and made the tomb secure by sealing the stone and setting a guard.” Matthew 27: 63-65
Silence. Sadness. Hopelessness. A tragic event just happened yesterday: the world’s only innocent man was publicly humiliated and tortured. Today, we are in the betwixt and between.
The disciples, woke up this morning having to face the reality that yesterday’s horrendous event was not just a terrible nightmare, but it was all too real. How did a man who claimed to be the Son of God, die?
People who were not His disciples have now heard of His death, as the news has been spreading. They are thinking this man faced the same fate that will happen to each and every single one of us, death. This proves that this man was no one special, He could not even save Himself!
The Pharisees and the chief priests are relieved. The man who threatened to overthrow everything that they found their security in is dead. The man who challenged the status quo and traditions that they found their identity in has perished. To ensure that there will be no more ruckus caused by this man and His followers, they say go up to Pilate.
“and said, ‘Sir, we remember how that impostor said, while he was still alive, ‘After three days I will rise.’ Therefore order the tomb to be made secure until the third day, lest his disciples go and steal him away and tell the people, ‘He has risen from the dead,’ and the last fraud will be worse than the first.” Pilate said to them, “You have a guard of soldiers. Go, make it as secure as you can.’ So they went and made the tomb secure by sealing the stone and setting a guard.” – Matthew 27: 63-65
Now it is done! They placed a large stone in front of the grave, sealed it, and have guards protecting it. There is no earthly way His body cannot possibly escape this place of death. This story is over.
Unless…this man is not from earth! This man is not bound by the laws of earth. This man is not bound by our limits. Time does not and cannot bind this man. Sin does not and cannot bind this man. Even Death does not and cannot bind this man! In fact, this man is not even just a man, but He is God! And every earthly attempt to limit this Son of God cannot and will not prevail, because He is God, and He is all powerful, and nothing can stop Him.
And not only is this man powerful, but this man is the very definition of LOVE. And He LOVES you. He suffered this torturous death because of His LOVE for you! And He promised that He will rise again. And the same power that raised this Man from the grave is the same power He gives generously to all who follow and trust in Him (Romans 8:11).
So trust Jesus in the waiting, for His promise to be fulfilled. Trust Jesus in the hurting, to be the One and only healer. Trust Jesus in the sorrow, to be the One where all joy is found. Trust Jesus in the brokenness, to be the One who binds up the brokenhearted. Trust Jesus in the shame, to be the One who lifts up our face. Trust Jesus, even when every earthly circumstance makes it seem impossible for us to see Him. Cling desperately to His promises, because they cannot and will not ever fail!
So what do we do?
Trust in His promises (Spoiler alert: He has a pretty good track record of not breaking promises).
And then?
Just wait.
MTCFB Youth 