TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL PASSAGE

The next day, on the Sabbath, the leading priests and Pharisees went to see Pilate. They told him, “Sir, we remember what that deceiver once said while he was still alive: ‘After three days I will rise from the dead.’ So we request that you seal the tomb until the third day. This will prevent his disciples from coming and stealing his body and then telling everyone he was raised from the dead! If that happens, we’ll be worse off than we were at first.” Pilate replied, “Take guards and secure it the best you can.” So they sealed the tomb and posted guards to protect it.

Matthew 27:62–66

DEVOTIONAL

by Stephanie Reloj

C.S. Lewis, renowned for his intellectual pursuits and Christian apologetics, underwent a profound spiritual transformation that led him to embrace Christianity. Prior to his conversion, Lewis was a skeptic, deeply influenced by atheistic ideologies. However, through his study of literature, philosophy, and the Gospels, he encountered the truth of Jesus’ resurrection. His conversion story reflects the transformative power of encountering the risen Christ, even for those who initially doubted.

As we reflect on the events surrounding Jesus’ resurrection, we see the Pharisees’ attempts to stop Him. Despite the disciples’ lack of understanding, some Pharisees recognized the significance of Jesus’ words and sought to prevent His resurrection by asking Pilate to guard and seal the tomb (Matthew 27:64). Yet, even nature itself testified to the momentous occasion: darkness covered the land, the earth quaked, and the dead were raised to life, appearing in Jerusalem (Matthew 27:51). These extraordinary events could not be ignored, even by those who sought to suppress the truth.

Just as the Pharisees sought to suppress the truth of Jesus’ resurrection, we may encounter opposition or doubt in our own lives. However, the supernatural testimony of nature and the resurrected saints reminds us of the undeniable reality of Jesus’ victory over death. As followers of Christ, we are called to boldly proclaim this truth, even in the face of opposition.

Furthermore, the astonishment and wonder of those who witnessed these miraculous events should inspire us to share the message of Jesus’ resurrection with urgency and conviction. His victory over death offers hope and assurance to all who believe, transforming lives and bringing about new beginnings.

 

PRAYER