Year 9, Day 202: Matthew 28

Theological Commentary: Click Here

Finishing out Matthew 28 gives us a continued glance at humanity.  There are stories here.  Each story has different actors.  Each of the actors have different things to reveal about the human condition.

Look at the religious leaders’ story first.  The guards report what happened at the tomb.  Specifically, they mention that the body is gone.  The religious leaders take this information, apply a little money, and buy off the soldiers.  They spread a lie.  To be fair, these religious leaders can’t believe Jesus was raised from the dead; therefore, the story they are spreading is the only logical story.  To bad it’s wrong.  What’s interesting, though, it that it shows us what people in charge typically do when challenged.  People in charge apply resources at their discretion to make their world make sense and to protect their influence and status.  When the religious leaders face a situation they cannot control and do not understand, they apply money and power to make sure they remain in charge.

Look now at the disciples.  They hear the report from the women.  They go to where Jesus said to meet them.  They meet the Lord.  Yet doubt is among them.  Human beings – even ones who are trying to follow God – experience doubt.  God knows their hearts; He knows the doubt within.  He still calls them into action.  It’s been said all along through the Gospels that Jesus cares more about willingness than aptitude or perfection.  The disciples aren’t perfect.  They doubt because their eyes are seeing a man they know to be dead.  They ran when Jesus was arrested.  They’ve got an imperfect track record with Jesus.  Jesus still puts them into action and makes them a part of what God is doing in the world.

Finally, look at the people I have long considered the true heroes of the story (besides Jesus, naturally).  The women.  The Mary’s and their friends.  Here are women who followed Jesus, and in many instances they financed His ministry.  They existed behind the scenes happily allowing the disciples to get first billing.  When the disciples fled, because they were better known and in greater danger, the women stayed at the cross.  They buried Jesus.  They were there when He was raised.  They were the ones who were allowed to be the first preachers of the resurrection.

What can these behind the scenes women teach us?  They teach us humbleness in their willingness to play secondary roles throughout much of the story.  They teach us that faithfulness is possible in the darkest hours.  They teach us that the path that leads us past the influence of doubt is paved with obedience.

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