March 31 Daily Devotional

Bible Reading

Matthew 28:16–20

Devotional

The members of the Sanhedrin did not want to accept the truth concerning the resurrection of Jesus. Rather than accept the truth they bribed Roman soldiers to spread a lie. Let us not look down upon these Jews. We have the same nature. We would rather push the truth away from us in order to continue our old sinful life. We do not want to bow to the truth.

The Sanhedrin chose not to inquire into the authenticity of Christ’s resurrection, for if it was true, they would be exposed as guilty sinners, worthy of death. And why does man not put himself to the test of God’s truth? The truth condemns him.

Is Christ alive? The mind says it cannot be true. The heart says it may not be. In this logic, man’s pride exerts himself to undo the facts of the resurrection. This is his answer to the possibility of Christ’s resurrection. Do not speak in harshness too quickly about the men of the Sanhedrin, for, if you do this, you fail to recognize your own mind and heart. Do not say that they are guilty and worthy of death, for “thou art the man.”

How great is man’s foolishness to continue in his corrupt existence as if he has it in his own power to undo the truth! How hardened he is when he does not bow to the exalted Christ!

The Jews distributed money from the temple treasury to secure the spreading of a lie. We too might pay anything to undo truth. But money does not change or buy truth. Be careful not to be hardened lest you fall into the same condemnation as the Sanhedrin.

But that which is death for one, is life for another. There is a remnant, according to the divine election, that cannot find life outside the truth of the resurrection. The more they recognize that they are in the midst of death, the more they realize their need for the Prince of Life. The One who is greater than Joseph reveals Himself to such people. He makes Himself known as the exalted Mediator, who descended into the same abyss into which they plunged themselves, but who also ascended out of it. He did this while all His people were included in His high-priestly heart. This is the resurrection truth that deeply fallen sinners cling to.

 

From The Everlasting Word by Frans Bakker, compiled and translated by Gerald R. Procee. Reformation Heritage Books and Free Reformed Publications, 2007. Used by permission. For further information, click here.