Foursquare Gospel Church in Nigeria Grace for Living Devotional Thursday December 7, 2023 TOPIC: GOLGOTHA CONSPIRACY

 

BIBLE READING:

MATTHEW 28:1-15

KEY VERSE:

“Tell people, 'His disciples came by night and stole him away while we were asleep.” Matthew 28:13  

MEDITATION:

Jewish authorities conceived to mount a powerful disinformation campaign, to undermine the verity of the Resurrection, "You are to say, His disciples came during the night and stole him away while we were asleep." They handsomely bribed the Roman guards, whose positions may be jeopardized by this narrative, as death was the penalty for sleeping on duty. But the soldiers need not worry, "we will take care of the governor and you won't be in any trouble." The chief priests knew their way with Pontius Pilate!   

In human history, greed, fear, lust for power and resource control have usually characterized the motivation for hatching a conspiracy, and the typical methods employed include secrecy, sentiments, bribery, and violence. The Jewish leaders were desperate. This Resurrection story was going to make them lose face with the people, lose the respect of the Roman overlords, and ultimately the power and prestige they exclusively enjoyed.  

They created a 'solid' machinery to filter out a convincing false narrative which the Jewish public, uncritically ‘swallowed.’ Even today the 'stolen body hypothesis' is still a strong basis for an argument against the Resurrection of Christ.  

Similarly, there are many conspiracy theories making the rounds these days, especially via social media. Don't get caught in the web of conspiracies. Do not share stories you can't authenticate. With our faith comes the need to be responsible and ethical with our communication.  

Have you ever been a carrier of false report, or joined hands with the wicked to be a malicious witness?

PRAYER:

Lord, give me greater affection for speaking and spreading truth, rather than falsehood.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:

DANIEL 3-4, 1 JOHN 3