The PassionNäide

Have you ever wondered how we can be sure that what we believe is true?

Christianity stands out from other world religions by basing its claims on historical events in a real time and a real place. Our faith need not be a vague or subjective 'spirituality', but simply a common sense response to real events in history.

Matthew has done us a great favour in today's reading by seemingly going out of his way to ensure key details are embedded in the historical record. He names witnesses. He highlights that Joseph of Arimathea was "a rich man", and therefore someone who will have had a well-recognised tomb. The body of Jesus was laid in a public place. The two women, called Mary, watched the body go in.

The religious elites at the time wanted to ensure the disciples couldn't do anything nefarious, so they had the tomb slammed shut. Just like our world, they wouldn't believe what Jesus would do a short three days later. The disciples didn't see it yet either. All they saw was their Messiah being wrapped and laid in this known and identifiable tomb.

Matthew sets the story up to establish that it was common knowledge where Jesus was buried. It dispels the claims that Jesus’ disciples just went to the wrong tomb. Everyone knew where Jesus’ body was laid - and where it would soon be no longer. Jesus was simply hiring this tomb for a short overnight stay.

Today, ponder this: God wants you to know what He's done in history. He has made His sovereignty known through His Son, Jesus. How might you live out today, certain of the truth and power of Jesus’ death and resurrection?