April 22, 2016
MY WAY OR GOD'S WAY = GOD'S WAY
Matthew 27:57–66
Leah Penna
Central Truth
We can make plans and develop strategies, but the LORD will determine our every step.
Key Verse | Matthew 27:65
Pilate said to them, "You have a guard of soldiers. Go, make it as secure as you can." (Matthew 27:65)
Matthew 27:57–66
Jesus Is Buried
57 When it was evening, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who also was a disciple of Jesus. 58 He went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then Pilate ordered it to be given to him. 59 And Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a clean linen shroud 60 and laid it in his own new tomb, which he had cut in the rock. And he rolled a great stone to the entrance of the tomb and went away. 61 Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were there, sitting opposite the tomb.
The Guard at the Tomb
62 The next day, that is, after the day of Preparation, the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered before Pilate 63 and said, “Sir, we remember how that impostor said, while he was still alive, ‘After three days I will rise.’ 64 Therefore order the tomb to be made secure until the third day, lest his disciples go and steal him away and tell the people, ‘He has risen from the dead,’ and the last fraud will be worse than the first.” 65 Pilate said to them, “You have a guard 1 27:65 Or Take a guard of soldiers. Go, make it as secure as you can.” 66 So they went and made the tomb secure by sealing the stone and setting a guard.
Dive Deeper | Matthew 27:57–66
This passage is a "Tale of Two People." They are Joseph, a rich man who followed Christ and then fulfilled his purpose by burying Jesus' body (Isaiah 53:9), and the Pharisees, who fulfilled their purpose by begging Pilate to seal the tomb. Both parties ended up doing exactly what the LORD wanted them to do. The Pharisees' concern was that Jesus' disciples would steal the body of Jesus and then claim that He rose from the dead. The Pharisees "knew" that Jesus was not who He claimed to be. Thus, they sought to keep His disciples from making trouble and misleading the people. The Pharisees would have none of that! So they went to Pilate and begged him to let them secure the tomb. This was the best thing they could have done! When Jesus did rise from the dead on the third day, there was no doubt. HE IS THE SON OF GOD! HE LIVES!!
Knowing that I serve a living God is overwhelming. Understanding that I serve a living God is liberating. I know He lives because He has changed my heart. I once was angry, judgmental, relentless, living my life as a foolish woman, hated by others, and hating others. But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, HE SAVED ME! He washed me clean through the Holy Spirit. Now I can enjoy the truth that I am child of God because of His GRACE. Because of Christ, I get to serve at re:generation (Watermark's recovery ministry) and point hurting people to the One who can change their hearts.
In all of this, the most important truth is that God is in control. Remember, God loves you. God wants you to live a meaningful, joyful, and exciting life. He is not trying to rip you off. Follow Him today and every day! Your way or God's way = God's way. "The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps." (Proverbs 16:9)
Discussion Questions
1. Do you believe that God is in control of EVERYTHING?
2. What plans have you made that would upset you if they didn't come to pass? Why would that upset you?
3. Again, do you believe that God is in control of EVERYTHING?
4. If those plans didn't come to pass, could you trust that God has a better plan for you?