They Knew

When they saw the empty tomb the women who stayed with him throughout his ordeal and death thought his body had been stolen. And, even after appearing to them and to others, their reports of his resurrection weren’t believed. Doesn’t it seem odd although Jesus’ disciples didn’t have a clue as to what he meant when he talked of dying and rising in three days, the religious leaders understood very well. Those who had him crucified put guards around his tomb for three days to make sure it wasn’t disturbed. Then, after hearing the guards’ experiences at the empty tomb, they paid them to lie about what actually happened. These men were not among those Jesus called blinded to the truth (John 9:41). In spite of their understanding, they killed him anyway. Yet, just as Jesus forgives each and every one of us, he died for their forgiveness too.