Eyewitnesses of the Resurrection: Shocking Lies vs. Life-Changing Truth

“But the angel said to the women, ‘Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for He has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where He lay.’”

Matthew 28:5

Dear Friends,

Early one morning, two groups stood at the tomb of Jesus. Both witnessed the same event, but their stories could not have been more different. One spread lies. The other proclaimed life-changing truth.

Different Witnesses, Different Stories

When multiple people witness the same event, their perspectives often vary. Each person notices different details. But despite small differences, the main facts usually align – unless someone deliberately twists the truth.

The Women and the Guards at the Empty Tomb

In the early hours after the Sabbath, two groups were present at Jesus’ tomb. Roman guards stood watch, determined to prevent anyone from stealing His body. At the same time, two women, who had just days earlier watched Joseph of Arimathea wrap their Lord in linen and seal His body in a rock-hewn tomb, made their way through the dim morning light to the place where He was laid.

The Angel’s Message: “He is Not Here, He Has Risen”

Both groups of people – the guards and the women – witnessed something amazing and terrifying that morning. An earthquake shook the ground as an angel of the Lord descended from heaven. The powerful heavenly being, whose snow-white clothing shone like lightning, rolled back the massive stone blocking the entrance to the tomb, revealing an empty cavern. Then, in complete defiance of human authority, he sat upon it.

Terror gripped every witness. The guards collapsed in shock, paralyzed like dead men. The women trembled as well, but the angel’s voice quickly calmed them:

“Do not be afraid. I know you seek Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; He has risen, just as He said. Come, see the place where He lay.”  

Then the angel gave the women an assignment: “Go quickly and tell His disciples that He has risen from the dead. He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him.” 

Encountering the Risen Christ

The women obeyed, hurrying away with a mixture of fear and great joy. Suddenly they encountered the risen Christ Himself. He greeted them and once again stilled their fears. Falling at His feet, they worshiped Him until He reminded them of their mission: “Go, tell My brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see Me.”

Shocking Lies Spread by the Guards

Meanwhile, the guards, who had also witnessed the angel and the empty tomb, staggered into the city to report to the chief priests. Fearing the truth would spread, the religious leaders quickly assembled. They bribed the soldiers to spread a lie: “Tell the people, ‘His disciples came by night and stole Him while we were asleep.’” And to protect the guards from punishment for sleeping on duty, the leaders promised to cover for them with the governor.

Eyewitnesses of the Resurrection of Jesus: Two Conflicting Stories

And so, two groups of witnesses began spreading two very different testimonies.

Yet over the next forty days, Jesus appeared to many. He was no ghost or vision imagined by grieving followers – He was truly alive. The Apostle Paul later testified:

“Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. After that He appeared to more than five hundred brethren at one time . . . then He appeared to James, then to all the apostles; and last of all . . . He appeared to me also” (1 Corinthians 15:3-8).

The Ongoing Power of the Resurrection

Through the centuries both accounts have been told – the fabricated story of stolen remains and the true testimony of the risen Christ. While some still choose the lie, countless others, by the power of the Holy Spirit, have believed in the cross and resurrection. They have personally encountered the living Christ and received forgiveness of sin.

The resurrection still demands a response. Will you believe the lie that keeps Jesus in the grave, or embrace the truth that He is risen and offers new life? Today the verdict is yours. Where do you stand?

Love,

Mama