Fake News

"While they were going, behold, some of the guard went into the city and told the chief priests all that had taken place. And when they had assembled with the elders and taken counsel, they gave a sufficient sum of money to the soldiers and said, “Tell people, ‘His disciples came by night and stole him away while we were asleep.’  And if this comes to the governor's ears, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.” So, they took the money and did as they were directed. And this story has been spread among the Jews to this day." - Matthew 28:11-15

Probably the most often quoted verses in Matthew 28 are verses 18 to 20. The Great Commission. - Go therefore. As I was reading Matthew 28 again this morning, I was struck by the direction of the chief priests and elders. The guards were told to lie to promote the plans and intentions of the religious leaders. I suppose that I am sensitive to "fake news" because of this election cycle. The idea of truth and fact have little to do with each other, then and now. I think that is what Pilate was suggesting when he was interrogating Jesus.

"Then Pilate said to him, “So you are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world—to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice.” Pilate said to him, What is truth?" - John 18:37-38

Truth can be what people are willing to believe what they are told and act upon it. Having little to do with what is fact. Jesus said He had come to bear witness to the truth - what was eternal fact. That truth is immutable - it will never change based upon who is elected - who happens to be in political power - who is in power - they like all mortals will pass with time. They will wither and fade.

"The grass withers, the flower fades when the breath of the Lord blows on it; surely the people are grass. The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever." - Isaiah 40:7-8

Probably the most effective lies are those told that are seasoned with some truth. Truth twisted to accomplish the purpose of the one telling it. For the chief priests, they wanted to refute the idea that Jesus was the Messiah. They conspired with the guards - their guards - not the governors that they were sleeping when Jesus body was stolen. So - riddle me this Batman - (sorry - flashback!) if they were asleep how did they know it was the disciples. And if they woke up, why didn't they stop them? It is not like they had a get-away car waiting. Oh, and what is truth that Jesus was bearing witness to? Pilate did not know that he was speaking to the Truth - the Creator God's revealed Truth.

"Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." - John 14:6

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory. 

"Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future. Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand." - Proverbs 19:20-21

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone