A worst deception or greater glory
Updated: Oct 8, 2023
Rev. Tetteh-Annor Larbi | October 5, 2023 | Matthew 27:62-66
KEY VERSE:
Therefore command that the tomb be made secure until the third day, lest His disciples come by night and steal Him away, and say to the people, ‘He has risen from the dead.’ So the last deception will be worse than the first.” Matthew 27:64 (NJKV)
MESSAGE
Gold is glorious when it is refined and polished, but when it is in its ore state, it does not look very impressive. The process of refining it and polishing it includes passing it through fire and water. The finished product is a sight to behold.
In our text today, the religious leaders and Pharisees made a statement that "the last deception will be worse than the first" if they did not secure the tomb. Referring to Jesus, but God had other plans. The glory that Jesus had when he walked on earth, was being transformed into a much better glory and a much powerful glory. And behind those stones, a divine image and an incorruptible body was being prepared.
The glory of that was going to surpass that of the earlier glory humanity saw while he did his earthly ministry. So, while the priest and elders anticipated a worse deception, God was preparing a greater Glory. Haggai 2:9 says it beautifully; "the glory of the latter house shall be greater than the former"...
The old temple (his body) was broken and destroyed for our sake, but in 3 days God raised a more glorious new temple.
FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:
While we walk this earth and serve God with these temporary temples and tents of clay (our bodies), the world is expecting the worst for our end.
But be assured, as Jesus is our example. That if this temporary tent gives way to death, a more glorious body will be given to us. One that does not perish and is incorruptible, the true tabernacle of the Holy Spirit.
PRAYER:
Captain of Israel’s host and guide,
All for who seek the land above.
Beneath thy shadow, we abide,
The cloud of thy protecting love.
Our strength, Thy grace,
Our rule, Thy word.
Our end, the glory of the Lord.
For your dear name sake. Amen.
THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.
SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!
_ DAILY word study: DECEPTION The term "deception" is translated from the following Greek word: "πλάνη" (planē): This word encompasses the idea of wandering or going astray and is used metaphorically for error or deceit.
The term "planē" is used in various contexts in the New Testament, often referring to deception, error, or going astray:
In Matthew 24:4-5, Jesus warns against deception in the context of false messiahs.
In 2 Thessalonians 2:10, it is associated with those who perish because they refused to love the truth.
In 1 John 4:6, it is used to discern between the Spirit of truth and the Spirit of error
In Matthew 27:64, the religious leaders expressed concern about the possibility of deception regarding Jesus' resurrection. They fear that if the tomb is not made secure, the disciples might falsely claim that Jesus has risen.
We can learn from this:
The irony of Unbelief: The religious leaders, in their attempt to prevent deception, ironically display their unbelief in Jesus' resurrection. Their lack of faith blinds them to the possibility that He could rise from the dead.
Fulfilment of Prophecy: Despite the leaders' efforts to prevent deception, Jesus' resurrection fulfils His own prophecy (Matthew 12:40) and demonstrates the futility of human attempts to thwart God's plans.
Comparison with Spiritual Deception: The fear of deception in this context echoes the broader theme of spiritual deception. It invites reflection on the consequences of rejecting the truth and the spiritual blindness that can result.
The word "deception" in our key verse for today, prompts us to reflect on the spiritual dimension of belief and unbelief. It challenges us to examine the condition of our hearts and the role faith plays in discerning God's truth amidst the complexities of life.
Reflections: How does a lack of faith and a refusal to accept God's truth contribute to spiritual blindness, and what safeguards can one put in place to avoid falling into deception?
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