— Matthew chapter 27

The religious leaders had no fear Jesus would rise from the dead. That was impossible. What they feared was His disciples stealing Jesus’ body and proclaiming His resurrection. “This deception will be worse than the first.”

The Roman Prefect assigned a guard to the priests with the rather sarcastic instruction, “Make the tomb as secure as you know how.” The priests put a seal on the tombstone enclosing the tomb and posted the guard at the tomb.

Guarding a dead man—cushy duty. What could happen?

— Matthew chapter 27

Four criminals are connected with the Cross. Two had been convicted. The two others confessed their guilt.

Betrayer
Jesus’ embrace of an unnamed woman’s public, costly anointing was the event Matthew connects with Judas’ decision to betray Jesus. Remember Judas had received miraculous power from Jesus, but later sold Him out.

How could one of Jesus' own apostles betray Him?

— Matthew chapter 25

A day or two before Jesus was arrested and subsequently crucified, He assured believers that He would return “in glory, and all the angels with Him. He will sit on His glorious throne and all the nations will be gathered before Him.”

Jesus claimed He would return—no ifs, ands, or buts about it. He shall return with glory and power—uncloaked. Angel armies shall accompany Him.

— Matthew chapter 24

A few days prior to being crucified, Jesus promised His disciples He would return … on clouds … with angels … in glory and power. Interestingly, Jesus said He didn’t know the date of His return. Only the Father knows.

I’ve always been fascinated by Bible prophecy. As a teenager, every summer I’d pray Jesus would return before school began. Today I’m approaching retirement. The apostle Peter wrote the Lord is not slow keeping His promise to return. “Instead, He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”