Matthew 28:13

"Tell them, 'His disciples came at night and stole Him away while we slept.'"

People have been trying to discredit Jesus for over 2,000 years, and it continues until this day. And not just about his resurrection, but about pretty much anything that has to do with His deity. Why is this? The obvious answer is sin, but what kind of sin? The sin of power, self-sufficiency, authority, autonomy and rebellion. It's a scary thing I possess, and that all of mankind possesses this propensity. It's bad enough that even Christians must fight this off, but what makes it doubly difficult is that most of humanity continually throws fiery darts at the distinguishable deity of the King and they have a way of penetrating a Christian's frame of reference. Even after physically seeing the risen Jesus "some doubted". (Matthew 28:17b) Now that's a strong will.

By contrast it's much easier to defend Jesus' humanity (although some even deny He ever existed at all). Of course He lived, of course He ate, He slept, He suffered and He even died. Even most atheists and agnostics consent to this. These are all normal, typical experiences of life that we all encounter. For this I give thanks because He can identify with me and I with Him. (cf. Hebrews 4:15)

But today I will no doubt be challenged to uphold the divine attributes of Jesus, probably from both internal and external forces. Some will be subtle, and some will be quite declarative and direct. For example, will I uphold throughout the day that Jesus divinely promised to never leave or forsake me (cf. Matthew 28:19, 20) and that He's lovingly left me the greatest treasure on earth, His Spirit which has been poured out? (cf. Romans 5:5) Or, will I think and behave as if I'm alone, without Him, and thereby take things into my own control? Will I believe that sin isn't really that big of a deal? After all, He's a loving God and has compassion on all. Or, will I live in such a way that considers all acts of life to be before a Holy God who cannot tolerate even the slightest acts of rebellion? His grace is more than sufficient, but dare I fall prey to Dietrich Bonhoeffer's greatest fear, embracing "cheap grace"?

Boldly I pray to stand today against false accusations of my Savior, both from the world and from myself.