Matthew 27:63

“saying, Sir, we remember, while He was still alive, how that deceiver said, ‘After three days I will rise.’ ”

Herein lies the glory of Jesus. They didn’t just fear Jesus while He was alive; they fear Him even in death. Jesus terrifies the ungodly even when they seem to have defeated Him. It’s amazing how even the seeming failure of Jesus still terrifies those who claim to have victory over Him. Jesus is an enigma that cannot be overlooked or ignored. His seeming victory or loss still strikes fear into the hearts of those who do not believe. All across the world, they fear and fuss about Jesus. All of history’s major turmoil are directly or indirectly linked to this fight to suppress Jesus, and all He stood for. The glory of Jesus is not only in His life; His glory continues even in His death.

The chief priests and Pharisees could not sleep even after they had succeeded in crucifying Jesus. They could not celebrate their victory because they considered Him even more dangerous after His death. They trembled just imagining the implications of Jesus rising from the dead. Even though they called Him a deceiver, they feared what this deceiver could achieve from the grave. This is wonderful. Even if they call Him names, deep inside their hearts, Jesus terrifies the world. What a wonder.

“Jesus, You are a wonder. I wonder at how You can strike terror and conviction into the hearts of men without even seeming to do anything. I cannot help but marvel at the wonder of who You are, my Lord. Amen.”