As they were on their way, some of the guards came into the city and reported to the chief priests everything that had happened. After the priests had assembled with the elders and agreed on a plan, they gave the soldiers a large sum of money and told them, “Say this, ‘His disciples came during the night and stole Him while we were sleeping.’ If this reaches the governor’s ears, we will deal with him and keep you out of trouble.” So they took the money and did as they were instructed. And this story has been spread among Jewish people to this day.

The chief priests and the elders had just witnessed the power of Jesus as He died on the cross. They had seen the darkness come over the land. They had felt the earthquake. They had seen the veil of the temple which was torn in two. They may have even seen some of the holy people who had been resurrected and walked around in the streets. Even with all of these signs they still refused to believe Jesus is the Christ. They then receive a firsthand account of His resurrection and the first thing they think of is not "He must truly be the Christ!" but rather how to preserve their own power by hiding the power of Jesus' resurrection. Their pride was so strong that they refused to believe even after all this evidence. Their is no reason to give up on them though for doubtless Saul of Tarsus was one who had heard all this evidence and may even have seen much of it and he finally was changed through GOD's mercy and power.

There are many to whom I may teach the gospel that may refuse to believe though GOD allows me to show great evidence that Jesus is LORD. Though they refuse to believe I should not become discouraged but rather encouraged that GOD's mighty power may be working something powerful in their lives that they may have a conversion experience as Paul. Many of the christians who met Paul right after his conversion were terrified of him and refused to accept him out of fear this was a trick to get close to them (Acts 9:26). However, GOD had great plans to use Paul and the brethren eventually believed his conversion and accepted him as a fellow christian (Acts 9:27). I should never give up on anyone who refuses to hear the gospel as GOD may have great plans for that person that I know nothing about.

GOD of great mercy there is none like You in glory. Your majesty and sovereignty are indescribable. Your wisdom is infinite. Please forgive me when I get frustrated with those who refuse to believe Your Word even though plenty of plain evidence has been shown them. I know You may have something great planned for their life. May I never forget that my job is just to plant and water; it is Your job to cause the growth (1 Cor 3:5-7). Please forgive my arrogance in thinking that growth is what You called me to do. Please strip me of my pride that I may truly be a surrendered servant before You. I cannot do this on my own. I place myself in Your hands and say "Have Your way with me." All glory be Yours forever in the name of Jesus amen.

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