Many plays and stories have three acts. A problem develops. The problem gets worse. And finally, the hero solves the problem.

When we examine the empty tomb of Jesus, most things have two states. First, how does the item appeared at the end of the crucifixion? And second, how does it appeared three days later? However, the guards at the tomb display three stages or acts.

First, they are the professional soldiers guarding the sealed tomb as Matthew 27:66 says. Then on Sunday, Matthew 28:4 tells us the guards were so afraid “they shook and became like dead men.” (NIV 1984) Finally, the guards reported to the chief priests about the events they witnessed on Sunday. Matthew 28:12-15 tells us ‘When the chief priests had met with the elders and devised a plan, they gave the soldiers a large sum of money, telling them, “You are to say, ‘His disciples came during the night and stole him away while we were asleep.’ If this report gets to the governor, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.” So the soldiers took the money and did as they were instructed. And this story has been widely circulated among the Jews to this very day.’ (NIV 1984)

What could cause Roman soldiers to go from competent, to scared stiff, to bribed liars?  Only one thing, they witnessed the resurrection of Jesus.

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Bumper music “Landing Place” performed by Mark July, used under license from Shutterstock.