Last Ditch Effort – Matthew 27:62-66, 28:11-15

As circumstances and conflicts come to a head in the final days of Christ, three illegitimate authorities conspire against Christ to dismiss Him as the imposter. Priests, Pharisees, and Pilate scheme to ensure their influence and authority at the expense of Jesus Christ; His person, His work, and His message. We are reminded of a showdown that foreshadowed these events in Elijah's prophetic ministry. One man faces 450 prophets of Baal in a cosmic challenge (I Kings 18:31-40). Elijah does everything in his power to diminish the probability of this event taking place by water logging the sacrifice and altar. These circumstances only served to magnify the greatness of God when heavenly fire fell and consumed everything, water and all. In the case of the last ditch efforts of Christ's enemies at His death and burial, they take it on themselves to do the same. Taking every conceivable action to stand in the way of God's plan for His messiah, yet their wicked efforts only magnify His glory.