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An Heretical Easter Story - Did Jesus Really Die? - Page 5

© Richard Kent Matthews

"Without a problem," Longinus assures Joseph. "I must tell you, though, Pilate is a little concerned about Yeshua coming down off the cross so quickly. We didn't even break his legs, as is the custom when we wish the prisoner to die sooner. Pilate is concerned Caiaphas will ask embarrassing questions."

"Well," answers Joseph, "Caiaphas wouldn't dare question Caesar's representative. And even if he would, by the time he gets around to it, hopefully Yeshua will be far from Jerusalem."

"But Joseph," Nicodemis speaks up, "The council already thinks the disciples are planning to steal the Master's body. They are already suspicious."

"That's right," Longinus agrees. "Not only will I place Roman guards but I will put an official Roman seal on the tomb. That way, Caiaphas will think we're with the council in this crucifixion."

"Again," said Joseph, "The next 48 hours will determine if it has all been worth it.

* * *

Sunday morning, Mary of Magdala, one of Yeshua's closest followers and companions, and another woman follower, go to the tomb to grieve. They had watched while the three men had carried the body away. When they arrive, they see that the tombstone has been rolled aside. As they glance into the tomb, they see immediately that it is empty, except for the grave linens. Letting out a frightened gasp, Mary spots a figure, draped in a hooded cape, standing among the bushes. She takes him for the gardener. "Oh, sir, where have they taken the Master?" she cried. "Where have they taken my Lord?"

"My dear sweet child, why do you seek the living among the dead? Did your Master not tell you that he would arise from the tomb?"

Immediately, Mary recognizes the voice of her Master, Yeshua. "My Lord! My Lord!" She and her companion fall at Yeshua's feet. "You are truly alive," they cry, as they try to grasp at his ankles.

"Do not touch me yet. I am not quite ready to stand steadily before the Throne of God. You must go and tell the others what you have seen. Tell them that their Master has indeed walked out of the tomb as he said he would. Tell them to go to Galilee and that I will meet them there. For today God has performed a miracle and you have been witness to it. The Son of Man has emerged triumphant from the grave. THE WORLD IS FORGIVEN. THE LIGHT HAS COME!"

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