How should Christians respond to false narratives about Jesus today? Setting the Scene “While the women were on their way, some of the guards went into the city and reported to the chief priests all that had happened.” (Matthew 28:11) The resurrection had just occurred. Instead of embracing the truth, some chose to manage the story. Verses 12-15 record the leaders bribing the soldiers to spread a lie: the disciples stole Jesus’ body. The first false narrative about Jesus launched within hours of His rising. Why False Narratives Arise • They protect vested interests (Matthew 28:12-13) • They suppress inconvenient truth (Romans 1:18) • They cater to itching ears looking for easier alternatives (2 Timothy 4:3-4) • They are energized by spiritual opposition (1 Timothy 4:1) Common False Narratives Today • Jesus was only a moral teacher, not God (John 1:1; Colossians 2:9) • The resurrection was symbolic, not historical (1 Corinthians 15:14-19) • All paths lead to the same God, so Jesus is optional (John 14:6) • Scripture is culturally bound and unreliable (Psalm 119:160; Matthew 5:18) How Scripture Directs Our Response 1. Present the eyewitness record – Acts 4:20: “For we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.” – Emphasize the guarded tomb, the empty grave, and post-resurrection appearances (Matthew 28; 1 Corinthians 15:3-8). 2. Contend earnestly for the faith – Jude 3 urges us to “contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints.” – Guard doctrine while keeping a gracious tone (2 Timothy 1:13-14). 3. Give a reasoned defense with gentleness and respect – 1 Peter 3:15: “Always be prepared to give a defense…yet with gentleness and respect.” – Engage questions; avoid quarrels (2 Timothy 2:24-25). 4. Expose arguments contrary to Christ – 2 Corinthians 10:5: “We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God.” – Contrast error with clear biblical teaching. 5. Live the transformed life that validates the message – Matthew 5:16; Philippians 2:15: visible integrity backs verbal witness. – Authentic community shows Christ’s power (John 13:35). 6. Hold firmly to the sufficiency and authority of Scripture – Psalm 19:7: “The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul.” – Scripture, not popularity, decides truth (Isaiah 8:20). Practical Steps • Start with prayerful dependence on the Holy Spirit (John 16:13). • Study the resurrection accounts until they are second nature. • Memorize key verses that affirm Jesus’ deity and resurrection. • Share personal testimony—no one can deny what Christ has done in you. • Recommend trustworthy resources, but keep the Bible central. • Cultivate humility; we are witnesses, not the Judge. • Persevere—false stories fade, the truth of an empty tomb endures. |
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