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Casual Articles - The Sign of Jonah
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The next day, Saturday, the chief priests and the Pharisees asked Pilate to order a guard around the tomb to prevent Jesus' followers from removing the body and claiming that he had come back to life. (Matthew 27:62-64)
"Take a guard," Pilate answered. "Go, make the tomb as secure as you know how." (Matthew 27:65)
They did just that. They made the tomb secure by sealing the stone and posting a guard. (Matthew 27:66)
Resurrection
Early Sunday morning, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, Salone, Joanne, and possibly others went to the grave site to anoint Jesus' body with prepared spices. (Matthew 27:56) (Mark 15:40) (Luke 24:10) They didn't have time to accomplish this task Friday evening. It was too close to the Sabbath, which for the Jews begins Friday night at 6 pm. Offhand, you would think the seventy-five pounds of myr
Hiring employees in the computer networking business is an exact science. Many computer networking business owners don't have the knowledge required to hire the best and most experienced employees, even though hiring these people is one of the most beneficial factors of business growth. There is a formula to follow that can help you, as a business owner hire the right employees for your computer networking business.Hiring is a very systematic process, and each computer networking business has to be ready for a very long process. Once you make a list of the most useful candidates for the jobs, the interview process begins. Be prepared to conduct second and even third interviews to ensure you get the right people to help you in your computer networking business.Classified Ads That Emphasize OpportunityJob postings for your computer networking business should advertise an opportunity, not simply a job or a position. The words you use to describe the opportunity should reflect the full scope of your company and attract those looking for a career, not just a shorter-term job.The Job DescriptionThe employees you want will expect a clear description of the job and its responsibilities. In your description, include definitions, expectations, salary, bonuses and all perks.Honest And Open Reference ConversationsEstablish an open and friendly relationship right off the bat with candidate references in order to open up communication. Ask about the applicant's strengths and weaknesses after you've put the reference at ease, and keep in mind that most often a reference is only trying to protect himself when he is guarded with information.Resumes And ApplicationsYou should demand an applicant fill out completely both an application and a resume. A computer networking business will find out much more about a candidate by expecting both items. Applications provide the answers to important questions regarding felony arrest, citizenship, etc., and make work history easier to determine than a resume alone.Listening SkillsThe ability to listen is a critical skill in the computer networking business, and if a candidate cannot stay focu
Jesus claimed he was the Messiah and the Son of God. First century Jews wanted proof and asked for a sign. Jesus told them the only sign he would give them would be the sign of Jonah. (Matthew 16:4) Later, the meaning of this cryptic reply became clear. Jesus would suffer and die, and be resurrected on the third day.
We are so familiar with the story it doesn't have much of an impact. But for many Jews and gentiles of the first century it was incomprehensible. Even Jesus' own disciples didn't believe it. No one had ever heard of such a thing. Jesus is saying, "I am the Son of God, and here's my proof: I am going to die. You are going to bury me. And On the third day I am going to come out of the grave alive."
It sounds like the number one, all time great, super stunt, doesn't it? Can you imagine Houdini or David Copperfield making such a proposal? Can you imagine anyone else even considering a "trick" like that? Nevertheless, that was the task Jesus set up for himself which would prove he is the Son of God."
Sign Fulfilled
So how did it turn out? Jesus did die. He walked right into it knowing full well they were going to kill him. You have got to admire his courage. And yes, they did bury him. But did he come back form death? His apostles claimed he did.
The Gospels provide us with four detailed stories of the episode. Let's examine these accounts.
Arrest, Abuse, and Trial
Jesus showed his anxiety in Gethsemane. He knew the ordeal he was facing. Those frequent prayers and Luke's comment about his sweat dropping like blood (Luke 22:44) give us a vivid picture of Jesus' mental anguish.
The Jews arrest him, and his friends and supporters flee. Jesus is taken to Caiaphas, the high priest. The whole Sanhedrin is convened. They give him a mock trial and condemn him to death. But that doesn't seem to satisfy them. They want to rub it in: they spit at him; blindfold him; hit him; and insult him. After Jesus suffers through this humiliation, the Jews take him to Pilate.
Pilate wants no part of him, and upon hearing Jesus is a Galilean sends him off to Herod. Jesus won't perform a miracle for Herod, so he and his soldiers ridicule and mock Jesus. Then they return the Man to Pilate.
Pilate hoped a good flogging would appease the Jews; that is what he proceeds to do. The Romans used a whip made of several strips of leather. Upon the ends of these strips were embedded small pieces of bone or lead. It was specifically designed to rip bits of skin off the victim's back. How many lashes Jesus received, no one knows. Jews traditionally limited themselves to thirty-nine. Romans were under no such restrictions. Many flogging victims died as a direct result of this punishment.
But Jesus endured it, and the Jews were still not satisfied. Pilate saw he was getting nowhere in his attempts to dissuade the crowd. He relinquished and turned Jesus over to his executioners. The whole company of Roman soldiers ridiculed Jesus putting a scarlet robe on him, a crown of thorns on his head, and a staff in his right hand. They mocked him saying, "Hail king of the Jews." They spat on him and took him away and crucified him.
Crucifixion
Luke says the Roman guard forced Simon from Cyrene to carry Jesus' cross to the place of execution. (Luke 23:26) Surely this assistance had nothing to do with compassion for the condemned. The obvious explanation is that by this time Jesus was physically too weak to carry the cross. The lack of sleep plus abuse and torture had taken its toll.
Archeologists have discovered the bones of a crucified man near Jerusalem who died somewhere between A.D. 7 and 66. The discovery shed some light on this type of execution. Heavy, wrought-iron nails were driven through the victims' wrists and heel bones. It was a long, agonizing death.
If they wanted to speed up the process, they would break the man's legs. Without these limbs, the condemned would not be able to support his own weight. Breathing becomes progressively more difficult, and the victim dies from suffocation.
At midday, darkness fell over the whole land and lasted until three in the afternoon. Jesus gave a loud cry and died. Two others were crucified with Jesus. The Jews didn't want these crucified bodies hanging around on the Sabbath. At their request, Pilate ordered that the legs be broken to hasten death. When the soldiers got to Jesus, they saw he was already dead. One of the soldiers pierced Jesus' side with a spear. (John 19:34)
Burial and Guarded Tomb
Joseph of Arimathea requested Jesus' body for burial. Pilate checked with the centurion in charge of the execution detail. The centurion assured Pilate that Jesus was dead. With Pilate's permission, Joseph and Nicodemus took the body for burial. (John 19:38-42)
These two men followed Jewish burial customs in preparing the body. A mixture of seventy-five pounds of myrrh and aloes were wrapped around Jesus' body with strips of linen. (John 19:39-40) Near where Jesus' body had been crucified was a garden with a new tomb cut out of rock. (John 19:41)They laid Jesus' body inside (John 19:42, and Joseph rolled up a large stone against the tomb's entrance. (Mark 15:46)
The next day, Saturday, the chief priests and the Pharisees asked Pilate to order a guard around the tomb to prevent Jesus' followers from removing the body and claiming that he had come back to life. (Matthew 27:62-64)
"Take a guard," Pilate answered. "Go, make the tomb as secure as you know how." (Matthew 27:65)
They did just that. They made the tomb secure by sealing the stone and posting a guard. (Matthew 27:66)
Resurrection
Early Sunday morning, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, Salone, Joanne, and possibly others went to the grave site to anoint Jesus' body with prepared spices. (Matthew 27:56) (Mark 15:40) (Luke 24:10) They didn't have time to accomplish this task Friday evening. It was too close to the Sabbath, which for the Jews begins Friday night at 6 pm. Offhand, you would think the seventy-five pounds of myr
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The Gospels provide us with four detailed stories of the episode. Let's examine these accounts.
Arrest, Abuse, and Trial
Jesus showed his anxiety in Gethsemane. He knew the ordeal he was facing. Those frequent prayers and Luke's comment about his sweat dropping like blood (Luke 22:44) give us a vivid picture of Jesus' mental anguish.
The Jews arrest him, and his friends and supporters flee. Jesus is taken to Caiaphas, the high priest. The whole Sanhedrin is convened. They give him a mock trial and condemn him to death. But that doesn't seem to satisfy them. They want to rub it in: they spit at him; blindfold him; hit him; and insult him. After Jesus suffers through this humiliation, the Jews take him to Pilate.
Pilate wants no part of him, and upon hearing Jesus is a Galilean sends him off to Herod. Jesus won't perform a miracle for Herod, so he and his soldiers ridicule and mock Jesus. Then they return the Man to Pilate.
Pilate hoped a good flogging would appease the Jews; that is what he proceeds to do. The Romans used a whip made of several strips of leather. Upon the ends of these strips were embedded small pieces of bone or lead. It was specifically designed to rip bits of skin off the victim's back. How many lashes Jesus received, no one knows. Jews traditionally limited themselves to thirty-nine. Romans were under no such restrictions. Many flogging victims died as a direct result of this punishment.
But Jesus endured it, and the Jews were still not satisfied. Pilate saw he was getting nowhere in his attempts to dissuade the crowd. He relinquished and turned Jesus over to his executioners. The whole company of Roman soldiers ridiculed Jesus putting a scarlet robe on him, a crown of thorns on his head, and a staff in his right hand. They mocked him saying, "Hail king of the Jews." They spat on him and took him away and crucified him.
Crucifixion
Luke says the Roman guard forced Simon from Cyrene to carry Jesus' cross to the place of execution. (Luke 23:26) Surely this assistance had nothing to do with compassion for the condemned. The obvious explanation is that by this time Jesus was physically too weak to carry the cross. The lack of sleep plus abuse and torture had taken its toll.
Archeologists have discovered the bones of a crucified man near Jerusalem who died somewhere between A.D. 7 and 66. The discovery shed some light on this type of execution. Heavy, wrought-iron nails were driven through the victims' wrists and heel bones. It was a long, agonizing death.
If they wanted to speed up the process, they would break the man's legs. Without these limbs, the condemned would not be able to support his own weight. Breathing becomes progressively more difficult, and the victim dies from suffocation.
At midday, darkness fell over the whole land and lasted until three in the afternoon. Jesus gave a loud cry and died. Two others were crucified with Jesus. The Jews didn't want these crucified bodies hanging around on the Sabbath. At their request, Pilate ordered that the legs be broken to hasten death. When the soldiers got to Jesus, they saw he was already dead. One of the soldiers pierced Jesus' side with a spear. (John 19:34)
Burial and Guarded Tomb
Joseph of Arimathea requested Jesus' body for burial. Pilate checked with the centurion in charge of the execution detail. The centurion assured Pilate that Jesus was dead. With Pilate's permission, Joseph and Nicodemus took the body for burial. (John 19:38-42)
These two men followed Jewish burial customs in preparing the body. A mixture of seventy-five pounds of myrrh and aloes were wrapped around Jesus' body with strips of linen. (John 19:39-40) Near where Jesus' body had been crucified was a garden with a new tomb cut out of rock. (John 19:41)They laid Jesus' body inside (John 19:42, and Joseph rolled up a large stone against the tomb's entrance. (Mark 15:46)
The next day, Saturday, the chief priests and the Pharisees asked Pilate to order a guard around the tomb to prevent Jesus' followers from removing the body and claiming that he had come back to life. (Matthew 27:62-64)
"Take a guard," Pilate answered. "Go, make the tomb as secure as you know how." (Matthew 27:65)
They did just that. They made the tomb secure by sealing the stone and posting a guard. (Matthew 27:66)
Resurrection
Early Sunday morning, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, Salone, Joanne, and possibly others went to the grave site to anoint Jesus' body with prepared spices. (Matthew 27:56) (Mark 15:40) (Luke 24:10) They didn't have time to accomplish this task Friday evening. It was too close to the Sabbath, which for the Jews begins Friday night at 6 pm. Offhand, you would think the seventy-five pounds of myr
Insanity in the Sign & Graphics IndustryEinstein’s DefinitionAlbert Einstein once said “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results”. Think about this quote for a second and ask yourself, does this quote apply to the way you run your company?Have you been doing the same thing over and over again expecting different results? If so, then you might want to keep on reading. In a world where technology is becoming a key productivity tool to the success of any business, it simply comes down to, are you accepting and harnessing technology or rejecting it. Are you willing to change or will you do the same thing over and over again? THere are two main reasons why I pose this question. First, many shop owners today have trouble understanding how new technology, specifically software, can become a major benefit to their business, and second, owners have trouble measuring the profits they are losing by rejecting this technological change. Have you ever rejected technology?“If It Ain’t Broke Then Don’t Fix It!” MentalityAre you expecting to increase profits by continuing the same business strategy year after year? If so, how long do you think the method will work?Many shop owners simply do not see the need to update or change their current method. They believe that there is no need to invest in a new method when the old one still seems to work fine. This is the common, “If it ain’t broke then don’t fix it!” mentality. Well, I hate to be the one to say it, but just because something isn’t “broke” doesn’t mean you can’t make it work better. When new technology such as software, could save you large amounts of time & money, how can you not accept it?In an industry where there is an increasing level of competitiveness, shop owners must take advantage of every method available to help them cut costs. Would a commercial printer looking to grow their business, limit their shop to just a one color press? Sure they can continue to operate with a one color press, but wouldn’t a two or four color press help expand their business into other areas more effectively. In this example the current method w
But Jesus endured it, and the Jews were still not satisfied. Pilate saw he was getting nowhere in his attempts to dissuade the crowd. He relinquished and turned Jesus over to his executioners. The whole company of Roman soldiers ridiculed Jesus putting a scarlet robe on him, a crown of thorns on his head, and a staff in his right hand. They mocked him saying, "Hail king of the Jews." They spat on him and took him away and crucified him.
Crucifixion
Luke says the Roman guard forced Simon from Cyrene to carry Jesus' cross to the place of execution. (Luke 23:26) Surely this assistance had nothing to do with compassion for the condemned. The obvious explanation is that by this time Jesus was physically too weak to carry the cross. The lack of sleep plus abuse and torture had taken its toll.
Archeologists have discovered the bones of a crucified man near Jerusalem who died somewhere between A.D. 7 and 66. The discovery shed some light on this type of execution. Heavy, wrought-iron nails were driven through the victims' wrists and heel bones. It was a long, agonizing death.
If they wanted to speed up the process, they would break the man's legs. Without these limbs, the condemned would not be able to support his own weight. Breathing becomes progressively more difficult, and the victim dies from suffocation.
At midday, darkness fell over the whole land and lasted until three in the afternoon. Jesus gave a loud cry and died. Two others were crucified with Jesus. The Jews didn't want these crucified bodies hanging around on the Sabbath. At their request, Pilate ordered that the legs be broken to hasten death. When the soldiers got to Jesus, they saw he was already dead. One of the soldiers pierced Jesus' side with a spear. (John 19:34)
Burial and Guarded Tomb
Joseph of Arimathea requested Jesus' body for burial. Pilate checked with the centurion in charge of the execution detail. The centurion assured Pilate that Jesus was dead. With Pilate's permission, Joseph and Nicodemus took the body for burial. (John 19:38-42)
These two men followed Jewish burial customs in preparing the body. A mixture of seventy-five pounds of myrrh and aloes were wrapped around Jesus' body with strips of linen. (John 19:39-40) Near where Jesus' body had been crucified was a garden with a new tomb cut out of rock. (John 19:41)They laid Jesus' body inside (John 19:42, and Joseph rolled up a large stone against the tomb's entrance. (Mark 15:46)
The next day, Saturday, the chief priests and the Pharisees asked Pilate to order a guard around the tomb to prevent Jesus' followers from removing the body and claiming that he had come back to life. (Matthew 27:62-64)
"Take a guard," Pilate answered. "Go, make the tomb as secure as you know how." (Matthew 27:65)
They did just that. They made the tomb secure by sealing the stone and posting a guard. (Matthew 27:66)
Resurrection
Early Sunday morning, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, Salone, Joanne, and possibly others went to the grave site to anoint Jesus' body with prepared spices. (Matthew 27:56) (Mark 15:40) (Luke 24:10) They didn't have time to accomplish this task Friday evening. It was too close to the Sabbath, which for the Jews begins Friday night at 6 pm. Offhand, you would think the seventy-five pounds of myr
In today’s world MP3 players are the fastest and easiest way to listen to music, they are very light and are easy to carry around especially those who are on the go. However, MP3 players are substantially cheaper than CD players with advanced error-correction and anti-shock features. With so many options, it can be tough to know what MP3 players are worth shelling out the cash for - especially if you're working on a budget. The cameras and MP3 players are fun, but the next wave of add-ons for cell phones and laptops may help users keep track of their health. Technology has progressed to so much that the hard drive MP3 players are now reaching the 100GB mark. The players with flash that are released have more memory and are on the rise. Most of the headphones that ship with MP3 players are mediocre at best. MP3 players are increasingly replacing traditional CD players there.You can create standard Audio CD that can be played in regular CD players as well as MP3 data CD that can be played in portable MP3 players and DVD players. You are able to keep many songs on the these small players, some even as much as 100 tracks of quality audio. Most players can support the following formats mp3, wmv and mp4.Controls and displays are comparable to portable MP3 players, and you can group songs on each disc according to artist, genre, and other categories. Many portable MP3 Players can double as a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA). A portable digital audio player sets your music free so you can easily mix and match songs in any order and take the tunes with you. The small portable players can store a many cd's and have many fantastic features, here are some of the cool features voice recording and FM tuners. With the introduction of MP3 digital audio files, music went portable as a new market sprouted up for MP3 players. Luckily, the new portable audio players are much more affordable that the home audio thearter systems. The totally new iPods have been redesigned are able to play music and play video on the same unit . Even if the iPod doesn't do it for you, the wealth of MP3 players on the market suggests that there is something out there to suit your needs. To sum it up, only 7% of iPod users
If they wanted to speed up the process, they would break the man's legs. Without these limbs, the condemned would not be able to support his own weight. Breathing becomes progressively more difficult, and the victim dies from suffocation.
At midday, darkness fell over the whole land and lasted until three in the afternoon. Jesus gave a loud cry and died. Two others were crucified with Jesus. The Jews didn't want these crucified bodies hanging around on the Sabbath. At their request, Pilate ordered that the legs be broken to hasten death. When the soldiers got to Jesus, they saw he was already dead. One of the soldiers pierced Jesus' side with a spear. (John 19:34)
Burial and Guarded Tomb
Joseph of Arimathea requested Jesus' body for burial. Pilate checked with the centurion in charge of the execution detail. The centurion assured Pilate that Jesus was dead. With Pilate's permission, Joseph and Nicodemus took the body for burial. (John 19:38-42)
These two men followed Jewish burial customs in preparing the body. A mixture of seventy-five pounds of myrrh and aloes were wrapped around Jesus' body with strips of linen. (John 19:39-40) Near where Jesus' body had been crucified was a garden with a new tomb cut out of rock. (John 19:41)They laid Jesus' body inside (John 19:42, and Joseph rolled up a large stone against the tomb's entrance. (Mark 15:46)
The next day, Saturday, the chief priests and the Pharisees asked Pilate to order a guard around the tomb to prevent Jesus' followers from removing the body and claiming that he had come back to life. (Matthew 27:62-64)
"Take a guard," Pilate answered. "Go, make the tomb as secure as you know how." (Matthew 27:65)
They did just that. They made the tomb secure by sealing the stone and posting a guard. (Matthew 27:66)
Resurrection
Early Sunday morning, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, Salone, Joanne, and possibly others went to the grave site to anoint Jesus' body with prepared spices. (Matthew 27:56) (Mark 15:40) (Luke 24:10) They didn't have time to accomplish this task Friday evening. It was too close to the Sabbath, which for the Jews begins Friday night at 6 pm. Offhand, you would think the seventy-five pounds of myr
A lead generation system for coaches?To develop a lead generation system, try not to sell in the first instance. But rather to supply helpful information that informs your prospects on how to potentially solve their problems.This idea of adding value to your prospects is called education based or relationship marketing. The effect is achieved by providing prospects with valuable ideas and helpful information on topics that are most important to them. The goals are to build trust and establish a dialog that is not just centred around a sales pitch.The following steps show you how to implement this system to win new clientsStep 1: Define your prospects and specialty areaDefine the target market Define the biggest problems that your client is havingThe first step that you should implement is to decide who your prospects are. This comes back to your original marketing plan and financial modeling. Those with established businesses will have a good understanding of who their prospects are, those that are starting a business should think long and hard at the outset of who they are trying to attract.Try not to attract people that you can’t convert to a profitable assignment. Think about your end goal, your billing rates and the number of clients you need.Then you need to get inside the mind of your prospect. Work out every step of their day to day routine, keeping in mind your product or service that your offering might be “the solution” to their problem.Step 2: Develop your lead generation material and communication planThe basis of the communication plan is to continue to refine the prospect down into “problem areas” and to match these “problem areas” with products or services your practice offers. You need to establish good “teaser” information. Make the material catchy and relevant. For example business coaches and consultants consider material such as 7 ways to fire an employee 22 sample incentive schemes for staff 33 ways to improve your businessIn the presentation of your information, position yourself as an expert. You do
The next day, Saturday, the chief priests and the Pharisees asked Pilate to order a guard around the tomb to prevent Jesus' followers from removing the body and claiming that he had come back to life. (Matthew 27:62-64)
"Take a guard," Pilate answered. "Go, make the tomb as secure as you know how." (Matthew 27:65)
They did just that. They made the tomb secure by sealing the stone and posting a guard. (Matthew 27:66)
Resurrection
Early Sunday morning, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, Salone, Joanne, and possibly others went to the grave site to anoint Jesus' body with prepared spices. (Matthew 27:56) (Mark 15:40) (Luke 24:10) They didn't have time to accomplish this task Friday evening. It was too close to the Sabbath, which for the Jews begins Friday night at 6 pm. Offhand, you would think the seventy-five pounds of myrrh and aloes Joseph and Nicodemus had wrapped around Jesus' body would be sufficient. More than likely, Mary and company were not aware of the spices previously applied.
As they walked to the tomb, the women were wondering how they could remove the heavy stone. But when they got there, they found the stone was already rolled away from the entrance. (Mark 16:3-4) Furthermore, Jesus' body was not in the tomb. What else?
Conflicting Details at the Empty Tomb
Matthew says an angel whose "appearance was like lightning and clothes white as snow" sat on the rolled back stone. (Matthew 28:2-3) Mark tells us "a young man dressed in a white robe" sat inside the tomb. (Mark 16:5) Luke informs us that "suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them." (Luke 24:4)
John gives us yet another slant on the story. According to him, Mary saw the open tomb, but she didn't initially go inside. Instead she ran to Peter and John and told them. They checked out the tomb and found nothing but strips of linen and the burial cloth which had been around Jesus' head. Those two apostles left. Mary stayed. She stood outside the tomb crying. Looking inside she saw two angels in white seated where Jesus' body had lain. (John 20:1-12)
Notice that none of the Gospel writers were present on the scene when Mary and her colleagues encountered the angel(s) or men. As a result, all four writers are recording second hand information at this point, and somehow it got garbled. In any event, all descriptions say Mary saw a male figure or two of some sort. By every account, the angel(s) or men are dressed in white, they speak, and at least in Matthew, Mark, and John, the message is similar.
What comes next? At this point Matthew introduces a side story which is absent in the other narratives. Matthew speaks of a violent earthquake. The angel of the Lord was seated upon the rolled back stone, and the guards were trembling with fear and fainting at the sight of this celestial being. (Matthew 28:2-4)
Some of the guards report the incident to the chief priests. They in turn meet with the elders and create a cover-up story. The chief priests bribe the soldiers with a substantial sum of money and told them to spread the word that Jesus' disciples stole his body while they (the soldiers) slept. They assured the guards if the governor heard this story, they would intervene on the soldiers behalf. The soldiers did as they were told. (Matthew 28:11-15)
Returning to our main story, we pick up where Mary Magdalene had just encountered one or more figures at the tomb. In Matthew, Mark, and Luke the message was, "Jesus isn't here. He has risen just as he said he would." Matthew and Mark both add. "Go tell his disciples he has risen, and he will meet them in Galilee."
The Gospel of John has a slightly different angle. The white clad angels ask Mary why she is crying. She replies, "They have taken my Lord away, and I don't know where they have put him." She turns around and sees Jesus himself standing there. At first Mary doesn't recognize him. Then Jesus calls her name. Mary cries out in Aramaic, "Rabboni!" (which means Teacher). The resurrected Jesus tells her to go and inform his brothers that he is returning to his Father. (John 20:12-17)
It is easy to get bogged down in details surrounding the resurrection. We are tempted to dismiss the whole thing, and say, if the Gospel writers could not agree on what happened, why should we believe any of it? But when we think it over, we realize there is another side to it.
If Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John had any intention of deceiving us, they would have at least made the effort to match up their stories. Likewise, if the early Christians had any thoughts of deceiving us, they would have amended the accounts to avoid embarrassing conflicting details. The fact that neither of these parties edited the stories to clean up these disparities credits the integrity of all four Gospels.
Maybe so, but a conflict is still a conflict. How do we know what really went on?
Essentials of the Empty Tomb Story
But of course we do know the essentials. Here they are: Mary Magdalene, accompanied by other women, went to Jesus' tomb early Sunday morning. They carried spices to anoint Jesus' body. Along the way, they discussed who would remove the heavy stone from the tomb's entrance. However, when they got to the tomb, the stone was already moved. And Jesus' body was not inside.
They encountered some sort of human or supernatural figure(s) who spoke to them. In so far as the story goes, it does not really matter if the figure in white was inside or outside the tomb. Nor does it matter whether there were one or two of them. It doesn't even matter if the figure(s) said: "Jesus is not here. He has risen. Go tell his disciples," or whether the angel(s) merely asked Mary wh
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