Pilot Knob Lutheran Church Communique
April 8, 2026
Jesus claimed to be the redeemer of the world, the Messiah, the Son of God the Old Testament promised. Since then and even before, others have made similar claims. How do we know Jesus is truly the Redeemer-Messiah? How do we know Jesus rose from the dead?
There is no scientific proof or evidence, but there are historical claims that are difficult to refute or explain away.
The disciples did not understand let alone believe He would rise from the dead. So, they can’t be blamed for stealing the body to make it look like He rose. Soldiers were posted to keep watch and if anyone did steal the body on their watch the guards would be executed. The stone in front of the tomb is estimated to weight about one and a half to two tons and sets in a pocket. It would be extremely difficult to move. If the disciples stole His body at least one would eventually confess when faced with persecution and a violent death.
Scripture says the guards knew Jesus rose and the religious officials too but would protect the soldiers with excuses. Matthew 28:2-4, 11-15 There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. 4 The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men…. 11 While the women were on their way, some of the guards went into the city and reported to the chief priests everything that had happened. 12 When the chief priests had met with the elders and devised a plan, they gave the soldiers a large sum of money, 13 telling them, “You are to say, ‘His disciples came during the night and stole him away while we were asleep.’ 14 If this report gets to the governor, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.” 15 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. After Jesus’ death the disciples hid behind locked doors for fear the authorities would come after them. However, after they saw the resurrected Jesus, His ascension and after Pentecost they had no fear at all to the amazement of their enemies. How does one explain such a transformation except that the bodily resurrection was true. Then there is doubting Thomas who refused to believe unless he touched Him; and he had his opportunity a week later and was an instant believer. Paul records that Jesus appeared to more than 500 people at once. That many cannot hallucinate the same thing at the same time and place.
Finally, after 2k years His bones still have not been discovered. However, numerous false ‘redeemer Messiahs’ remain in their graves, and will until the Lord returns.
Our redeemer didn’t just rescue us from slavery to sin or only give us hope of eternal life, as if that weren’t enough. Our Redeemer offers forgiveness and healing, righteousness in place of
sin, life in place of death, blessing in place of curse, abundance in place of poverty, glory in place of shame, acceptance in place rejection, and the new man in place of the old man.
Jesus took the law upon Himself and paid the price of death and rejection for us. We receive His finished work by God’s grace through faith alone in Jesus Christ. What other so-called redeemer – Messiah can say that and has done it all? None!!
His love never fails.
Pr. Bob Snitzer
By the Way:
Today, 4:30 Confirmation class.
5:45 Deacon Meeting; 6:30 Council Meeting
April 12, 9:00 Morning worship. Sermon: Hate Speech Acts 4:1-20
May 3, 9:30 Confirmation Sunday
Past communiques and sermons can be read and heard on our website: www.pilotknob.org and Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PilotKnobLutheran
Our service also airs on: KGLO 1300 AM at 10:00 AM, and KIOW 107.3 FM at 7:00 AM. Spread the word.
Isaiah 55:10-11 As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.
