And this story has been widely circulated among the Jews to this very day. (Matt. 28:15)
Sarah was the town gossip, or so the story goes. She was so notorious for spreading half-truths that many residents were intimidated. Although they did not appreciate her activities, they feared her enough that they would not say anything.
One day, however, she made the mistake of accusing George, a new member of the church, of being an alcoholic. It seems she had spotted his pickup truck parked in front of the town’s only bar one afternoon. She began talking about this observation, even to George, and added that surely this was an indication that he was an alcoholic.
George was a man of few words. After staring at her for a moment, he turned and walked away without saying a word. Later that evening, George quietly parked his pickup truck in front of Sarah’s house and left it there all night.
Now, some of us think Sarah got what she deserved. Others may observe that although spreading rumors is wrong, so is intentionally leaving the wrong impression.
The chief priests hatched the story about Jesus’ body being stolen to save face and protect the soldiers who had been at the tomb.
On this Good Friday, let’s remember Jesus, the way, the truth, and the life, who died on the cross to secure forgiveness for gossip, lying, and every other sin we’ve committed.
Be sure your words are truthful without embellishment.
Ron McClung lives in Fishers, Indiana, with his wife Carol. He has written his weekly column, Positive Perspective, for more than thirty years.
© 2019 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission.
