And behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. And for fear of him the guards trembled and became like dead men.

Matthew 28:2-4

It is not uncommon for people in the political class to lie and when they’re caught in their lie, they often continue to insist that the lie is the truth. It’s maddening, but not surprising.

In the passage above we read of the initial reaction of the guards at the tomb on the morning of the Resurrection. When they encountered the angel who rolled away the stone, their hearts failed them because of fear, but after reporting the news to the chief priests they sang a different tune

And when they had assembled with the elders and taken counsel, they gave a sufficient sum of money to the soldiers and said, “Tell people, His disciples came by night and stole him away while we were asleep.’ And if this comes to the governor’s ears, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.” So they took the money and did as they were directed. And this story has been spread among the Jews to this day.

Matthew 28: 12-15

The lie was a ridiculous one. Who would believe the disciples who scattered when Jesus was arrested would somehow gather the courage to take on the guards at the tomb? And what about the chief priests? They heard the report and then concocted the lie that was spread in the first century and variations of it are reported today – often at this time of year.

Would you knowingly spread a story you knew to be a lie? Have you known someone who has?