Matthew 27:63 – “‘Sir,’ they said, ‘we remember that while he was still alive that deceiver said, “After three days I will rise again.”’”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
In this verse, the chief priests and Pharisees speak to Pilate about their concerns regarding Jesus’ prophecy of His resurrection. Referring to Jesus as “that deceiver,” they dismiss His teachings while acknowledging that He predicted He would rise again after three days. Their words reveal their fear of His influence, even after His death, and their determination to prevent any situation that might validate His claims.
Ironically, the religious leaders remembered Jesus’ prophecy better than His own disciples, who were not expecting His resurrection. This highlights their intent to suppress His message and control the narrative about His life and death.
Historical Context
During Jesus’ ministry, He repeatedly told His followers that He would suffer, die, and rise again on the third day (e.g., Matthew 16:21, Matthew 20:19). The religious leaders were aware of these predictions, likely because of His public teachings and their constant efforts to discredit Him.
Calling Jesus a “deceiver” reflects their rejection of Him as the Messiah. They viewed His claims as dangerous and blasphemous, and their fear of a potential resurrection—whether real or fabricated—shows their concern about losing their authority and control over the people.
Theological Implications
This verse underscores the spiritual blindness of the religious leaders. Even though they remembered Jesus’ words, they refused to believe them. Instead of considering the possibility that His claims might be true, they sought to prevent any appearance of their fulfillment. This highlights the hardness of their hearts and their resistance to God’s work.
Theologically, this moment emphasizes the inevitability of God’s plan. Despite their best efforts to suppress the truth, the religious leaders could not stop Jesus from rising. Their actions only served to confirm the reality of His resurrection by ensuring the tomb was securely guarded, removing any doubt about the miracle.
Literary Analysis
The religious leaders’ words are filled with irony. By calling Jesus “that deceiver,” they reveal their disdain for Him, yet their actions confirm their acknowledgment of the power of His message. Their attempt to discredit Him only draws more attention to His resurrection prophecy.
This verse also builds tension in the narrative. The religious leaders’ fear and plotting foreshadow the dramatic events of the resurrection, setting the stage for the ultimate vindication of Jesus’ claims.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- Matthew 16:21 – Jesus predicts His suffering, death, and resurrection.
- Matthew 20:19 – Another instance of Jesus foretelling His resurrection on the third day.
- John 2:19-22 – Jesus speaks of raising “this temple” in three days, referring to His body.
- Acts 4:26-28 – The opposition to Jesus is part of God’s sovereign plan.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse is a reminder of the opposition Jesus faced and the persistence of unbelief in the world. The religious leaders’ efforts to suppress the truth highlight the resistance many people have toward God’s work, even when faced with evidence.
This verse also challenges believers to trust in God’s promises. Just as Jesus’ prophecy of His resurrection was fulfilled, so too can we trust His words about His return and the hope of eternal life.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is evident in His patience and sovereignty. Despite the opposition of the religious leaders, God allowed their actions to serve His purposes. Their efforts to guard the tomb ultimately strengthened the evidence for Jesus’ resurrection, providing a clear testimony to His power and identity.
This verse also reflects God’s love in His plan to overcome sin and death through Jesus. Even as people rejected and opposed Him, God remained faithful to His mission of salvation.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse highlights Jesus’ foreknowledge and His role as the Messiah. His prediction of His resurrection shows His authority and trust in the Father’s plan. The religious leaders’ actions also underscore the uniqueness of Jesus’ mission, as even His enemies acknowledged the power of His words.
The fulfillment of Jesus’ prophecy about His resurrection is central to His identity as the Son of God. It validates His teachings, proves His victory over death, and confirms Him as the Savior of the world.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- What does this verse teach about the persistence of unbelief and opposition to Jesus?
- How can the religious leaders’ acknowledgment of Jesus’ prophecy encourage you to trust in His words and promises?
- In what ways does this verse deepen your appreciation for God’s sovereignty in accomplishing His plan, even through opposition?
- How does the fulfillment of Jesus’ resurrection prophecy strengthen your faith in His power and identity?