Matthew 28:11- “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.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
This verse shifts the narrative focus to the guards who had been stationed at Jesus’ tomb. After witnessing the angel, the earthquake, and the empty tomb, some of these guards report to the religious leaders. Their testimony includes “everything that had happened,” likely describing the supernatural events they experienced.
The guards’ actions reflect a stark contrast to the women’s response. While the women were heading to tell the disciples the good news of Jesus’ resurrection, the guards carried their report to the chief priests, setting in motion the leaders’ attempts to suppress the truth. This sets the stage for the tension between those who embrace Jesus’ resurrection and those who seek to deny it.
Historical Context
Roman guards were placed at Jesus’ tomb at the request of the chief priests and Pharisees to prevent any tampering with the body (Matthew 27:62-66). These guards were likely hardened soldiers, not easily frightened. Yet, the events they witnessed left them terrified and powerless (Matthew 28:4).
The chief priests were part of the Jewish religious leadership, who had been instrumental in orchestrating Jesus’ crucifixion. Their fear of losing control and authority led them to take extraordinary measures to guard the tomb. The guards’ report of the resurrection presented a direct challenge to their efforts to discredit Jesus.
Theological Implications
This verse highlights the clash between truth and denial. The guards were witnesses to the power of God in the resurrection, yet their testimony fell into the hands of those who were determined to reject it. It underscores humanity’s tendency to resist God’s truth, even when faced with undeniable evidence.
At the same time, the contrast between the guards’ report and the women’s mission emphasizes the role of believers as messengers of hope and truth. While the religious leaders sought to suppress the resurrection, the women were actively spreading the good news.
Literary Analysis
Matthew 28:11 serves as a transition in the resurrection narrative. It juxtaposes the joyful obedience of the women with the fearful response of the guards and the religious leaders. The phrase “everything that had happened” carries weight, suggesting that the guards were honest in their report, even if it was later twisted by the chief priests.
This verse also foreshadows the coming conflict between the early Christian movement and those who opposed it. It sets the stage for the attempts to discredit the resurrection, a theme that appears throughout the New Testament.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- Matthew 27:62-66: Describes the chief priests’ request for guards to secure the tomb.
- Acts 4:16-18: Religious leaders attempt to suppress the truth about Jesus after His resurrection.
- Romans 1:18: Speaks of people suppressing the truth through unrighteousness.
- John 12:10-11: Religious leaders plot to kill Lazarus after Jesus raised him from the dead, showing their resistance to God’s power.
- Psalm 2:2-4: Highlights the futility of opposing God’s plans.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse is a reminder that the truth of the resurrection will often face opposition. Just as the guards’ report led to efforts to suppress the truth, believers may encounter resistance when sharing the Gospel. However, the reality of Jesus’ victory cannot be undone, no matter how people try to deny or distort it.
This verse also challenges Christians to respond like the women, who embraced and shared the good news, rather than like the guards, who retreated in fear and reported to those who sought to oppose God.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is evident in His desire for the truth of the resurrection to be known, even though not everyone will accept it. The women’s role as messengers of hope reflects God’s commitment to spreading His message through faithful followers.
The fact that even the guards witnessed the events at the tomb shows that God’s power is undeniable. His love extends to all, inviting everyone—whether they respond in faith or resistance—to encounter His truth.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Matthew 28:11 highlights the undeniable impact of Jesus’ resurrection. The guards’ testimony serves as a witness to the reality of what happened, even though the religious leaders sought to suppress it.
This verse connects to Jesus’ promise that His death and resurrection would be a turning point in history (Matthew 16:21). It also foreshadows the ongoing opposition His followers would face, as seen in Jesus’ warning in John 15:18-20. Despite this opposition, Jesus’ resurrection remains the foundation of hope and victory for all who believe.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does the contrast between the women’s response and the guards’ actions challenge you in your faith?
- Why do you think the guards reported the events to the chief priests instead of responding in faith?
- How does this verse encourage you to stand firm in the truth of the resurrection, even in the face of opposition?
- What does this verse teach us about the human tendency to resist or suppress God’s truth?
- How can you actively share the good news of Jesus’ resurrection in your life, like the women did?
This verse reminds us that the truth of the resurrection is powerful and undeniable, even when faced with opposition. It calls believers to embrace and share this truth boldly, trusting in the victory of the risen Jesus.