Matthew 28:13- “Telling them, ‘You are to say, ‘His disciples came during the night and stole him away while we were asleep.’”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
This verse reveals the fabricated story the chief priests instructed the guards to spread in response to Jesus’ resurrection. Despite the guards’ firsthand knowledge of the miraculous events, the religious leaders created a lie to explain away the empty tomb. The suggested claim, that Jesus’ disciples stole His body while the guards were asleep, was both illogical and contradictory, given the guards’ presence and the severe consequences Roman soldiers faced for failing their duties.
The leaders’ actions demonstrate their desperation to suppress the truth of the resurrection, prioritizing their authority and agenda over honesty and genuine faith.
Historical Context
The religious leaders had taken great precautions to secure the tomb, including sealing it and stationing Roman guards (Matthew 27:65-66). Their claim that the disciples stole Jesus’ body while the guards were asleep was designed to counteract the growing evidence of the resurrection.
In Roman military culture, falling asleep on duty was punishable by death. The fact that the guards were willing to agree to this lie suggests that the religious leaders’ bribe was substantial and that they promised to protect the guards from any consequences (Matthew 28:14).
This false story was likely crafted to sow doubt and prevent the spread of belief in Jesus as the risen Messiah, yet it ironically underscored the lengths to which the leaders went to deny the truth.
Theological Implications
This verse highlights the human tendency to resist and suppress God’s truth. Despite having clear evidence of the resurrection, the religious leaders refused to believe or acknowledge it. Their actions show how pride, fear, and self-interest can blind people to God’s work.
At the same time, the futility of their scheme points to the sovereignty of God. No human effort could stop the truth of the resurrection from spreading. This underscores the power of God’s plans to prevail over human opposition.
Literary Analysis
Matthew 28:13 is part of a contrast between truth and falsehood. The guards, who had witnessed the angel and the empty tomb, were now instructed to lie, creating tension between their experience and their actions.
The wording of the fabricated story is significant. The idea that the disciples stole Jesus’ body while the guards were asleep is inherently flawed. How could they know what happened if they were asleep? This contradiction highlights the desperation and illogical nature of the religious leaders’ response.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- Matthew 27:62-66: Describes the measures taken by the religious leaders to secure the tomb, showing their efforts to prevent any claim of resurrection.
- Acts 4:16-18: The religious leaders continue to suppress the truth by commanding the apostles not to speak about Jesus.
- Romans 1:18: Speaks of people suppressing the truth through unrighteousness.
- Psalm 2:2-4: Describes the futility of conspiring against God’s plans.
- John 11:47-53: The leaders plot against Jesus out of fear of losing their influence, foreshadowing their actions here.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse serves as a reminder that the truth of the Gospel will often face opposition. Just as the religious leaders tried to suppress the resurrection, there will be attempts to discredit God’s work in the world. However, this verse also reassures believers that God’s truth cannot be silenced.
It challenges Christians to stand firm in their faith and boldly proclaim the resurrection of Jesus, even when faced with skepticism or false claims.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is evident in His patience and mercy, even toward those who oppose Him. Despite the leaders’ deceit, the resurrection was an open invitation for all, including them, to believe and receive salvation.
The resurrection itself is a demonstration of God’s love for humanity, as it represents His victory over sin and death, securing eternal life for all who trust in Him. This verse shows that even human efforts to suppress God’s truth cannot diminish His love or His plans.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Matthew 28:13 directly relates to the resurrection of Jesus, which is the foundation of the Christian faith. The religious leaders’ attempt to discredit the resurrection underscores its significance and power.
Jesus’ resurrection fulfilled His promise and demonstrated His authority over sin and death (Matthew 16:21, John 11:25). While the leaders sought to undermine this truth, their actions only highlight the transformative and undeniable nature of Jesus’ victory.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Why do you think the religious leaders chose to spread a lie rather than confront the truth of the resurrection?
- How does this verse challenge you to respond to opposition or skepticism about your faith?
- What does the guards’ willingness to spread a false story reveal about the power of fear and greed?
- How does this verse encourage you to trust in the sovereignty of God, even when truth is challenged?
- How can you confidently share the truth of the resurrection in a world that often resists or rejects it?
This verse reminds us that human efforts to deny or suppress God’s truth are ultimately futile. It calls believers to stand firm in the hope of the resurrection, trusting that God’s plans will always prevail.