Matthew 28:15- “So the soldiers took the money and did as they were instructed. And this story has been widely circulated among the Jews to this very day.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
This verse describes the aftermath of the religious leaders’ plan to cover up the resurrection of Jesus. The soldiers accepted the bribe from the chief priests and spread the false story that Jesus’ disciples had stolen His body. This fabricated account, despite its flaws, gained traction among some people and became a common explanation for the empty tomb.
The phrase “to this very day” indicates that this false story persisted for a significant time after the events took place, even as the truth of the resurrection was spreading through the testimony of the disciples and early believers. This verse highlights the contrast between human deception and God’s unshakable truth.
Historical Context
The religious leaders orchestrated the bribe and the false story because they feared the implications of Jesus’ resurrection. They had requested Roman guards to secure the tomb (Matthew 27:62-66) and thought they had prevented any claim of resurrection. However, the empty tomb disrupted their plans, and they resorted to bribery and lies to protect their power and reputation.
The guards were Roman soldiers, and accepting a bribe to cover up their failure was risky but likely appealing given the circumstances. Roman military discipline was strict, and failure in their duty could have led to severe punishment. The religious leaders’ promise to protect the guards from the governor (Matthew 28:14) likely influenced their decision to go along with the scheme.
Theological Implications
This verse underscores the persistence of opposition to God’s truth. Despite clear evidence of the resurrection, some people chose to believe and spread a lie rather than accept the reality of Jesus’ victory over death. This reflects the broader spiritual struggle between truth and falsehood.
At the same time, the verse highlights God’s sovereignty. Even though lies were spread to discredit the resurrection, they could not stop the truth of Jesus’ rising from being proclaimed and transforming lives. The Gospel continued to spread despite human attempts to suppress it.
Literary Analysis
Matthew 28:15 concludes the narrative about the guards and the religious leaders’ scheme. The straightforward language emphasizes the stark reality of their actions: the soldiers took the money, and the false story was spread.
The phrase “widely circulated” suggests the intentionality and reach of the deception, while “to this very day” points to the ongoing tension between the truth of the resurrection and the attempts to deny it. This creates a contrast with the earlier verses, where the women and disciples embrace and proclaim the resurrection.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- Matthew 27:62-66: Details the religious leaders’ efforts to secure the tomb, which ultimately failed.
- Acts 4:16-18: Religious leaders attempt to suppress the apostles’ testimony about Jesus, showing their continued opposition to the truth.
- John 8:44: Jesus describes the devil as the father of lies, pointing to the spiritual nature of deception.
- 2 Corinthians 13:8: “For we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth,” affirming that God’s truth prevails despite opposition.
- Psalm 2:1-4: Speaks of the futility of human schemes against God’s plans.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, Matthew 28:15 serves as a reminder that the truth of the Gospel will always face opposition. Lies and skepticism may arise to challenge the resurrection, but the power of the truth is unshakable.
This verse encourages believers to stand firm in their faith and proclaim the resurrection boldly, knowing that opposition is not new and that God’s truth will ultimately prevail. It also challenges Christians to discern truth from falsehood and remain faithful to God’s Word in a world that often distorts it.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is evident in His patience and perseverance, even in the face of human deception. Despite the lies spread to discredit the resurrection, God’s plan for salvation continued to unfold, offering grace and redemption to all who would believe.
This verse also reflects God’s commitment to truth. The resurrection is a demonstration of His power and love, and no human effort could diminish its impact or significance. His love extends even to those who oppose Him, as the message of the resurrection remains an open invitation for all to come to faith.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Matthew 28:15 directly connects to the resurrection of Jesus, which is the foundation of the Christian faith. The lies spread by the religious leaders highlight the significance of this event—if the resurrection were not true, there would be no need for such efforts to deny it.
Jesus’ victory over sin and death cannot be undone by human schemes. His resurrection fulfills His promises (Matthew 16:21) and confirms His identity as the Son of God and Savior of the world. This verse underscores the power of His truth to overcome falsehood and transform lives.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Why do you think the religious leaders were so determined to spread a false story about the resurrection?
- How does this verse encourage you to stand firm in the truth of the resurrection, even in the face of skepticism or opposition?
- What can we learn from the persistence of the false story about the importance of sharing the truth of the Gospel?
- How does this verse challenge you to discern and reject falsehood in your own life?
- How can you boldly proclaim the truth of Jesus’ resurrection in a world that often questions it?
This verse reminds us that while human efforts may attempt to suppress or distort God’s truth, the power of the resurrection remains undeniable. It calls believers to trust in the truth of Jesus’ victory and to share it with courage and conviction.