Matthew 27:37, 66

New Living Translation

A sign was fastened above Jesus’ head, announcing the charge against him. It read: “This is Jesus, the King of the Jews.”

So, they sealed the tomb and posted guards to protect it.

For Meditation

The foolishness of man! How could a stone keep the Son of God in the tomb? But that is what unbelief can do to humans. It twists the mind, wraps it in ignorance, and leads it to death. How could the chief priests and the Pharisees conceive such a ridiculous plan?

The chief priests and elders had done their best to reject Jesus as Israel’s Messiah. Finally, they condemned Him in their high court and delivered Him to Pilate for execution. The Roman court found no grounds for the death penalty (Luke 23:22), yet they insisted on His death by crucifixion. The Governor yielded to them. His soldiers did their worst on the Son of Man, had Him carry His cross, and led Him to Calvary, where they crucified the Savior. 

A rich and upright man, Joseph of Arimathea, secured permission to bury the body of Jesus in his tomb (Matt. 27:57-60) in fulfillment of scripture (Isa. 53:9). They wanted the body to hang as food for the birds, but that was not God’s plan. 

Their nemesis was dead, and the leaders of Israel popped the champagne. However, a guilty conscience cannot find rest in its plush bed. Its sinful deeds torment it despite the finality of its atrocities. 

Tension heightens in their minds the day after. Is that all? What if the disciples of Jesus pull a fast one on the nation by stealing His body and claim He has risen on the third day as He predicted? That would defeat everything they had done. So, seal the tomb, Pilate! (Matt. 27:62-64).

Pilate permits them to secure the tomb the best they know how. And that they did it with a seal and guards for maximum protection. Now, they could sleep and rest their wearied hearts. But no! 

God violently shakes Himself. Jesus rises from the dead and is not in the tomb anymore.

The terrified guards file a report with the chief priests. They have a hurried meeting with the elders. What could they do again? Like all depraved minds, they bribe the guards to spread their lies. But can it stand when the risen Lord fellowships with His disciples?

That is the folly of man. To challenge God is the height of stupidity. He prevails in every situation. Death could not hold Him captive because it has no power over Him, the Creator. 

The question for the Pharisees and elders of Israel and everybody is this: Will you believe Jesus as the Savior after the preponderance of evidence and turn your life to Him, or will you continue in your rebellious unbelief and perish in hell? No one can do anything to refute the Gospel or keep it from being told. Instead, the person who takes heed will gradually but surely save himself.

The decision is yours today (Jn. 3:16; 1:12-13; Rom. 10:9-10. 13).