Matthew 28:13

New International Version (NIV)

You are to say, ‘His disciples came during the night and stole him away while we were asleep.’

For Meditation

Their job was simple—to secure the tomb where they laid Jesus to rest in death. I have been there before. Left alone in a remote location to keep watch over installations while everybody snored comfortably away in their cozy beds. The stillness of the night has a way of relaxing and sending the guard dozing off. I am sure the Roman guards had a similar experience at the tomb. But suddenly, a violent earthquake jolted them. They looked astonished to see the stone covering rolled away from an empty tomb (Matt 28:2-4).

Where was the body they had to protect? What report could they give to the authorities?

Money has a way with the heart of men, and the elders knew it. So, they gave the soldiers a large bribe to change the narrative.

“You must say, ‘Jesus’ disciples came during the night while we were sleeping, and they stole his body.’ If the governor hears about it, we’ll stand up for you so you won’t get in trouble” (13-14).

That became the narrative among the Jews, unfortunately, and hardened the hearts of the nation against their Messiah.

That is the power of a report and the reason we have to be careful about the way we indulge the attention of others. It reminds me of the report David’s emissary brought him from Nabal (1 Sam 25:12). They reported every word, but did they think about its effect? 

Did the guards know the effect of their report on the nation and its far-reaching consequences on the religious culture of today—how many people it has sent and is sending to hell?

The good news is that we have the right report to tell the world, and Christ has mandated us—if you are really His—to go to the world and proclaim this gospel to all creation. That is the Great Commission.

“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matt. 28:19-20).

Christ has risen from the dead, and He lives forever, seated at the right side of the majesty of God, “far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come” (Eph. 1:21). That is the authentic story and the lifesaving report we have to give to the world.

Like the Roman guards, people of other religions have put out their false reports about the resurrection of Jesus they have crafted to misrepresent and deceive the world. It behooves us, the recipients of salvation, by the reality of the resurrection to shout it from wherever we find ourselves and to live it, that others too may come to Christ for salvation.  

May His love motivate our witness, as divine wisdom instructs and guides our speech and actions for the glory of the Father. Amen.