The Cover Up: Matthew 28:11-15
“11) Now while they were on their way, some of the guard came into the city and reported to the chief priests all that had happened. 12) And when they had assembled with the elders and consulted together, they gave a large sum of money to the soldiers, 13) and said, “You are to say, ‘His disciples came by night and stole Him away while we were asleep.’ 14) And if this should come to the governor’s ears, we will win him over and keep you out of trouble.” 15) And they took the money and did as they had been instructed; and this story was widely spread among the Jews, and is to this day.” Matthew 28:11-15
This story is a shocking contrast to Acts 12:18-19. The soldiers watching over Peter in prison lost their lives over his absence when the angel helped him escape. By contrast, these soldier got paid off to say they were sleeping when His disciples stole away His body. This would have been a capital offense.
This story in Matthew amounts to the greatest conspiracy perpetrated in history. The soldiers were not in a position to “make a deal.” They failed at their mission.
The other side of the story is that no human agent can stop Gods Divine will. He does as Hc pleases. He is in control. No iron curtain, bamboo curtain, human laws or Roman Soldiers can stop God from carrying out His Purpose in the world.
This story goes a long way to build my confidence in the resurrection. The truth is that these soldiers were bartering for their lives. The chief priests needed a cover story. The soldiers needed advocacy with the Governor. These are the seeds of conspiracy.
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
