Matthew 28:11

“Now when they were going, behold, some of the watch came into the city, and shewed unto the chief priests all the things that were done.”

This verse is part of the narrative of Jesus’ resurrection. To understand its context, let’s explore the surrounding verses as well.

In Matthew 28, the chapter begins with the account of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. After the Sabbath, which was the day following Jesus’ crucifixion, two women named Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to visit the tomb where Jesus was buried. Suddenly, there was a great earthquake, and an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, rolled away the stone from the entrance of the tomb, and sat on it. The guards at the tomb were terrified and became as dead men.

Following these events, the angel spoke to the women, reassuring them that Jesus had risen, just as He had said. The angel instructed them to go quickly and tell Jesus’ disciples about His resurrection. As the women were on their way to deliver the news, we come to verse 11.

Matthew 28:11 states that while the women were going, some of the guards, referred to as “the watch,” went into the city and reported to the chief priests all the things that had taken place. These guards were likely Roman soldiers who had been stationed at the tomb to ensure that no one would tamper with Jesus’ body.

The guards’ report to the chief priests would have been a significant development. The chief priests and the Jewish religious leaders had played a role in Jesus’ arrest, trial, and crucifixion. They were opposed to Jesus’ teachings and regarded Him as a threat to their authority. The resurrection of Jesus was a direct contradiction to their efforts to eliminate Him as a perceived troublemaker.

However, rather than accepting the resurrection as a miraculous event, the chief priests and elders devised a plan to suppress the truth. They bribed the soldiers, instructing them to spread a false story: that while they were sleeping, Jesus’ disciples came and stole His body.

This deception was an attempt to discredit the resurrection and prevent people from believing in Jesus. It highlights the lengths to which the religious authorities were willing to go to maintain their influence and control over the people.

As we continue reading Matthew 28, we see that this false narrative did not stand the test of time. The truth of Jesus’ resurrection spread, and countless individuals became followers of Christ, proclaiming His name and the salvation He offers to all who believe.

In summary, Matthew 28:11 reveals the response of the guards at the tomb, who reported the events of Jesus’ resurrection to the chief priests. This verse sets the stage for the subsequent attempt to suppress the truth and discredit the resurrection, highlighting the opposition that Jesus faced from religious authorities. Despite their efforts, the message of Jesus’ resurrection ultimately prevailed, leading to the spread of the gospel throughout the world.