“Saying, Say ye, His disciples came by night, and stole him away while we slept.”– Matthew 28:13 (KJV)
“They told the soldiers, ‘You must say, “Jesus’ disciples came during the night while we were sleeping, and they stole his body.”‘ “– Matthew 28:13 (NLT)
“They said, ‘Tell them His disciples came at night and stole the body while you were sleeping.’ “– Matthew 28:13 (MSG)
What Does Matthew 28:13 Mean?
This verse comes in a very significant moment after the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. The context is vital to understanding its impact and meaning. The soldiers who were guarding Jesus’ tomb had witnessed a remarkable event involving the stone being rolled away and the angelic announcement of His resurrection. In light of this miraculous event, fears began to spread. The religious leaders concocted a plan to prevent the truth about the resurrection from becoming widely known. The instruction given to the guards highlights a desperate attempt to suppress the truth of Jesus’ resurrection. The soldiers were told to claim that the disciples had stolen Jesus’ body, which represents a broader theme of denying the truth for self-preservation or fear of what others might believe. In essence, it shows how far people might go to protect their interests and maintain control over the narrative about Jesus.
This verse also illustrates the skepticism that surrounded Jesus’ resurrection. The guards were not simply trying to save face but were instructed to lie to cover up an amazing miracle. It reflects the disbelief that even those close to the events, the guards, experienced. They saw the divine power at work, yet they chose to participate in a cover-up. This is a warning to us about the power of fear and loyalty to established traditions over truth.
Matthew 28:13 Explanation and Commentary
Let’s unpack the significance of Matthew 28:13 further. When the guards were tasked with watching the tomb, they were given a duty that obviously included ensuring that nobody could interfere with the body of Jesus. However, when an angel appeared and the resurrection took place, their fears likely transcended ordinary fear. They became part of a miraculous event, yet they instead chose to embrace falsehood. The fear of potential repercussions from the chief priests motivated their decision to align with a lie rather than openly declare what they experienced. This aspect of human nature is immensely relevant even today. We often face a choice between accepting truths that could be uncomfortable or sitting comfortably in lies for the sake of security.
Consider the context in which this was written. The early Christians faced tremendous persecution and skepticism from both the Roman authorities and Jewish leaders. This verse represents a pivotal moment for these early believers. It wasn’t simply about whether Jesus rose from the dead; it was about the risk of following Him and accepting that truth publicly. No clear answers would be offered to those who refused to acknowledge the resurrection, and the religious landscape was radically shaken. The soldiers’ actions echo throughout history as we have countless instances of individuals choosing to deny the truth to maintain their status or avoid persecution.
It is also fascinating to note how this verse is a precursor to numerous inventions of myths and lies regarding Christ even in contemporary times. From conspiracy theories to various forms of skepticism around miraculous events, the reaction of the guards seems to repeat itself. This reflects the ongoing challenge that we face today—not just in understanding the truth but confronting and proclaiming it despite external pressures.
Context of Matthew 28:13
The context of Matthew 28:13 is essential to fully grasping its significance. The events surrounding Jesus’ resurrection are central to Christian belief. After His crucifixion, His body was laid in a tomb, and the religious leaders were fearful that His disciples would attempt to steal His body. They had witnessed His miracles and knew of His teachings regarding His resurrection. The tomb was sealed, and guards were set to ensure that nothing would take place.
The angel’s appearance and the stone rolling away represented undeniable proof that Jesus had risen. Can you imagine the awe and fear the guards must have felt seeing such a divine event? Instead of owning their witness, they succumbed to pressure from the religious leaders. This verse serves as a chilling reminder of the lengths individuals will go to maintain social order, even when evidence suggests a radical change has occurred.
We can also discuss how this event is the moment in which the message of Christ began to spread. The resurrection is the cornerstone of Christian faith. Without it, there is no hope, no salvation, and no purpose. Understanding this is vital for us as believers; it brings us back to reflect on our own relationship with Christ and the truths we hold dear. We should constantly evaluate whether we are standing firm in our faith or allowing the fears of society to sway our beliefs.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Matthew 28:13
Breaking down this verse, we see several crucial elements. The first is the action of the guards; they were instructed to fabricate a story. Their integrity was compromised due to fear. It’s essential to ask ourselves, are we willing to sacrifice our values when faced with challenges or societal pressures? The moment we prioritize convenience over honesty is the moment we step away from following Christ’s example.
The second element to unpack is the message itself: “His disciples came by night and stole him away.” This statement has far-reaching implications. By suggesting that the disciples would resort to stealing Jesus’ body, the religious leaders wanted to paint them as conspirators. This tactic aims to delegitimize the disciples’ experiences and set a false narrative that could influence public perception.
Finally, this message was perpetuated through the ages. Even today, the idea that Jesus did not rise from the dead has been a point of contention. We can see the parallels in current events where misinformation spreads like wildfire. This adds to the importance of how we share, promote, and preserve the truths of Christ’s resurrection. We are living witnesses to the truth, tasked with sharing that truth faithfully and passionately.
Lessons to Learn From Matthew 28:13
Matthew 28:13 serves as a powerful lesson for us as Christians, showing the profound impact of choices made out of fear rather than faith. We have much to learn from the guards and the religious leaders in this story. Fear can lead individuals to distort the truth or cling to lies, so we must be vigilant about staying rooted in our faith and courageous in speaking the truth.
Furthermore, this verse teaches about courage in our beliefs. The disciples faced immense risks in sharing the message of Christ—a message rooted in love, redemption, and resurrection. We too are called to share our faith boldly despite any societal pressures. It’s crucial to remember our calling as Christians is to be messengers of hope. We serve a risen Savior, and that should encourage us to stand firm against any opposition.
Moreover, we must consider our role as ambassadors of Christ in a world filled with misinformation. We have a responsibility to disseminate truth and counter lies that seek to undermine the faith. In an era where mistrust is prevalent, let us commit to representing Christ authentically and genuinely in every step we take.
Final Thoughts
Matthew 28:13 is not just a historical account but a reflection of human nature, challenges of faith, and integrity. The actions of the guards reveal how fear can overshadow experienced truth, but we must remember that such fear need not dictate our lives. We are called to rise above that fear and stand firmly in our faith, proclaiming the truth of the resurrection with boldness.
As we contemplate this verse, let’s encourage one another to be truth-bearers in our communities. We can explore various aspects of the Bible through the links shared, such as diving into other impactful passages in Matthew, or even reflective stories in Genesis that remind us of God’s promise and presence. Let’s support one another as we navigate through our faith journey together.