“Now when they were going, behold, some of the watch came into the city, and showed unto the chief priests all the things that were done.”– Matthew 28:11 (KJV)
“As the guards were going, some of the women went into the city and told the leading priests what had happened.”– Matthew 28:11 (NLT)
“Meanwhile, the guards were shaken and became like dead men. As the guards were leaving, some of the women went to report to the high priests everything that had happened.”– Matthew 28:11 (MSG)
What Does Matthew 28:11 Mean?
Matthew 28:11 occurs right after the resurrection of Jesus, where the women who visited his tomb found it empty. The guards, stationed to secure Jesus’ tomb, experienced a supernatural event that left them terrified. They witnessed the angel rolling away the stone and the amazing resurrection of Jesus. Yet, instead of immediately proclaiming this miraculous event, they chose to go to the chief priests to report what they had seen. The actions of these guards and the response from the religious leaders demonstrate a pivotal moment in the early Christian narrative.
This verse has layers of meaning that can help us reflect on our faith and the importance of testimony. The guards’ encounter with the divine brings forth questions about belief and witnessing. Although they saw the miracle, they still sought the leaders to share their experience. This highlights that witnessing alone is not enough; our response and whom we choose to share our experiences with speak volumes about our beliefs and convictions.
Matthew 28:11 Explanation and Commentary
This passage emphasizes reactions to the divine. The guards were not simply bystanders; their immediate reaction was fear. It shows us how people respond when they encounter something greater than themselves. In the Old Testament, we often see this fear of the Lord as a response to His presence or miraculous works. We can reference verses like Isaiah 6:5, where Isaiah saw the Lord and felt overwhelmed – it was a holy fear. Fear does not always have to lead to uncertainty; it can also be a catalyst for change. For the guards, it led them to inform the chief priests, but we should ask ourselves: how do we respond to moments when we feel God’s presence? Are we moved into action or do we freeze in uncertainty?
When they approached the chief priests, it serves to show the incredible value we put on authority and leadership. Oftentimes in our lives, we look towards those we view as leaders for confirmation or direction. This human tendency is illustrated well. The priests, who have spent their lives studying the scriptures and leading the people, should have recognized the significance of the guards’ report. Instead, they regrettably chose to deny the truth and create a false narrative. This creates a tension for us – how often do we place our faith in human authority over divine experiences? Our own leaders, teachers, or even pastors can help guide us but it should never replace our direct relationship and understanding of God.
In reflecting on this verse, we realize how crucial it is to stay grounded in truth, even when we may be influenced otherwise. Throughout our lives, we will likely face situations where we have witnessed God’s truth but may find ourselves doubting or being hesitant to speak up. Encouragingly, we can find solace in the reality that whether others believe or not does not diminish our experiences. As believers, we are called to testify to what we have seen God do in our lives, trusting the Holy Spirit to guide us in those moments.
Context of Matthew 28:11
The context surrounding Matthew 28:11 is incredibly important. This passage is nestled within the chapter that narrates the resurrection. Before this verse, we read about the dramatic events that led up to the resurrection, which included the betrayal of Jesus, his trial, crucifixion, and burial. Following his death, the disciples were frightened and confused. They had to grapple with the apparent loss of their leader.
The resurrection transformed their panic into hope, and the account serves to affirm the faith of all believers who would later read about it. The guards experienced the resurrection as a distinct group separate from the disciples. This factor is significant because it illustrates that God’s miraculous works are visible to everyone, regardless of their status or belief. Romans 1:20 reminds us that God has revealed himself to all of creation; with that revelation comes the responsibility of how we respond.
In the aftermath of the resurrection, the guards ran to report the news. The chaotic scene unfolds as we see the religious leaders choose deception over truth. They cannot bear the truth that Jesus has risen, as it would jeopardize their authority over the people. Their decision to pay the guards to spread false testimonies underscores a crucial point: the length people will go to in order to hold onto power and control.
This serves as a reminder for us to remain discerning and alert to the truth of the gospel. In the modern setting, falsehoods can seep into our lives if we don’t actively seek and uphold God’s truth. We have a light to shine, and we should strive to walk confidently in the truth, just like the women who later became the first to share the news of the resurrection.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Matthew 28:11
Let’s unpack this verse further by considering the key elements of it. We see “the guards” mentioned in the passage. Guards were usually Roman soldiers, indicating not only the importance of Jesus’ burial but also the immense power of the Roman Empire during that time. Their presence represents both authority and fear, and it brings a stark contrast to the humble nature of Jesus’ ministry. He came as a servant, yet his resurrection shook the very foundations of earth and authority.
The term “showed unto the chief priests” implies an active decision to testify. We should ponder on what it means for us to share our experiences. Beyond sharing good news about our faith, we have the obligation to speak up about God’s workings in our lives. Jesus encouraged us in Matthew 5:16 to let our light shine before others, showcasing God’s glory. The guards reported the truth had occurred but did not have the faith to believe in it, which leads us to wonder how often we share experiences without truly grasping their significance.
Additionally, the phrase “all the things that were done” encompasses so much more than just the physical resurrection of Jesus. It represents the fulfillment of God’s promise through Jesus. Isaiah prophesied about our Savior’s birth, suffering, and eventual triumph over death. Therefore, when resurrection occurred, it encapsulated the completion of prophetic scripture, God’s plan of redemption, grace, and love towards humanity.
Furthermore, we see the contrasting reactions in this verse. The guards were filled with fear and awe; the priests responded with deception. This divergence leads us to ask ourselves what our reactions reflect about our faith. Are we willing to embrace and share the truth we find in Christ? When we face challenges, do we seek the world’s answers or lean on God’s truth?
This passage serves as a reminder each time we read it. The resurrection changes everything, encouraging us to place our trust in God and to act upon what we witness first-hand in our lives. Let us become active participants in sharing testimonies rather than bystanders who remain silent.
Lessons to Learn From Matthew 28:11
In studying Matthew 28:11, there are numerous lessons that we can embrace, making this passage relevant to our lives. The first lesson is about the power of testimony. When the guards witnessed the resurrection, they were pressed to testify about the truth. Our testimonies can influence and inspire others. Sharing our stories of faith, deliverance, healing, and miraculous provision can spark hope in those around us. In Revelation 12:11, we see that believers conquer through the word of their testimony, so it is imperative that we are intentional about sharing what we have seen and experienced.
Another lesson centers around the importance of discernment and faith. The guards displayed a physical countenance of fear; however, they chose to report to the priests instead of accepting Jesus as the Messiah. We, too, can encounter moments where we might witness God’s hand at work, yet fail to recognize his leading in the situation. Let’s strive to maintain open hearts and spiritual alertness, nurturing our relationship with God through prayer and His word, so we can discern His direction for our lives.
The guards’ choice to go to the chief priests rather than share their experience with the disciples emphasizes the values we hold. Are we seeking validation or approval from worldly authorities instead of seeking God’s truth and direction? In John 12:43, we’re cautioned against seeking the praise of men over the praise of God. Let’s challenge ourselves to remain steadfast in seeking God’s approval through our actions and decisions.
This passage further encourages us to be courageous. Just like Jesus faced opposition, we will also encounter resistance when we share His truth. However, 2 Timothy 1:7 reminds us that God has not given us a spirit of fear but of power, love, and self-control. With that confidence, we can proclaim the resurrection boldly, knowing we are not alone. The early church, much like us, needed to grow in faith and boldness, and we can do so today by leaning into God’s promises.
Final Thoughts
As we reflect on Matthew 28:11, we discover a world of lessons that go beyond the text. This account illustrates authentic reactions to witnessing the divine and urges us to pay attention to how we respond to what God is doing in our lives. The guards were changed from mere spectators to ambassadors as they reported the miraculous resurrection of Jesus.
In a similar manner, we are called to share the good news of our Savior with the world, learning to embrace our roles as witnesses of God’s incredible love and grace. We say with confidence, let us rise to be the voices that proclaim His glory, extending hope and encouragement to those around us. However, this requires our active involvement in recognizing and affirming our spiritual experiences, choosing to spread the truth despite opposition.
We invite you to explore more topics that strengthen our understanding of Scripture and God’s teachings. Whether engaging with other passages like Matthew 11 or exploring foundational truths from Genesis, let’s seek to grow in knowledge and faith together!