“And when they were assembled with the elders, and had taken counsel, they gave large money unto the soldiers,”– Matthew 28:12 (KJV)
“A large crowd of elders and priests met with the soldiers and devised a plan. They gave the soldiers a large sum of money,”– Matthew 28:12 (NLT)
“Meanwhile, the chief priests had gathered with the elders and had devised a plan. They gave the soldiers a lot of money,”– Matthew 28:12 (MSG)
What Does Matthew 28:12 Mean?
Matthew 28:12 shows a pivotal moment following Jesus’ resurrection. The authorities were disturbed by the news of the empty tomb, fearing that Jesus’ disciples might claim that He had risen from the dead. To prevent this, the chief priests convened a meeting with the elders. They found it necessary to suppress the truth about Jesus’ resurrection. The soldiers who witnessed the empty tomb were bribed with a large sum of money to spread a false story that the disciples had stolen Jesus’ body.
The significance of this moment can’t be overstated. It reveals the lengths to which powerful authorities might go to maintain control and silence a truth they found threatening. In this case, rather than accept the miraculous event of Christ’s resurrection, they instead chose deception. We see here the corruption of human nature, as well as an attempt to cover up the miraculous work of God.
Matthew 28:12 Explanation and Commentary
The circumstances surrounding Matthew 28:12 prompt us to examine the immediate reactions of both the soldiers and the religious leaders. Surprisingly, these soldiers had just experienced something beyond human comprehension. They encountered an angel who rolled the stone away, and they witnessed firsthand the empty tomb where Jesus had been laid. This profound moment should have led to belief and admiration. Yet, they were quickly offered financial incentives that could easily sway their loyalty and integrity.
In our lives, we often find ourselves at crossroads, faced with the decision to stand firm in our beliefs or to be swayed by material offers or societal pressures. Being faithful often means we have to resist the temptation of taking the easy route, particularly when it involves turning away from the truth.
The soldiers put their jobs and honor at risk for a sum of money. In contrast, the truth of Jesus’ resurrection brings hope and eternal life, a gift beyond measure. The urgency of sharing the message of salvation stands against the tendency to remain silent or to fabricate a lie for worldly gain. We, too, are called to bear witness to truth.
The actions of the religious leaders in this passage remind us not just of the power of money but also of the continual battle between light and darkness. It is recorded frequently in Scripture, as in John 3:19, which states that people love darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil.
Seeing the fervor with which the chief priests acted reminds us of obligations we hold as Christians. We cannot let the world around us dictate our actions. Our faith in Christ must guide us, even when it is challenging. We might ask ourselves: How often do we choose comfort over conviction? This leads into contemplating our integrity and how we protect our beliefs in daily situations. Jesus’ resurrection demands a response, and that response should be one of unwavering commitment.
Context of Matthew 28:12
This verse is situated at the end of the Gospel of Matthew, right after the resurrection narrative. Jesus had been crucified and buried. The events immediately leading to this moment involved Mary Magdalene and another Mary visiting the tomb. An angel descends and rolls back the stone, announcing Jesus’ resurrection to them.
The reaction of the soldiers reflects the despair among the leadership after Jesus’ resurrection. They had invested considerable time and effort to safeguard their authority, only to face the chance that the very foundation of their power was crumbling. Their rapid decision-making demonstrates their anxiety about losing status and control over the Jewish people who might flock to Jesus, now the risen Messiah.
The profound message of resurrection was to encourage believers then and now. It has been central to our faith. Paul states in 1 Corinthians 15:14, “If Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain.” As the context builds, we must explore how it relates not just to that historical moment but to our lives now.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Matthew 28:12
The core of Matthew 28:12 comes down to a simple yet complex interaction between faith and fear. The soldiers encountered the truth but were swayed by external influences. They were faced with a choice of allegiance, not just to their duties but also to the truth of what they witnessed.
When we consider the phrase “large money,” it indicates that the temptation presented was significant. In our lives, we experience various temptations that can pull us from our moral values. The chief priests’ plan to discredit the resurrection shows that doubt can fuel schemes contrived to uphold personal beliefs or societal expectations. This is where faith comes into a critical test.
The soldiers’ decision to accept the bribe reveals a tension that exists within each one of us. We can often see ourselves in their shoes. There might be moments in life when we have to choose between truth and acceptance, or between conviction and convenience. When faced with such decisions, we should seek the guidance of God’s wisdom and lean on His word.
Notably, the action to spread falsehoods about the resurrection illustrates how deceit can sometimes seem more manageable than confronting reality. The urge to fabricate a narrative feels more appealing than proclaiming a truth that could lead to persecution or societal ostracism. Jesus calls us to represent Him, even when it challenges our comfort zones.
Lessons to Learn From Matthew 28:12
The lessons from Matthew 28:12 reach beyond the immediate narrative. They encourage us to reflect on our integrity. As believers, we ought to examine what leads us to remain silent when we should speak up. We will face temptations to stray from our commitment to God by being swept away by the winds of society. This verse teaches the importance of holding fast to our convictions.
Also, this passage evokes the need for courageous leadership. The religious leaders’ decisions highlight how authority figures can manipulate their positions to maintain control through deception. As Christians, we are called to be leaders of truth, modeling honesty and integrity in all aspects of our lives. We should strive to become voices of hope and faith in our communities.
Additionally, we should consider the contrast between the guards who chose falsehood and the women who proclaimed the truth of the resurrection. Their willingness to accept and spread the message of Jesus’ victory over death embodies true faith. It inspires us to share the gospel and spread encouragement, joy, and hope to others around us.
As children of God, we bear a unique responsibility to be truth-tellers and stewards of faith. This reflects our response to the resurrection and our witness to the world. Each day, we should ask ourselves how we can exemplify that faith in action.
Final Thoughts
As we reflect upon Matthew 28:12, we recognize its importance in reinforcing our commitment to truth and Christ’s resurrection. The biblical accounts remind us that no matter the challenge we face, we are called to be steadfast in our faith. This passage urges us to navigate life’s trials with wisdom and discernment. As we encounter a world that often prefers comfortable lies over painful truths, we must be courageous and embrace the hope of Jesus’ resurrection.
May we remember that our testimonies matter. We are called to stand up for the good news with unwavering conviction. And let us encourage one another in our faith journey—by nurturing hope and sharing the resurrection story of Jesus with those we meet. We have a living hope that changes lives and heals hearts.
As we seek to learn more about faith and biblical truths, we can explore topics like Matthew 11, or perhaps view the beginnings of creation in Genesis. All these verses and stories help enrich our faith and understanding of God’s purpose for us.