What does Matthew 27:64 reveal about the chief priests' understanding of Jesus' prophecy? Setting the Scene “ ‘So give orders that the tomb be secured until the third day. Otherwise, His disciples may come and steal Him away and tell the people, “He has risen from the dead,” and the last deception will be worse than the first.’ ” (Matthew 27:64) What the Chief Priests Actually Knew • They grasped the exact timing: “until the third day.” • They remembered Jesus’ repeated promise: – “From that time on Jesus began to show His disciples that He must…be killed and on the third day be raised to life.” (Matthew 16:21) – See also Matthew 17:23; 20:19; 12:40; John 2:19–21. • Their language, “last deception,” shows they thought His earlier ministry was deceitful and a resurrection claim would unleash even greater turmoil. Their Response vs. What Faith Would Do • Instead of repenting, they doubled down on resistance, choosing guards and seals (Matthew 27:65–66). • They acknowledged the possibility that people might believe the resurrection—yet tried to block it. • Ironically, their precautions became evidence for the miracle they feared (Matthew 28:4, 11–15). Key Insights • Even Jesus’ enemies heard, understood, and feared His prophecy; ignorance was not their issue. • Human safeguards cannot suppress the power or truth of God’s Word (Psalm 2:1–4; Acts 2:23–24). • Their plan helped prove the literal fulfillment of “on the third day” (1 Corinthians 15:3–4). Take-Home Reflections • The resurrection was so central that opponents went to extreme lengths to deny it—underscoring its pivotal place in the gospel. • Recognizing Jesus’ prophecy demands a response: either hardened resistance or surrendered faith. |
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