How can Matthew 27:64 guide us in discerning truth from falsehood today? Verse in focus “So give the order 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 this last deception will be worse than the first.” (Matthew 27:64) Setting the scene • Chief priests and Pharisees fear a resurrection claim more than the crucifixion itself. • They ask Pilate to reinforce the tomb with a seal and a guard. • Their plan backfires: the extra security ends up underscoring the reality of Jesus’ bodily resurrection (Matthew 28:11-15). Key observations • The religious leaders assume deception because their own motives are deceptive (John 8:44). • They try to “control the narrative” by physical force, yet truth rises despite human barriers. • God allows their precaution so later generations have even stronger evidence of the empty tomb (John 20:6-8; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4). Principles for discerning truth today • Examine evidence rather than speculation. The guards, seal, and empty tomb give verifiable data (Luke 1:3-4). • Consider the source and motive. Those who fear exposure often accuse others first (Proverbs 26:24-26). • Notice how truth endures scrutiny. The resurrection account stands firm despite hostile oversight (Acts 4:20). • Let Scripture be the final arbiter. “The sum of Your word is truth” (Psalm 119:160). Practical steps 1. Compare every claim with clear biblical teaching (Acts 17:11). 2. Look for corroborating witnesses—Scripture, history, personal testimony (Deuteronomy 19:15; 2 Corinthians 13:1). 3. Identify the fruit: does the message exalt Christ as risen Lord (John 14:6) or promote fear and control? 4. Resist spreading rumors; speak only what you can verify (Exodus 20:16; Ephesians 4:25). 5. Trust that truth, like the risen Christ, prevails regardless of opposition (2 Corinthians 13:8). Scriptural reinforcements • John 18:37 — Jesus came “to testify to the truth.” • 1 John 4:6 — “Whoever knows God listens to us; whoever is not from God does not listen to us. This is how we recognize the Spirit of truth and the spirit of falsehood.” • 2 Timothy 3:16-17 — Scripture equips believers “for every good work,” including discernment. Living it out • Anchor your heart in the historically grounded, Spirit-breathed Word. • Evaluate contemporary claims with the same diligence the guards were supposed to exercise—but unlike them, stand on the side of truth. • Celebrate that no lie can entomb the gospel; Christ’s empty grave remains the ultimate standard by which all truth claims are measured. |
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