How does Matthew 27:63 demonstrate the Pharisees' understanding of Jesus' resurrection claim? Setting the Scene “ ‘Sir,’ they said, ‘we remember that while He was alive that deceiver said, “After three days I will rise again.” ’ ” (Matthew 27:63) Hearing and Retaining Jesus’ Exact Words • The leaders quote Jesus almost verbatim, showing they had listened carefully to His public teaching. • Jesus had announced this timetable repeatedly—Matthew 16:21; 17:23; 20:19; Mark 8:31; John 2:19. • Their memory affirms the historical accuracy of His statements and the literal nature of His promise. Acknowledging the Specific Claim • “After three days” reveals they understood the precise window. • “I will rise again” shows they grasped a bodily resurrection, not a metaphor. • Their request for a guard (vv. 64–66) indicates they took the possibility seriously enough to act. Hostility Mixed with Recognition • Calling Jesus “that deceiver” exposes their unbelief, yet their very concern concedes He predicted something extraordinary. • Ironically, their attempt to prevent any fulfillment ends up providing extra proof when the guarded tomb is found empty (Matthew 28:11-15). Contrast With the Disciples • The disciples scatter in fear (26:56) and forget His promise (Luke 24:6-8). • The enemies remember it—and plan accordingly. Their vigilance highlights the disciples’ initial doubt and magnifies the credibility of the resurrection reports. Implications of Their Knowledge 1. The resurrection claim was public and well-known, not a late invention. 2. Even opponents could not dismiss the claim as vague or symbolic. 3. Their preventive measures rule out theories of accidental removal or mistaken tombs—only a real resurrection explains the aftermath. Fulfillment of Scripture • Psalm 16:10—“You will not abandon my soul to Sheol….” • Isaiah 53:11—“After He has suffered, He will see the light of life.” • 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 affirms Christ “was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures,” echoing both prophecy and Jesus’ own timeline. Takeaway for Today Matthew 27:63 shows that even Jesus’ fiercest critics clearly understood His promise to rise on the third day. Their actions, intended to suppress the truth, ultimately underscore the certainty and historicity of the resurrection. |
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