Matthew 27:64

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 would be worse than the first."

Study Bible

So give the order
This phrase indicates a command or directive, reflecting the authority of the speaker. In the context of Roman governance, orders were given with the expectation of strict compliance. The Greek word for "order" (κελεύω, keleuō) implies a command that is to be carried out with urgency and precision. This reflects the seriousness with which the chief priests and Pharisees approached the potential threat of Jesus' resurrection claim.

for the tomb to be secured
The securing of the tomb was a measure taken to prevent any tampering. The Greek word for "secured" (ἀσφαλίζω, asphalizō) suggests making something safe or ensuring it is protected against any interference. Historically, Roman guards were known for their discipline and effectiveness, and securing a tomb would involve sealing it and placing guards to prevent any unauthorized access.

until the third day
This time frame is significant because Jesus had prophesied that He would rise on the third day (Matthew 16:21, 17:23, 20:19). The chief priests and Pharisees were aware of this prophecy and sought to prevent any possibility of it being fulfilled, whether by divine or human means. The "third day" is a recurring theme in Scripture, often associated with divine intervention and fulfillment of promises.

Otherwise, His disciples may come
The concern expressed here is that the disciples might attempt to fabricate a resurrection by stealing Jesus' body. This reflects the leaders' understanding of the disciples' devotion and their potential to act out of desperation. The Greek word for "come" (ἐλθόντες, elthontes) implies an approach with intent, highlighting the perceived threat.

and steal Him away
The act of stealing the body would be a direct challenge to the Roman and Jewish authorities. The Greek word for "steal" (κλέπτω, kleptō) indicates a secretive and unlawful act. This fear underscores the leaders' anxiety about maintaining control and preventing any further spread of Jesus' influence.

and tell the people
The leaders were concerned about the message that would be spread among the people. The Greek word for "tell" (εἴπωσιν, eipōsin) suggests proclaiming or declaring something publicly. The potential for the disciples to spread the news of a resurrection would undermine the authority of the religious leaders and could incite unrest among the populace.

‘He has risen from the dead.’
This declaration is central to Christian faith, as the resurrection is the cornerstone of the Gospel message. The Greek phrase "Ἠγέρθη ἀπὸ τῶν νεκρῶν" (ēgerthē apo tōn nekrōn) is a powerful statement of victory over death. The leaders' fear of this message highlights its transformative power and the threat it posed to their control.

This last deception
The leaders refer to the potential resurrection claim as a "deception" (πλάνη, planē), indicating their belief that it would be a falsehood. This term is used to describe a wandering or straying from the truth, reflecting their view of Jesus' ministry as misleading.

will be worse than the first
The "first" deception likely refers to Jesus' claim to be the Messiah and His teachings, which the leaders saw as a threat to their authority. The Greek word for "worse" (χείρων, cheirōn) suggests something more severe or damaging. The leaders feared that a resurrection claim would have an even greater impact, potentially leading to widespread belief in Jesus as the risen Lord, thus challenging their religious and social order.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Pontius Pilate
The Roman governor who presided over the trial of Jesus and authorized His crucifixion. He is approached by the chief priests and Pharisees to secure the tomb.

2. Chief Priests and Pharisees
Jewish religious leaders who were concerned about Jesus' prophecy of resurrection and sought to prevent any claim of His rising from the dead.

3. The Tomb
The burial place of Jesus, which was to be secured to prevent His disciples from claiming He had risen.

4. Disciples of Jesus
Followers of Jesus who were suspected by the religious leaders of potentially stealing Jesus' body to claim He had risen.

5. The Resurrection
The event that the religious leaders feared would be claimed by the disciples, which is central to Christian faith as the proof of Jesus' divine nature and victory over death.

Teaching Points

The Importance of the Resurrection
The resurrection is central to Christian faith. Without it, our faith is in vain. It validates Jesus' claims and His victory over sin and death.

Human Efforts vs. Divine Plan
Despite human efforts to thwart God's plan, His purposes prevail. The religious leaders' attempt to secure the tomb only serves to highlight the power of God in the resurrection.

Faith in the Face of Doubt
Believers are called to trust in the truth of the resurrection, even when faced with skepticism or attempts to discredit it.

The Role of Witnesses
The disciples, initially seen as potential deceivers, become the primary witnesses to the resurrection, tasked with spreading the Gospel.

Guarding Against Deception
Just as the religious leaders feared deception, Christians must be vigilant against false teachings and hold firmly to the truth of Scripture.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the securing of the tomb by the religious leaders ironically serve to strengthen the evidence for the resurrection?

2. In what ways does the resurrection of Jesus provide hope and assurance in your personal faith journey?

3. How can we, as modern-day disciples, effectively witness to the truth of the resurrection in a skeptical world?

4. What are some contemporary "deceptions" that challenge the truth of the resurrection, and how can we guard against them?

5. How does understanding the resurrection as a fulfillment of Jesus' prophecy (as seen in John 2:19-22) deepen your appreciation for God's sovereignty and faithfulness?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Matthew 28:11-15
This passage describes the aftermath of the resurrection, where the guards report the empty tomb, and the chief priests bribe them to say the disciples stole Jesus' body, showing the continuation of their deception.

John 2:19-22
Jesus predicts His resurrection, saying, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up," which the disciples later understand as referring to His body.

1 Corinthians 15:3-4
Paul emphasizes the resurrection as a foundational truth of the Gospel, affirming that Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose on the third day.