The lie of the chief priests

The lie of the chief priests

SCRIPTURE:

¹¹ While they were going, behold, some of the guard went into the city and told the chief priests all that had taken place. ¹² And when they had assembled with the elders and taken counsel, they gave a sufficient sum of money to the soldiers ¹³ and said, “Tell people, ‘His disciples came by night and stole him away while we were asleep.’ ¹⁴ And if this comes to the governor's ears, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.” ¹⁵ So they took the money and did as they were directed. And this story has been spread among the Jews to this day. Matthew 28:11-15

OBSERVATION:

How hard were the hearts of the chief priests and the elders…. Here was incredible evidence before them that Jesus Christ had supernaturally risen from the dead. Instead of humbling themselves and seeking the Lord for forgiveness for their tragic error, they quickly plotted to cover up the event. They bribed the guards, and promised to protect them from the governor if they would lie.

It is interesting to note how Matthew added the fact that this story had been spread among the Jews up to the time of his writing. This shows us that the Jews were aware that the body of Jesus had disappeared, and that there had been guards at the tomb. Logically though, this was a terribly weak lie, as a Roman guard faced possible death and torture for allowing such a thing to happen, and how could it be possible for the disciples to quietly move such a large stone without waking up the superbly trained Roman guards? The chief priests would obviously have arranged for elite guards to stand guard given their strong concern not to allow any potential indication of the Resurrection to happen.

Moreover, if the disciples really have stolen the body, how could they have possibly be willing to die for a faith they knew to be a lie?  

APPLICATION:

The chief priests and elders were so concerned with saving face, they missed the vitally crucial point of the Resurrection, that Jesus was really the Son of God. Also from the start, they were unwilling to lose their privileges and position among men. And so, they refused to believe the truth, taking their pride and sin to the grave with them. The lesson for us is serious. What good is it if we gain the whole world yet lose our soul? The disciples in contrast, held on to the truth with such fervency they willingly gave up their lives in serving the Lord. Living a lie can be comfortable, and the price of following the truth may seem too high, but ultimately, it is only the truth that can set us free and give us true life, though it cost us everything.

PRAYER:

All truth comes from You, precious Lord. You came, and You died that we might have life. Your enemies tried to cover up the truth, but Your servants painted the truth of Your resurrection with their blood. What good is a life of lies, though it bring temporary comfort and riches? Help us always seek the truth precious Lord! Help us stay true to You no matter what! We praise You and love You, Lord Jesus! In Jesus name, Amen.