Commentary on Matthew 28:14

Matthew 28:14 reads: "And if this come to the governor's ears, we will persuade him, and secure you." This verse occurs during the aftermath of the resurrection of Jesus, when the guards at the tomb were fearful after discovering that the body of Jesus was missing. The religious leaders devised a plan to bribe the guards to spread a false narrative, showcasing their desperation to suppress the truth of the resurrection.

Importance of the Context

This verse is pivotal in understanding the lengths to which the Jewish authorities would go to undermine the truth of Christ's resurrection. The context reveals the stark contrast between the honesty of the miraculous event and the deceit employed by those who opposed it.

Historical Background

• The Guards’ Role:

  Guarding the tomb, they were tasked with ensuring the body of Jesus remained undisturbed. However, upon finding the tomb empty, their encounter with the angel and the subsequent fear led to a crisis of conscience.

• The Religious Authorities:

  The chief priests, keen on maintaining their influence, resorted to bribery. Their actions reflected a historical pattern of resistance to prophetic truth, revealing the spiritual blindness present in many religious leaders.

Theological Implications

The deception articulated in Matthew 28:14 holds significant theological implications. It reflects the ongoing battle between truth and falsehood, emphasizing the lengths individuals will go to when confronted with divine revelation.

Divine Revelation vs. Human Deception

Matthew Henry emphasizes the overwhelming evidence of the resurrection, noting that the guards’ liability was a direct confrontation with the divine truth. The attempt to suppress this revelation by producing falsehood speaks to humanity’s inherent resistance to God's truth.

The Role of Fear

Fear is a recurring theme in Matthew 28. The guards were fearful not only of the consequences of their failure but also of the implications of the resurrection. Albert Barnes notes that fear often drives people to perform irrational acts, including deceit and betrayal of truth. This fear is vital in understanding the motives behind the guards’ actions.

The Guarantee of Falsehood

The phrase "we will persuade him, and secure you" indicates a promise of protection for the guards, emphasizing the power of coercion in human relationships. Adam Clarke highlights here the moral decay present in those who prioritize self-preservation over truth, which is starkly contrasted by the transformative nature of the resurrection that should evoke faith, not fear.

Lessons for Modern Believers

• The Cost of Discipleship:

  Believers today must evaluate their own commitment to truth, even in the face of societal or peer pressure that may seek to distort or deny the reality of Christ's resurrection.

• Integrity in Witness:

  As pastors, theologians, and students of the Word, the integrity of the message we present is crucial. Like the guards’ false testimony, any compromise of truth can have dire consequences for one's spiritual life and ministry.

Conclusion

Matthew 28:14 serves as a reminder of the profound encounter between truth and denial. The elaborate efforts of the religious leaders to propagate a lie illustrate the challenges faced by proponents of truth in a world often marred by deception. As believers reflect on this passage, may it guide them towards steadfastness in faith, a commitment to truth, and a recognition of the transforming power of Christ’s resurrection.