Make it secure as you can!
Scripture reading for February 6: Matthew 27
“When it was evening, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who also was a disciple of Jesus. He went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then Pilate ordered it be given to him. And Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a clean linen shroud and laid it in his own new tomb, which he had cut in the rock. And he rolled a great stone to the entrance of the tomb and went away. . . .The next day, the day of Preparation, the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered before Pilate and said, “Sir, we remember how that impostor said, while He was still alive “After three days I will arise.” Therefore order the tomb to be made secure. . . .,Pilate said to them, “You have a guard of soldiers. Go, make it as secure as you can.” So they went and made the tomb secure by sealing the stone and setting a guard.” Matthew 27:57-66
Jesus had willingly given His life and blood on the cross according to plan and gave up His spirit after proclaiming His work done. A disciple named Joseph from Arimathea came to claim the body for burial in his own newly made tomb. He was obviously a friend of the family and the other disciples as well. His actions fulfilled prophesy (Isaiah 53:9). Jesus was only to be there temporarily as He had said. It would be a three-day lease!
But those who had Jesus crucified were also aware of Jesus’ claim to rise again after three days. They came to Pilate asking for help. In their world view, the only way Jesus’ body would arise is if someone would steal it from the grave. Pilate agreed with their view and assigned soldiers to guard the grave. His instructions to the armed Roman soldiers: “Make it as secure as you can.” These soldiers would be no match for the fishermen and tax collectors that followed the ‘Impostor’ Jesus. They sealed the stone and surrounded the grave site thinking all was secure! After all, it was foolish to believe in resurrection.
How does the announcement of Jesus, “After three days I will arise,” square with your understanding of our world? Why do you think those who crucified Jesus were worried about Jesus’ body disappearing? Do you think Pilate was at all concerned that Jesus might actually rise from the dead after three days?
Prayer: Father God, I am amazed by the prophetic preparation and fulfilment of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection that is laid out in Scripture. Thank You for expanding my world view to include resurrection from the dead through Your Son’s resurrection. Jesus Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Amen!
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