Author: drthomasclothier

²⁸ “So they drew near to the village to which they were going. He acted as if he were going farther, ²⁹ but they urged him strongly, saying, “Stay with us, for it is toward evening and the day is now far spent.” So he went in to stay with them. ³⁰ When he was at table with them, he took the bread and blessed and broke it and gave it to them. ³¹ And their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And he vanished from their sight.” (Luke 24:28–31 ESV)

John Calvin (1509-1564) was a theologian, author, pastor/teacher and biblical commentator. The following is an excerpt from his commentary of Luke’s Gospel and today’s text.

“There is no reason for supposing, as some commentators have done, that this was a different place from Emmaus; for the journey was not so long as to make it necessary for them to take rest for the night at a nearer lodging. We know that seven thousand paces–even though a person were to walk slowly for his own gratification–would be accomplished in four hours at the utmost; and, therefore, I have no doubt that Christ had now reached Emmaus.”

“Now as to the question, Can insincerity apply to him who is the eternal truth of God? I answer, that the Son of God was under no obligation to make all his designs known. Still, as insincerity of any kind is a sort of falsehood, the difficulty is not yet removed; more especially as this example is adduced by many to prove that they are at liberty to tell lies. But I reply, that Christ might without falsehood have pretended what is here mentioned, in the same manner that he gave himself out to be a stranger passing along the road; for there was the same reason for both.”

“A somewhat more ingenious solution is given by Augustine, (in his work addressed To Consentius, Book II., chap. 13, and in the book of Questions on the Gospels, chap. 51,) for he chooses to enumerate this kind of feigning among tropes and figures, and afterwards among parables and fables. For my own part, I am satisfied with this single consideration, that as Christ for the time threw a veil over the eyes of those with whom he was conversing, so that he had assumed a different character, and was regarded by them as all ordinary stranger, so, when he appeared for the time to intend to go farther, it was not through pretending an thing else than what he had resolved to do, but because he wished to conceal the manner of his departure; for none will deny that he did go farther, since he had then withdrawn from human society.”

“So then by this feigning he did not deceive his disciples, but held them for a little in suspense, till the proper time should arrive for making himself known. It is, therefore, highly improper to attempt to make Christ an advocate of falsehood; and we are no more at liberty to plead his example for feigning anything, than to endeavor to equal his divine power in shutting the eyes of men. Our safest course is to adhere to the rule which has been laid down to us, to speak with truth and simplicity; not that our Lord himself ever departed from the law of his Father, but because, without confining himself to the letter of the commandments, he kept by the true meaning of the law; but we, on account of the weakness of our senses, need to be restrained in a different manner.”

“Augustine, and the greater part of other commentators along with him, have thought that Christ gave the bread, not as an ordinary meal, but as the sacred symbol of his body. And, indeed, it might be said with some plausibility, that the Lord was at length recognized in the spiritual mirror of the Lord’s Supper; for the disciples did not know him, when they beheld him with the bodily eyes. But as this conjecture rests on no probable grounds, I choose rather to view the words of Luke as meaning that Christ, in taking the bread, gave thanks according to his custom. But it appears that he employed his peculiar and ordinary form of prayer, to which he knew that the disciples had been habitually accustomed, that, warned by this sign, they might arouse their senses. In the meantime, let us learn by the example of our Master, whenever we eat bread, to offer thanksgiving to the Author of life, — an action which will distinguish us from irreligious men.”

May the Lord’s truth and grace be found here.

Soli deo Gloria!

²⁸ “So they drew near to the village to which they were going. He acted as if he were going farther, ²⁹ but they urged him strongly, saying, “Stay with us, for it is toward evening and the day is now far spent.” So he went in to stay with them. ³⁰ When he was at table with them, he took the bread and blessed and broke it and gave it to them. ³¹ And their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And he vanished from their sight.” (Luke 24:28–31 ESV)

All four Gospels parallel each other concerning the events on Resurrection Sunday. The Holy Spirit specifically inspired one of two of the writers to provide particular information not found in the other Gospels. While each writer provides selective, insightful information, they do not contradict each other in telling the wonderful news that Jesus Christ is alive. Such is the case with today’s text from Luke regarding Jesus’ appearance to the so-called Emmaus Disciples.

There are times in our lives when we do not want fellowship with a friend or family member to end. Growing up, Christmas Day was always an exciting and enjoyable holiday. Sure, there were presents under our tree and a Christmas breakfast my dad prepared for our family to enjoy. However, the high point of the day was when we drove to my grandmother’s house for a large family gathering including aunts, uncles, and cousins. We ate, laughed, played games and overall just enjoyed being together. I hated to hear the inevitable announcement that it was time to leave and go home. This was a fifteen year tradition for me, concluding when my grandmother died. Those fifteen Christmas Days continue to resonate deep within my memory.

I wonder if the Emmaus Disciples felt the same way as they walked with Jesus. Upon reaching their destination, Jesus appeared to want to leave them. However, Clopas and his friend did not want this to happen. They strongly urged Jesus to stay with them. They reasoned it was evening and He should remain in their village with them until morning. Jesus complied.

As they began to have dinner, a time of great fellowship, Jesus took the bread, blessed and broke it and gave it to them. At that moment, their eyes were opened and they finally recognized it was the risen Jesus who was with them. He then immediately vanished from their sight.

“How was it that in the breaking of the bread they suddenly recognized him? Did they see the marks of the nails in his hands? Was it the manner in which he broke the bread and gave it to them that opened their eyes? Or was it the way he spoke to his Father that refreshed their memories? Whatever may be the answer, the body of his resurrection now possessed qualities enabling him to appear at will and also, as here, to vanish at will. So, almost before they fully realized what had happened, he was gone,” states Dr. William Hendriksen.   

“They had been sovereignly kept from recognizing him until this point (cf. v. 16). His resurrection body was glorified, and altered from its previous appearance (see John’s description in Rev. 1:13–16), and this surely explains why even Mary did not recognize him at first (cf. John 20:14–16). But in this case, God actively intervened to keep them from recognizing him until it was time for him to depart,” explains Dr. John MacArthur. 

“His resurrection body, though real and tangible (John 20:27)—and even capable of ingesting earthly food (Luke 24:42–43)—nonetheless possessed certain properties that indicate it was glorified, altered in a mysterious way (cf. 1 Cor. 15:35–54; Phil. 3:21). Christ could appear and disappear bodily, as seen in this text. His body could pass through solid objects—such as the grave clothes or the walls and doors of a closed room (John 20:19, 26). He could apparently travel great distances in a moment, for by the time these disciples returned to Jerusalem, Christ had already appeared to Peter (Luke 24:34). The fact that he ascended into heaven bodily demonstrated that his resurrection body was already fit for heaven. Yet it was his body, the same one that was missing from the tomb, even retaining identifying features such as the nail wounds (John 20:25–27). He was no ghost or phantom.”

What wonderful fellowship awaits us when we eternally are in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Soli deo Gloria!

²⁵ And he said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! ²⁶ Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?” ²⁷ And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.” (Luke 24:25–27 (ESV)

All four Gospels parallel each other concerning the events on Resurrection Sunday. The Holy Spirit specifically inspired one of two of the writers to provide particular information not found in the other Gospels. While each writer provides selective, insightful information, they do not contradict each other in telling the wonderful news that Jesus Christ is alive. Such is the case with today’s text from Luke regarding Jesus’ appearance to the so-called Emmaus Disciples.

I have some friends who belong to a particular people group. They are godly men, committed to the Scriptures and actively involved in our local church in Indiana; and for some, their churches in Michigan and Florida. They are retired from their professions and careers, but try not to be sedentary, or inactive, in the late autumn of their years. They have their hobbies and interests. All have daily routines. By the way, they also share one more thing in common; they are all widowers.

Their days are filled with precious memories of youthful exuberance, true love, holidays, birthdays, budgets, raising kids, and expectant dreams of leisure retirement living at the lake or ocean with their lifelong companion. Their days are also filled with longing for what they once had, but also fear and apprehension for new responsibilities they now have.

Holidays are particularly painful reminders of what can never be again. Their children have grown and live far away with only an occasional phone call to break up the monotony. A house which once seemed so small, loud and full now feels so large, quiet and empty. The resulting depression of focusing on their earthly circumstances is only broken by a holy resolve to focus on the Lord Jesus Christ and their expectant heavenly home.

It is all too easy to pay attention to one’s circumstances; especially in the pain, sorrow and trials of life and living in this fallen world. My friends understand this truth in ways I as yet cannot, but in a way the Emmaus Disciples could to some extent. We do not know if these two men were widowers, or even if they were married. However, we do know they were grieving the death and subsequent loss of their Teacher: Jesus Christ. All hope seemed lost. All their dreams seem shattered.

It was then Jesus broke the spell of their despair by saying, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?” Jesus focused their attention away from their seemingly hopeless circumstances and upon the Holy Scriptures. Luke recorded, “And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.”

“The emphasis is on two words: everything and necessary. The trouble with the Jewish religious leaders of Jesus’ day was that, on the whole, in reading the Old Testament they saw only the glory and victory of the Messiah, not the fact that the path to these blessings was one of suffering. At times they would even go so far as to apply to the Messiah the references (in Isa. 52:13–53:12) to the Servant’s glory, but to apply to Israel the references to the Servant’s suffering,” explains Dr. William Hendriksen.

“Now there was no excuse for this. It must be borne in mind that the people of Jesus’ day not only had the Old Testament. They also had in their midst the Lord Jesus Christ, who was constantly interpreting it for them, by what he was, what he did, and what he taught.”

“That for the Messiah it is the way of suffering that leads to glory is basically already pointed out in Gen. 3:15 (in the process of bruising Satan’s head, Messiah’s own heel will be bruised). Another Old Testament passage clearly teaching the same lesson—that for the Messiah it is the path of suffering that leads to glory—is Ps. 118; see especially verse 22, with reference to the rejected stone, which becomes the cornerstone. And did not Jesus also interpret this figure as having reference to himself? (See Matt. 21:42; Mark 12:10; Luke 20:17).”

“Then there is Isaiah 53 (or 52:13–53:12). Jesus himself stated in so many words that this prophecy referred to him (Luke 22:37). In fact, even some of the words spoken from the cross were quotations (sometimes modified) and interpretations of phrases taken from the Old Testament. All this should suffice to prove that the two men who were on their way to Emmaus deserved to be called “foolish” or “dull” for failing to believe that for Christ the way to glory was and had to be through suffering,” concludes Dr. Hendriksen.

My friends grieve the death of their beloved wives. Yet, they do not grieve as those without hope (I Thess. 4:13). Their hope, or confident expectation, in God’s promises is rooted in the person and work of Jesus Christ (Col. 1:27). It is this hope Jesus encouraged the Emmaus Disciples to understand. It is a hope my friends understand. It is a hope I pray I will understand.

May the Lord’s truth and His graced be found here.

²² Moreover, some women of our company amazed us. They were at the tomb early in the morning, ²³ and when they did not find his body, they came back saying that they had even seen a vision of angels, who said that he was alive. ²⁴ Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but him they did not see.” (Luke 24:22–24 (ESV)

All four Gospels parallel each other concerning the events on Resurrection Sunday. The Holy Spirit specifically inspired one of two of the writers to provide particular information not found in the other Gospels. While each writer provides selective, insightful information, they do not contradict each other in telling the wonderful news that Jesus Christ is alive. Such is the case with today’s text from Luke regarding Jesus’ appearance to the so-called Emmaus Disciples.

Continuing our study concerning the Emmaus Disciples and their encounter with Jesus, the Lord engaged the men in conversation as they walked together. Following their initial comments concerning Jesus and His ministry, unaware they were speaking with the Lord, the two men commented further.

They told the Lord about the women and their amazing news of the empty tomb (Luke 24:1-11). The men related the announcement of Jesus’ missing body, the appearance of angels and the glorious saying that Jesus was alive.

“This shows that the report of the women to The Eleven had already been spreading. There must have been a rather close relationship between the inner and the wider circle of disciples. And no wonder, when the news was so startling. It was too exciting not to be told,” explains Dr. William Hendriksen.

The Emmaus men then spoke of how some of the other went to see the burial site for themselves. While discovering the tomb empty they did not see the Lord.

“The two men were probably thinking of Peter and John, for they were the ones who had gone to the tomb and had found everything exactly as the women had reported, but had not seen the Risen Savior. See John 20:1–10. So now Cleopas and his companion are bewildered. They don’t know what to make of it.”

“These two friends of Jesus are returning to Emmaus. It is springtime. Yet they hear not the singing of birds. They see not the awakening of Nature. With lagging feet, under leaden skies, they continue on their way home … home from a funeral! A dear one has been buried. Jesus of Nazareth. “Yes, stranger, we hoped that he was the One who would redeem Israel.” “We hoped [past tense] but now all hope is gone,” concludes Dr. Hendriksen.

The two Emmaus Disciples are soon to have a glorious awakening from the Lord Himself. What about you? Have you received the divine awakening by the Holy Spirit concerning the Gospel of the person and work of Jesus Christ?

Soli deo Gloria!

¹⁷ And he said to them, “What is this conversation that you are holding with each other as you walk?” And they stood still, looking sad. ¹⁸ Then one of them, named Cleopas, answered him, “Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?” ¹⁹ And he said to them, “What things?” And they said to him, “Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, a man who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, ²⁰ and how our chief priests and rulers delivered him up to be condemned to death, and crucified him. ²¹ But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things happened.” (Luke 24:17–21 (ESV)

All four Gospels parallel each other concerning the events on Resurrection Sunday. The Holy Spirit specifically inspired one of two of the writers to provide particular information not found in the other Gospels. While each writer provides selective, insightful information, they do not contradict each other in telling the wonderful news that Jesus Christ is alive. Such is the case with today’s text from Luke regarding Jesus’ appearance to the so-called Emmaus Disciples.

Continuing our study concerning the Emmaus Disciples and their encounter with Jesus, the Lord engaged the men in conversation as they walked together. He asked them, “What is this conversation that you are holding with each other as you walk?” Jesus’ question was designed to elicit a response beyond a yes or no answer. Luke adds the following comment about the disciples: “They stood still, looking sad.”  

“The unrecognized “intruder” now asked them a question. During His public ministry Jesus had often used this method of approach (6:3, 9; 8:30; 9:18; 18:40, 41; 20:3, 4, 41–44; 22:35, etc.). He did not ask because He lacked knowledge. He asked to arouse interest, so that He would have an opportunity to explain what those questioned needed to know,” explains Dr. William Hendriksen.

One of the disciples, Clopas, answered, “Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?” The tone of Clopas’ response to the Lord contained a degree of incredulity, disbelief and amazement. He cannot fathom how anyone could be ignorant of Jesus’ crucifixion. How ironic Clopas is unaware the very person he speaks about is the one to whom he is speaking.

“When the two men heard this question, they stood still, as if the question, if not even highly improper, certainly was very unexpected. They looked sad, for the happenings of the last few days had filled their hearts and minds with sorrow and a feeling of disappointment,” continues Dr. Hendriksen.

“Probably after an embarrassing pause one of the two men started to answer. His name was Cleopas, but there is not any good reason to identify him with the Clopas of John 19:25. His answer was in the form of a counter-question. He wanted to know whether the intruder was the only stranger in, or visitor to, Jerusalem who had managed to remain completely uninformed about matters that were on everybody’s lips.”

Jesus then wanted Clopas to tell Him what things had happened. Both disciples responded by saying, ““Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, a man who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, ²⁰ and how our chief priests and rulers delivered him up to be condemned to death, and crucified him.”

“The two men placed the main blame exactly where it belonged, namely, on the chief priests and rulers of the Jews. This is not anti-Semitism. It is simply a true reflection of historical fact. To be sure, both the Jewish leaders and the Romans were guilty, but the chief responsibility and therefore also the heavier guilt rested on the Jews (see John 19:11),” says Dr. Hendriksen.

The men then added, “But we had hoped that He was the one to redeem Israel.” What did they mean by this statement?

“There are those who interpret this to mean: “We were hoping that he was the one who would bring about the redemption of Israel by the payment of a ransom of blood; that is, by his death.” It may well be doubted, however, that these men—note how Jesus describes them in verse 25—were so far advanced in their theology. Besides, words have histories. The basic meaning “deliverance through the payment of a ransom” does not necessarily remain the only meaning. Probably the most favorable construction we can place on the words of Cleopas and his companion is this: “We were hoping that he was the one who, in some way, would deliver Israel from its woes, both spiritual and political,” concludes Dr. Hendriksen.

One more comment is made by the two men in today’s text. “Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things happened.” There may have been a glimmer of hope in these words. The Emmaus Disciples would soon realize their flicker of hope would give way to a blaze of reality.

Soli deo Gloria!

¹² After these things he appeared in another form to two of them, as they were walking into the country. ¹³ And they went back and told the rest, but they did not believe them.” (Mark 16:12–13 (ESV)

¹³ That very day two of them were going to a village named Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, ¹⁴ and they were talking with each other about all these things that had happened. ¹⁵ While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them. ¹⁶ But their eyes were kept from recognizing him.” (Luke 24:13–16 (ESV)

All four Gospels parallel each other concerning the events on Resurrection Sunday. The Holy Spirit specifically inspired one of two of the writers to provide particular information not found in the other Gospels. While each writer provides selective, insightful information, they do not contradict each other in telling the wonderful news that Jesus Christ is alive. Such is the case with today’s text from Mark and Luke regarding Jesus’ appearance to the so-called Emmaus Disciples.

Today’s study begins with Mark’s brief account of Jesus’ encounter with two of His disciples. Mark does not provide their names; although Luke would say it was Cleopas and his companion (Luke 24:18). The Lord’s appearance to these two men followed His earlier encounter with the women, including Mary Magdalene.

Mark recorded Jesus appeared in “another from” to these disciples. These two were walking from Jerusalem into the larger country of Israel to the city of Emmaus, located seven miles from Jerusalem (Luke 24:13).

“Emmaus was an ancient, and by no means inconsiderable, town, which the Romans afterwards called Nilopolis and was not a great distance from Jerusalem. But the place is named by Luke, not so much on account of celebrity, as to add certainty to the narrative,” states theologian John Calvin. 

What does the phrase “another form” mean? The phrase “another form” (ἕτερος μορφή; eteros morphe) refers to a different visual form or appearance. “According to Jewish tradition, supernatural beings like angels and Elijah were capable of disguising themselves in different forms. The resurrected Jesus apparently shares this trait, which helps convince some male disciples,” explains commentator Craig Keener.

The men were walking and talking to each other about the events that occurred the previous week regarding Jesus. As they did so, Luke recorded Jesus drew near and walked with them. To “draw near” (ἐγγίζω; engizo) to approach or to come close.

“As they were walking, they were talking to each other about all the things that had taken place; that is, about Jesus’ crucifixion and the report of some women that had been to the tomb, had found it empty, and had received a message from “angels, who affirmed that he was alive” (verse 23),” explains Dr. William Hendriksen.

However, Luke stated the two disciples did not recognize the Lord. The text says, “Their eyes were kept from recognizing him.”

“Suddenly footsteps were heard behind them, those of Jesus. He was catching up with them and presently was walking alongside of them. In a manner not here explained—Jesus appearing in another form? (Mark 16:12); divine restraining action?—the two men were being kept from recognizing the “stranger.” (Cf. Matt. 28:17; John 20:14; 21:4).”

May the Lord’s truth and grace be found here.

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 (ESV)

The following comments are taken from John Calvin’s commentary from the Gospel of Matthew concerning today’s text. John Calvin (1509-1564) was a 16^th century Protestant reformer, pastor, teacher and theologian.

“It is not only credible, but the fact is manifest, that the soldiers, to whom had been entrusted the charge of the sepulcher, were corrupted by a bribe, so that they were prepared to tell a lie at the bidding of the priests. They knew well that there was nothing which the priests dreaded more than that a report should gain credit that Christ rose on the third day after his death; and they knew that they had been sent there, that, by guarding the body, they might suppress that report.”

“Those men, therefore, being addicted to making gain, and seizing on opportunities of making it from every quarter, after having found that their diligence was of no service to them, contrive a new method of cheating their employers out of their money. The words of Matthew — some of them came — leave it uncertain if a few cunning men adopted this resolution without communicating with the rest, or if they were sent, by a general agreement, in the name of all. The latter supposition appears to be more probable; for Matthew afterwards says that money was given, not to one or two, but generally to the soldiers, to induce them to commit perjury. It is at all events certain that, whether they all plotted together, or only a part of them, they sought to make profit of the cruel and implacable hatred which the priests bore towards Christ; and that, looking upon them as convicted of a crime. They abused their evil conscience to extort money from them.”

“For, as usually happens with all wicked men, the priests, conscious of having done wrong, in order to cover their disgrace, were compelled to bribe the soldiers by a large reward. Thus it is evident that the reprobate, after having once given themselves up to a course of sinning, are continually entangled in new crimes; and this arises out of their desire to conceal their shame before men, while they give themselves no concern about the offense committed against God. Those wretched men not only bribe the soldiers by a large sum of money, but expose their own reputation and life to serious danger, should cognizance be taken of the crime. And what constrains them, in addition to the expense which they have laid out, to incur so serious a risk, but because inveterate rage does not permit them to withdraw until they have added sin to sin?”

“It was the finishing stroke of the vengeance of God to blind the Jews, that the resurrection of Christ was buried by the perjury of the soldiers, and that so gross a falsehood was believed. And hence it is evident that those who did not believe that Christ was risen were deceived by a voluntary error, as the world voluntarily gives itself up to be deceived by the snares of Satan. For if a man had but opened his eyes, it was unnecessary that he should make a long inquiry.”

“Armed soldiers say that the body of Christ was stolen from them by a feeble, timid, small, and unarmed body of men. What plausible grounds have they for saying so? They add that this was done while they were asleep. How then do they come to know that it was stolen? And if they had any suspicion of the disciples, why did they not track their footsteps? Why did they not, at least, make a noise? It was therefore a childish subterfuge, which would not have screened them from punishment, if they had had to deal with an honest and upright governor; but through the connivance of Pilate, that enormous wickedness was allowed to pass unnoticed, In like manner, we see it happen every day, that irreligious judges give themselves little trouble, when truth is oppressed by fraud and malice; but, on the contrary, if they are not afraid of suffering damage, they appear to enter into collusion with base and infamous men.”

“Though it may appear strange that God should permit this false report to gain currency to extinguish the glory of his Son, we ought to render the honor which is due to his just vengeance. For we perceive that this nation deserved to have its light taken away by clouds, because it so eagerly seizes hold on an idle and childish falsehood; next, because almost all have struck on the stone of stumbling, it was proper that their eyes should be darkened, that they might not see that the cup of giddiness was presented to them; and, in short, that they were abandoned to every kind of madness, as Isaiah had foretold, (Isaiah 6:9.).

“For God would never have permitted them to be deceived by such a foolish credulity, but in order that those who had despised the Redeemer might be shut out from the hope of salvation; as he now inflicts a similar punishment on the ingratitude of the world, by giving loose reins to the reprobate, that they may go from bad to worse (Rom. 1:18-32). But though this falsehood obtained currency among the Jews, this did not prevent the truth of the Gospel from flying at liberty to the very ends of the earth, as it always rises victorious over all the obstacles in the world.”

Soli deo Gloria!

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 (ESV)

All four Gospels parallel each other concerning the events on Resurrection Sunday. The Holy Spirit specifically inspired one of two of the writers to provide particular information not found in the other Gospels. While each writer provides selective, insightful information, they do not contradict each other in telling the wonderful news that Jesus Christ is alive. Such is the case with today’s text from Matthew.

The phrase “while they were going” refers to the women who came to the empty tomb. Upon seeing the angel, hearing the announcement of Jesus’ resurrection, and then encountering the risen Lord, they obeyed the angel’s command to “go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me” (Matt. 28:1-10).

At the same time, some of the guards the religious leaders stationed at the same tomb (Matt. 27:62-66), went to the chief priests: Annas and Caiaphas. They told them what occurred. The guards had no reason to lie and faced the real possibility of incurring the fury of, and execution by, the religious leaders for failing to protect the tomb.

However, instead of punishing the soldiers for the tomb’s breach on their watch, the chief priests and the Sanhedrin counseled together and decided to bribe the guards by having them say Jesus’ disciples stole the body. This supposedly occurred because the guards were asleep.

The religious leaders further reasoned this explanation would satisfy Pontius Pilate and keep the soldiers from facing the governor’s wrath. The guardsmen accepted the bribe and spread the perpetrated lie.

“Although the Jewish religious leaders did not believe Jesus’ predictions that He would rise on the third day, they now treat them more seriously to cover up what has happened,” explains Dr. R. C. Sproul.

“Soldiers posted to guard the tomb against Jesus’ disciples become ‘like dead men’ in their terror when the angel of the Lord descends to remove the stone from the empty tomb of the risen, living Lord Jesus (Matt. 28:3). The glorious, stunning appearance of the angel of the Lord (28:3-4) appears to have had no effect on those committed to unbelief. For a price, and the promise of immunity from punishment for sleeping on their watch, the soldiers readily perjure themselves. That the story of the disciples’ stealing Jesus’ body was still circulated in the days of Justin Martyr (160 A.D.) suggests the Jewish leaders’ desperation to explain the indisputable fact of Jesus’ empty tomb.”

“We do not read that the Sanhedrin rejected the soldiers’ report in utter disbelief. Neither is it correct, however, to say that the Sanhedrin believed it. One fact is certain: this body did not want to have the people believe what the soldiers had just now reported. It was afraid that any such news would readily be linked with the idea of a resurrection from the grave, and that this belief, in turn, would cause the people to lose confidence in their leaders, who had been chiefly responsible for the murder of Jesus,” states Dr. William Hendriksen.

“So the Sanhedrin pass a resolution containing three items, namely, to give the soldiers: a. a large sum of money; b. a story to spread; and c. assurance of freedom from punishment. As to a. the sum had to be large, for the admission that they, the men on guard duty, had been sleeping instead of watching, would not reflect honor on themselves. As to b. the story “his disciples … stole him” would explain why the tomb was empty, and would hopefully counteract belief in a resurrection. And as to c. what had happened at Calvary—see Matt. 27:23–26; cf. John 19:12, 13—had strengthened the Sanhedrin’s conviction that Pilate could be bent according to its will. “We will persuade—or satisfy—him,” says the council.”

“As to the Sanhedrin, it may seem strange that a body of such dignitaries and clothed with such high authority would actually resort to this crookedness. But is it so strange that men who had committed murder now also resort to lying in order to cover up what they had done,” concludes Dr. Hendriksen.

1 Corinthians 2:14 (ESV) says, “The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned.”  As it was with the unconverted in today’s text, so it remains today.

May the Lord’s truth and grace be found here.