Why did the chief priests bribe the guards in Matthew 28?

The account of the chief priests bribing the guards in Matthew 28 is a fascinating and significant moment in the New Testament, shedding light on the lengths to which the religious leaders of the time were willing to go to suppress the truth of Jesus’ resurrection. This event is recorded in Matthew 28:11-15, where it describes how the guards who were stationed at Jesus' tomb were bribed to spread a false story that His disciples had stolen His body while they were asleep. To understand why the chief priests took such drastic measures, we must delve into the context of the resurrection, the political and religious climate of the time, and the implications of an empty tomb.

Firstly, the resurrection of Jesus is the cornerstone of Christian faith. Paul emphasizes its importance in 1 Corinthians 15:14, stating, "And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith." The resurrection was not just a miraculous event; it was the validation of Jesus’ divinity and the fulfillment of numerous Old Testament prophecies. The resurrection demonstrated Jesus' victory over sin and death, providing the foundation for the hope of eternal life for believers. The chief priests, being well-versed in Scripture and the messianic prophecies, would have understood the profound implications of Jesus rising from the dead. Such an event would confirm Jesus' claims to be the Son of God, the Messiah, and would undermine their authority and the religious system they upheld.

The chief priests and the religious leaders had been antagonistic towards Jesus throughout His ministry. They saw Him as a threat to their power and influence over the Jewish people. Jesus' teachings often challenged their interpretations of the law and exposed their hypocrisy. For instance, in Matthew 23, Jesus delivers a series of woes to the scribes and Pharisees, calling them out for their pride, legalism, and lack of genuine righteousness. The religious leaders felt that their authority was being undermined by Jesus, and His growing popularity among the people only intensified their desire to eliminate Him.

When Jesus was crucified, the chief priests and Pharisees thought they had succeeded in quelling this threat. However, they were still wary of His prophecy about rising on the third day. In Matthew 27:63-64, they approached Pilate and said, "Sir, we remember that while he was still alive that deceiver said, 'After three days I will rise again.' So give the order for the tomb to be made secure until the third day. Otherwise, his disciples may come and steal the body and tell the people that he has been raised from the dead. This last deception will be worse than the first." Pilate granted their request, and a guard was placed at the tomb with a seal to ensure it remained secure.

Despite their precautions, Jesus did rise from the dead, and the tomb was found empty. The guards, who witnessed the angel rolling away the stone and were struck with fear, reported what had happened to the chief priests (Matthew 28:2-4, 11). The religious leaders were now faced with an undeniable miracle that confirmed Jesus' resurrection. This presented a significant problem for them. If the news of the resurrection spread, it would validate Jesus' claims and lead to a massive shift in belief among the people. The authority and control that the chief priests held would be severely compromised.

In response to this crisis, the chief priests and elders devised a plan to suppress the truth. They offered the soldiers a large sum of money to say that Jesus' disciples came during the night and stole His body while they were asleep (Matthew 28:12-13). This bribe was not just a simple payoff; it was an attempt to fabricate a narrative that would discredit the resurrection and maintain their grip on power. They even assured the guards that if the governor heard about it, they would protect them and keep them out of trouble (Matthew 28:14). The guards took the money and did as they were instructed, and this false story was widely circulated among the Jews (Matthew 28:15).

The actions of the chief priests reveal several key motivations:

1. Desperation to Maintain Control: The chief priests were desperate to maintain their authority and the status quo. The resurrection of Jesus threatened to dismantle their religious system and their control over the people. By bribing the guards, they sought to prevent the spread of a truth that would empower the followers of Jesus and diminish their own influence.

2. Fear of the Truth: The chief priests were afraid of the truth of the resurrection. They knew that if people believed that Jesus had risen from the dead, it would validate His teachings and His identity as the Messiah. This truth would expose their opposition to God’s plan and their role in the crucifixion of an innocent man.

3. Protection of Their Reputation: The chief priests were concerned about their reputation and the potential backlash from the people. Admitting that Jesus had risen would mean acknowledging their error in condemning Him and their failure to recognize the Messiah. To avoid this humiliation, they chose to propagate a lie.

4. Political Ramifications: The resurrection had political implications as well. The chief priests were in a delicate position with the Roman authorities. An uprising or a significant shift in religious belief could lead to unrest and draw the attention of the Roman government. By controlling the narrative, they aimed to keep the peace and their standing with the Romans.

The bribe and the false story concocted by the chief priests highlight the lengths to which they were willing to go to suppress the truth. However, despite their efforts, the truth of the resurrection could not be contained. The disciples, empowered by the Holy Spirit, boldly proclaimed the resurrection of Jesus, and the early church grew rapidly. The empty tomb and the resurrection appearances of Jesus provided undeniable evidence that transformed the lives of countless individuals.

In conclusion, the chief priests bribed the guards in Matthew 28 because they were desperate to suppress the truth of Jesus' resurrection. They feared the loss of their authority, the validation of Jesus' claims, and the potential political and social upheaval that could result from the spread of this truth. Their actions underscore the power of the resurrection and the lengths to which those opposed to it would go to maintain control. Yet, despite their efforts, the truth of the resurrection prevailed, and it continues to be the foundation of Christian faith to this day.