What does Matthew 27:62 mean?

Explanation

Matthew 27:62 discusses the actions of the chief priests and Pharisees the day after Jesus' crucifixion.

This day is referred to as the "day of the preparation," which is the day before the Sabbath, where Jews prepare for their day of rest.

The mention of them coming together to Pilate suggests a level of urgency and concern amongst the Jewish leaders regarding the aftermath of Jesus’ death.

They were aware of Jesus' predictions regarding his resurrection after three days and were likely seeking to prevent any actions from his followers that might fulfill this prophecy, or to prevent someone from stealing the body and claiming he had risen.

Historical Context

At the time Matthew was writing his Gospel, there was heightened tension between early Christians and Jewish religious leaders, who were often portrayed in a negative light.

The historical context includes the Jewish customs and laws, particularly around the Sabbath, which prohibited any work from sunset on Friday to sunset on Saturday.

Pilate was the Roman governor and the only authority who could grant the request that the Jewish leaders were about to make , to secure the tomb of Jesus.

Theological Insights

This verse is significant in Christian theology as it highlights the fulfillment of scripture.

It demonstrates the lengths to which the chief priests and Pharisees would go to prevent Jesus’ prophecy from seemingly coming true.

It also sets the stage for the event of the resurrection and contributes to the proof of the resurrection when later the tomb is found empty despite these measures.

From a theological standpoint, some may see their actions as part of God's wider plan, contributing indirectly and unwittingly to the validation of Jesus' prophecy. Others might view their behavior as an embodiment of disbelief and the human attempt to control or prevent the divine will.

Practical Applications

The practical takeaway from this verse might include the notion of vigilance and forethought.

The chief priests and Pharisees were acting in what they believed was protection of their traditions and authority.

On a personal level, it could encourage individuals to consider the extent of their actions to preserve their beliefs or status and to discern when such actions might be inadvertently contributing to what they seek to avoid.

Additionally, it can serve as a reminder of the futility of human efforts to impede God's will, as per Christian belief, and inspire faith in God's overarching plan, even during seemingly unfavorable circumstances.

Cross-References

• Matthew 28:11-15: Discusses the chief priests' actions after the resurrection, offering money to the soldiers to spread a false story.
• Matthew 27:63-64: The chief priests and Pharisees request the tomb be made secure.
• John 2:19: Jesus predicts his resurrection by saying he will raise the temple in three days.
• Matthew 12:40: Jesus refers to the Sign of Jonah, which is seen as a foreshadowing of his own resurrection.
• Acts 5:36-39: Gamaliel references past movements which failed, suggesting that if something is of human origin, it will not succeed, but if it is from God, it cannot be stopped.

Language Study

Key words in the original Greek text of this verse include:

• "Preparation" (παρασκευῆς, paraskeuēs) refers to the day before the Sabbath.
• "Chief Priests" (ἀρχιερεῖς, archiereis) refers to the Jewish high priests and leaders of the temple.
• "Pharisees" (Φαρισαίων, Pharisaiōn) were a sect within Judaism known for strict adherence to the Law of Moses.

Understanding these terms in the original language emphasizes the societal roles and religious practices of the time, solidifying the tensions that existed between the Sanhedrin and the emerging Christian movement.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The act of guarding the tomb to prevent the body from being stolen draws parallels with ancient cultural practices of securing tombs of important figures.

In other myths, guards are often posted to prevent the theft of sacred objects or to ensure that the prophecies involving the dead are not tampered with.

In religious comparison, the actions of the chief priests and Pharisees are reminiscent of the efforts by authority figures in various traditions to maintain the status quo in the face of prophetic challenges.

Scientific Perspectives

The concern of the Jewish leaders aligns with a natural human tendency to prevent anticipated events that could disrupt social order.

From a psychological perspective, the precaution of securing the tomb could be seen as a measure to prevent cognitive dissonance among their followers should Jesus' body go missing.

While science typically does not delve into the supernatural aspects of religious belief such as resurrection, it does provide insights into the human behaviors and societal structures that are evident in this narrative.

Commentaries

Commentators often focus on the irony that the actions of Jesus’ opponents to secure the tomb and post a guard actually lend credibility to the resurrection event. They point out that, had the tomb not been secured, detractors of Christianity could argue that the body was stolen.

Matthew Henry's Commentary notes that the chief priests and Pharisees were acting on their guilty consciences, fearing that if Jesus’ predictions came true, it would spell disaster for them.

William Barclay emphasizes the high degree of collusion required for such a request to Pilate.

The New International Commentary on the New Testament suggests that the terminology used indicates the Jewish leaders' motivation to discredit the anticipated resurrection of Jesus.