What does Matthew 28:11 mean?

Explanation

Matthew 28:11 refers to a group of guards, who were witnesses to the supernatural events surrounding the resurrection of Jesus Christ, reporting these events to the religious leaders of the day.

This occurred after Jesus's body was found to be missing from the tomb.

The guards had been placed at the tomb to prevent the disciples from stealing Jesus's body and claiming He had risen, as Jesus himself had predicted His resurrection.

The reaction of the chief priests upon receiving this news was likely one of concern because it challenged the official narrative that they wanted to maintain, that Jesus was not the Messiah and that any talk of His resurrection was false.

This verse highlights tension between the Jewish authorities and the emerging Christian belief in the resurrection.

Historical Context

During the time of this verse, Jerusalem was under Roman rule, but Jewish religious life was allowed to continue with a certain degree of autonomy.

The chief priests mentioned in this verse were part of the Sanhedrin, the ruling Jewish council.

They had previously sought to eliminate Jesus's influence, which culminated in His crucifixion.

The guard mentioned could have been a Jewish temple guard or a Roman detail assigned to the tomb.

The historical context includes the perception of messianic claims as a threat to the established religious authority and the potential for social unrest these claims could incite.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, this verse serves as a component of the evidence for the resurrection of Jesus. It also illustrates the authority of the chief priests and the lengths they would go to suppress information that contradicted their beliefs.

Theologically, different Christian traditions interpret this verse within the broader narrative of God’s plan for salvation. The empty tomb is central to the Christian faith and it signifies the defeat of death and the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah.

Practical Applications

The practical applications of this passage could be understood in the context of personal integrity and courage.

The guards, despite experiencing something awe-inspiring and possibly terrifying, still went to report to the authorities.

This passage might encourage individuals to testify to the truth of their experiences, regardless of the consequences or opposition from those with power.

Additionally, for Christians, this passage could underscore the importance of faith in the resurrection and the call to spread the Christian message despite potential persecution.

Cross-References

• Matthew 27:62-66: The chief priests and Pharisees request a guard for Jesus’s tomb to prevent the disciples from stealing the body and claiming Jesus had risen.
• Matthew 28:2-4: An angel of the Lord descends to roll back the stone from Jesus's tomb, causing the guards to shake and become like dead men.
• Matthew 28:12-15: The chief priests bribe the soldiers to say that the disciples stole Jesus's body while they slept.

Language Study

In the original Greek, the word “watch” (κουστωδία, koustodia) refers to a watch or guard, emphasizing that these were official protectors responsible for the security of the tomb.

The term “shewed” (ἀπήγγειλαν, apēngeilan) means reported or declared, which indicates the formality and significance of their report to the chief priests.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The narrative of a deity dying and rising from the dead is found in various ancient myths and religious traditions, such as the stories of Osiris in Egyptian mythology or Dionysus in Greek mythology.

However, in the Christian tradition, the resurrection of Jesus is unique in that it is not cyclical or symbolic but a historical event with a once-for-all significance for human salvation.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, the resurrection is a supernatural event that doesn't conform to the natural laws as understood by science.

Skeptics would look for alternative explanations for the empty tomb and the guards' testimony.

The tendency to doubt extraordinary claims like the resurrection is consistent with the scientific requirement for empirical evidence and reproducibility.

Commentaries

Commentators offer various insights on this verse.

Some highlight the guards’ dilemma in facing authorities with a report that validates Jesus's prophecy.

Others focus on the chief priests’ reaction and the corruption it reveals in their attempt to suppress what they likely understood to be a potential crisis of faith for many Jews.

Still, others explore the possible fear and inner conflict of the guards, who experienced an inexplicable event, a perspective not as often discussed but present in the subtext of the narrative.