MATTHEW 28:11-15
THE REPORT OF THE GUARD
INTRODUCTION
Matthew 28:11–15 narrates a striking contrast between truth and deceit in the aftermath of Christ’s Resurrection. While the women joyfully carry the message of the Risen Lord to the disciples, the guards—who witnessed the same divine event—rush to the chief priests to report what had happened. Instead of acknowledging the miraculous truth, the religious leaders devise a false narrative, bribing the soldiers to claim that Jesus’ disciples stole His body while they were asleep. This section thus exposes the hardness of heart among those who, despite overwhelming evidence, reject the truth of the Resurrection for the sake of preserving worldly power and reputation.
This passage highlights the beginning of the earliest attempts to suppress the Christian message—a deliberate distortion of truth that ironically confirms the reality of the Resurrection itself. By fabricating a lie, the enemies of Christ unwittingly bear witness to the empty tomb. Matthew’s Gospel includes this episode to defend the faith of the early Church against such accusations and to remind believers that truth will always face opposition. The Resurrection, though denied by many, stands as the unshakable foundation of Christian faith and the triumph of divine truth over human deceit.
Matthew 28:11 – “While they were going, some of the guard went into the city and told the chief priests all that had happened.”
After witnessing the miraculous events at the tomb—the earthquake, the angel descending, and the stone rolled away—the guards are struck with fear and confusion. Once they regain composure, some of them rush to Jerusalem to report everything to the Jewish chief priests. Their testimony, though coming from Roman soldiers and therefore credible in a public sense, becomes a powerful yet uncomfortable witness to the truth of Christ’s Resurrection. The verse shows how God uses even non-believers and those serving under Roman authority to testify to divine power.
Historical and Jewish Context
The Roman guards were placed at the tomb at the request of the Jewish leaders to prevent Jesus’ disciples from stealing His body (Matthew 27:62–66). Their primary duty was to maintain Roman order, and failure in duty could mean severe punishment—even death. That they reported directly to the chief priests instead of Pilate shows the religious leaders’ continued control of the situation. They feared that news of the Resurrection could undermine their authority and the Sanhedrin’s verdict against Jesus.
Catholic Theological Perspective
From a Catholic viewpoint, this moment reveals how divine truth pierces through all human efforts to suppress it. The guards’ witness prefigures the apostolic mission—testimony spreading beyond the Jewish world. It also highlights the contrast between the faithful women who proclaim the Resurrection with joy and the fearful guards who announce it in confusion. God allows the truth to be proclaimed even through the reluctant and unbelieving, emphasizing that His salvific plan cannot be silenced.
Parallels in Scripture
Key Terms
Catholic Liturgical Significance
This verse reminds the Church that truth must be proclaimed despite opposition. In the Easter liturgy, this passage contrasts the fear of those who reject the Resurrection with the courage of those who bear witness to it.
Conclusion
Matthew 28:11 sets the stage for the tension between truth and deception that unfolds in the following verses. Even those opposed to Jesus could not deny the supernatural events at the tomb. Yet, their report becomes an unintended proclamation of God’s victory over death. The Church sees in this a lesson: truth can be suppressed but never destroyed.
Reflection
When faced with truth that challenges our comfort, do we, like the guards, run to human authorities for security—or do we run to God in faith?
Prayer
Lord Jesus, open our hearts to recognize Your truth even when it unsettles us. Help us to bear witness to Your Resurrection fearlessly, so that our lives may proclaim Your victory over sin and death. Amen.
Matthew 28:12 – “They assembled with the elders and took counsel; then they gave a large sum of money to the soldiers.”
After hearing the guards’ testimony of the supernatural events at the tomb, the chief priests convene with the elders—the Sanhedrin—to devise a strategy to conceal the truth. Instead of allowing this miraculous report to lead them to repentance or faith, they choose deception once more. Their response reveals the hardness of heart and the desperate measures religious authorities took to maintain control. The giving of a large sum of money symbolizes not generosity but corruption—bribery used to distort divine truth.
Historical and Jewish Context
In Jewish custom, the Sanhedrin held the highest authority in religious and civic matters. Convening the elders meant that this was treated as a serious crisis, not merely a rumor. These leaders had earlier bribed Judas (Matthew 26:15) to betray Jesus, and now they repeat the same sinful act—paying soldiers to suppress the truth of His Resurrection. The “large sum of money” suggests both the gravity of the situation and the hypocrisy of those entrusted with guarding God’s law. The council feared that acknowledging Jesus’ Resurrection would expose their guilt in condemning an innocent man.
Catholic Theological Perspective
This verse unveils how sin blinds the heart and leads to further sin. Theologians see here the pattern of moral corruption: once one rejects divine truth, deceit and manipulation follow. The contrast is striking—those who should have rejoiced in the fulfillment of prophecy instead conspire against it. In Catholic theology, this is an example of obstinate sin and spiritual blindness, which can only be healed by grace. Yet, even their deceit ironically serves God’s plan: the attempt to hide the truth makes the Resurrection more credible, as it confirms that Jesus’ body truly vanished from the tomb.
Parallels in Scripture
Key Terms
Catholic Liturgical Significance
The Church reads this verse during Easter Week to contrast the falsehood of men with the faithfulness of God. The bribe becomes a symbol of humanity’s attempt to deny the Resurrection—a futility that highlights Christ’s victory over deceit and death.
Conclusion
Matthew 28:12 exposes how fear of losing power leads to moral downfall. The religious leaders, rather than acknowledging God’s glory, choose to buy silence and spread lies. But truth, rooted in the Resurrection, cannot be purchased or buried. Their counsel of deceit becomes a testimony to the light they sought to extinguish.
Reflection
How often do we, out of pride or fear, attempt to cover up truth instead of standing courageously for it? Are we willing to pay any price to preserve comfort, or to follow Christ who is the Truth?
Prayer
Lord Jesus, protect us from the temptation to manipulate truth for our own gain. May Your light expose every falsehood within and around us, and give us the courage to live in integrity, proclaiming Your Resurrection with faith and joy. Amen.
Matthew 28:13–“Telling them, ‘You are to say, “His disciples came by night and stole him while we were asleep.”’”
The deceit deepens as the chief priests instruct the guards to spread a false narrative. They command the soldiers to claim that the disciples stole Jesus’ body while they slept. This fabricated explanation was meant to discredit the Resurrection and protect the religious leaders from public outrage. The irony is striking—Roman soldiers admitting to sleeping on duty, a punishable offense, shows the absurdity of the lie. The verse reveals the desperate lengths to which human pride will go to conceal divine truth.
Historical and Jewish Context
In the Roman military, sleeping while on guard duty was a capital offense. Therefore, the priests’ suggestion placed the soldiers in grave personal danger. Yet, the large bribe and the promise of protection (as seen in the next verse) compelled them to comply. The Jewish authorities had previously feared that Jesus’ disciples might steal His body (Matthew 27:64); now they intentionally spread that very falsehood. This highlights the continuation of their unbelief, despite clear evidence of the miraculous. The manipulation of soldiers for deceit also shows the alliance between religious and worldly powers against God’s plan.
Catholic Theological Perspective
From a Catholic perspective, this verse illustrates how sin blinds human reason and leads to moral contradiction. Those who reject the light of Christ become entangled in lies that defy logic. The Catechism teaches that false witness and deceit are grave sins against the Eighth Commandment. In contrast, the Resurrection stands as the supreme revelation of truth (John 14:6). While human schemes attempt to obscure it, God’s truth shines even through the lies of His enemies. Their false story, spread to deny the Resurrection, becomes an indirect testimony to the empty tomb.
Parallels in Scripture
Key Terms
Catholic Liturgical Significance
This verse underscores the struggle between truth and falsehood present throughout Holy Week and Easter. The Church proclaims the truth of the empty tomb at every Mass, countering this ancient lie with the eternal proclamation: “The Lord is truly risen!”
Conclusion
Matthew 28:13 demonstrates how those opposed to Christ fabricate stories to suppress the truth. Their actions are not merely historical but symbolic of the ongoing rejection of divine truth in every age. Yet, the power of the Resurrection cannot be buried by lies—it transforms even falsehood into proof of God’s victory.
Reflection
Have we ever tried to rationalize away God’s work because it challenges our understanding or comfort? Do we sometimes cling to “safe” explanations rather than embrace the miraculous truth of Christ’s power?
Prayer
Risen Lord, deliver us from the darkness of deceit and unbelief. Strengthen our faith to accept Your truth even when it defies worldly reason. May our words and lives proclaim Your Resurrection with honesty and conviction. Amen.
Matthew 28:14 – “And if this gets to the ears of the governor, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.”
The chief priests not only bribe the soldiers to lie but also promise to protect them from the consequences of their false report. This verse exposes the extent of corruption within the religious leadership. They assure the guards that if Pilate—the Roman governor—hears of their supposed negligence, they will intervene on their behalf. Such a promise reveals their influence and willingness to manipulate both religious and political powers to sustain their fabricated version of events. Their statement is both a temptation and a threat, offering the soldiers security in exchange for silence and falsehood.
Historical and Jewish Context
Pilate, the Roman governor, had authorized the posting of guards at the tomb (Matthew 27:65–66). If the soldiers admitted that they had fallen asleep while on duty, they faced severe punishment, possibly execution. The religious leaders’ assurance of protection implies that they had political leverage, perhaps through bribery or negotiation with Roman officials. This verse also reflects the uneasy alliance between the Jewish authorities and Roman rule—two powers often at odds but here united in suppressing the truth of the Resurrection. The soldiers’ compliance highlights how fear and greed overpower conscience when faith is absent.
Catholic Theological Perspective
In Catholic theology, this verse represents the collaboration between worldly power and moral corruption. It mirrors how sin spreads—through complicity, fear, and deceit. The promise to “keep you out of trouble” is a symbol of false security offered by evil, contrasting sharply with the true peace Christ offers through His victory over death. The Church Fathers interpret this as a warning: human efforts to suppress divine truth always end in failure, for truth is safeguarded by God Himself. The deceitful promise of protection here is a perversion of the Gospel’s call to trust in God’s providence, not in the favor of corrupt leaders.
Parallels in Scripture
Key Terms
Catholic Liturgical Significance
During the Easter season, the Church emphasizes this verse to contrast the silence of false witnesses with the courage of true witnesses to the Resurrection. The bribe and the promise of safety stand opposed to the apostolic boldness that proclaims Christ fearlessly, even before rulers.
Conclusion
Matthew 28:14 shows the depth of the priests’ manipulation—they control the narrative, the money, and even the soldiers’ fate. Yet beneath their apparent power lies insecurity, for truth cannot be silenced forever. The verse reminds believers that worldly protection and deceitful alliances can never secure peace; only faith in the Risen Lord can.
Reflection
When confronted with moral challenges, do we rely on human assurances or God’s truth? Are we willing to face consequences for righteousness, or do we accept false comfort to avoid conflict?
Prayer
Lord Jesus, guard us from the temptation to seek safety in falsehood or compromise. Help us to trust in Your divine protection rather than the deceitful promises of the world. Strengthen our hearts to bear witness to Your truth with courage and integrity. Amen.
Matthew 28:15 – “So they took the money and did as they were instructed. And this story has circulated among the Jews to the present day.”
This verse concludes the episode of deceit by confirming that the soldiers accepted the bribe and spread the fabricated story. The chief priests’ plan succeeds temporarily in sowing confusion, but their deceit cannot suppress the truth of the Resurrection. Matthew notes that this false report—claiming that Jesus’ body was stolen—continued “to the present day,” meaning it was still known and believed among some Jews when the Gospel was written. The verse serves as both a historical record and a warning about how lies can persist when people reject the light of truth.
Historical and Jewish Context
The guards’ acceptance of the bribe reveals the vulnerability of those motivated by fear and greed. In Jewish and Roman law alike, bribery was condemned, yet corruption was common when power and survival were at stake. Matthew’s mention that this false story “has circulated among the Jews” shows that by the time of his Gospel (around A.D. 80–90), this explanation for the empty tomb remained the most common Jewish counterclaim to the Christian proclamation of the Resurrection. For the early Church, this was evidence of the continuing resistance of the religious establishment to acknowledge Jesus as the Messiah.
Catholic Theological Perspective
From a Catholic theological standpoint, this verse illustrates how falsehood can spread quickly and endure, yet it also demonstrates the indestructibility of divine truth. The Resurrection is a fact rooted in the witness of those transformed by Christ’s power—no human scheme can erase it. The persistence of the false story fulfills Jesus’ own prophecy that His followers would face disbelief and opposition (John 16:33). The Church Fathers often saw in this episode a spiritual lesson: that money, when used for evil, blinds the heart and perpetuates injustice. The Church stands as the living witness to the truth that overcomes every lie—the Resurrection proclaimed through faith, sacraments, and martyrdom.
Parallels in Scripture
Key Terms
Catholic Liturgical Significance
In the Easter octave, this verse contrasts the joyful proclamation of the Risen Lord with the persistence of worldly denial. While lies may circulate for a time, the Church’s Easter proclamation—“Christ is risen indeed!”—continues to resound through every generation, proving that truth outlasts falsehood.
Conclusion
Matthew 28:15 closes the account of “The Report of the Guard” by revealing both the futility and the persistence of deceit. The soldiers’ compliance and the priests’ bribery represent humanity’s attempt to control truth, yet the Resurrection remains unstoppable. The Church continues to bear witness that the empty tomb cannot be explained away by lies—it stands as the eternal sign of victory over sin and death.
Reflection
Falsehoods may spread, but truth endures. Do we sometimes compromise with untruths for comfort or gain, or do we live courageously in the light of Christ’s Resurrection?
Prayer
Risen Lord, strengthen our hearts to live in Your truth despite the lies of the world. Let no deceit or fear silence our testimony of Your Resurrection. May our lives reflect the eternal victory of truth over sin, and light over darkness. Amen.
CONCLUSION
Matthew 28:11–15 presents a sobering counterpoint to the glorious truth of the Resurrection. While heaven rejoices and the faithful proclaim, the enemies of truth conspire to conceal it. The priests and elders, who had already manipulated justice to condemn Jesus, now resort to bribery and deceit to suppress His victory over death. The Roman guards, witnesses to divine power, surrender to fear and greed, exchanging truth for money and security. This episode demonstrates that the light of the Resurrection exposes not only sin’s power but also humanity’s stubborn resistance to grace. Even in the face of undeniable evidence, hearts hardened by pride and self-interest prefer darkness to light.
Yet, this false report, intended to obscure Christ’s triumph, ironically becomes another witness to its reality. The very attempt to explain away the empty tomb confirms its emptiness. While lies may circulate “to this day,” the truth of the Resurrection continues to transform the world. The Church, standing on the testimony of those who saw the Risen Lord, remains a living refutation of this ancient deceit. Every Eucharistic celebration, every act of faith, and every word of the Gospel boldly proclaim what no bribe or fear can silence: Christ is truly risen, and He lives forever!
PRAYER
Risen Lord Jesus, You are the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Protect us from the blindness of pride and the temptation to compromise truth for comfort. May Your light dispel every shadow of deceit within and around us. Give us courage to bear witness to Your Resurrection with steadfast faith and joyful hearts. Let Your victory over sin and death strengthen our hope until we share fully in Your eternal glory. Amen.