When the chief priests had met with the elders and devised a plan — the Sanhedrin that had paid Judas to betray Jesus now pays soldiers to lie about his resurrection. The same coin that purchased the betrayal now purchases the cover-up. A large sum of money was given to the soldiers: the precise amount is not specified, but the contrast with the thirty silver coins paid to Judas is implicit. The resurrection evidence — the empty tomb, the angel, the paralyzed guards — is not examined or investigated; the institution that executed Jesus for claiming divine authority immediately moves to suppress the news that his claims have been vindicated. The large sum communicates both the urgency of the suppression and the magnitude of what they are attempting to hide.

COMMUNITY REFLECTIONS

Publish a note on this verse