THEY SET A WATCH!

THEY SET A WATCH!

Matt 27:62-28:8

62 Now the next day, that followed the day of the preparation, the chief priests and Pharisees came together unto Pilate,

63 Saying, Sir, we remember that that deceiver said, while he was yet alive, After three days I will rise again.

64 Command therefore that the sepulchre be made sure until the third day, lest his disciples come by night, and steal him away, and say unto the people, He is risen from the dead: so the last error shall be worse than the first.

65 Pilate said unto them, Ye have a watch: go your way, make it as sure as ye can.

66 So they went, and made the sepulchre sure, sealing the stone, and setting a watch.

28 In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre.

2 And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it.

3 His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow:

4 And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men.

5 And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified.

6 He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.

7 And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you.

8 And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word.

          It is amazing that a group of unbelievers would remember and believe that Jesus promised to raise from the dead while his own followers either forgot or doubted. The unbelievers got it right. He said: “Destroy this temple and after three days I will raise it up again.” (John 2:19)

          “Ye have a watch!” There is some small confusion as to whether Pilate was referring to the Temple guards already available or that he was going to assign Roman guards as either replacements or to augment them. If the guards were Roman, the claim that they had fallen asleep was a serious dereliction of duty that could have cost them their lives. If the Temple guards had fallen asleep there would have been a less severe punishment. Either way, the guards were quite surprised to see the glowing white angel of the Lord. Matthew 28:12 uses the word “soldiers” and seems to indicate Roman soldiers. They gave them money and promised to persuade the governor and to “secure” them.

Matt 28:12-15

12 And when they were assembled with the elders, and had taken counsel, they gave large money unto the soldiers,

13 Saying, Say ye, His disciples came by night, and stole him away while we slept.

14 And if this come to the governor's ears, we will persuade him, and secure you.

15 So they took the money, and did as they were taught: and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day.

          Such elaborate schemes are always needed to keep the truth buried – but Jesus would not remain in the grave. Neither the tomb nor the heavy stone, nor the soldiers could keep him in the grave.

He Arose!

1.       Low in the grave he lay, Jesus my Savior,

          waiting the coming day, Jesus my Lord!

Refrain:

 

          Up from the grave he arose;

          with a mighty triumph o'er his foes;

          he arose a victor from the dark domain,

          and he lives forever, with his saints to reign.

          He arose! He arose! Hallelujah! Christ arose!

2.       Vainly they watch his bed, Jesus my Savior,

          vainly they seal the dead, Jesus my Lord!

          (Refrain)

3.       Death cannot keep its prey, Jesus my Savior;

          he tore the bars away, Jesus my Lord!

          (Refrain)

Dear Lord, thank you for Calvary and thank you for the empty tomb. AMEN