Matthew 27:64
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.
Matthew 27:64
In the immediate aftermath of Jesus’ crucifixion, the authorities faced the troubling prospect of a posthumous claim about a resurrected Messiah. They feared that Jesus’ followers might steal the body and then proclaim a resurrection, thereby persuading more people to believe and potentially inciting further unrest. The request to seal the tomb and guard it reflects a tangible distrust of Jesus’ claims and a political-religious safeguard against any “last error” that could compound the initial betrayal and execution. The language—“the last error shall be worse than the first”—betrays a pivot from moral concern to political calculation: avoid a future crisis by ensuring an uncontested end to Jesus’ story. The scene also underscores the stark contrast between a tomb sealed by human hands and the unseen work of God that would soon undermine human fears. Culturally, tombs were closed with stone and guarded to deter theft or grave robbing; here, the authorities treat the rumor of resurrection as a real threat worthy of formal precautions.
This verse foreshadows the unstoppable power of God over human schemes. Despite human measures to suppress Jesus’ life and message, God’s plan cannot be contained by a sealed tomb or a Roman guard. The “last error” phrase highlights a human tendency to seek control by external security rather than surrender to God’s sovereignty. It also sets up the miraculous paradox: the authorities’ attempt to prevent a resurrection becomes a backdrop for God’s decisive act. The narrative contrasts human fear with divine purpose: the first “error” was crucifixion; the second would be a failed attempt to erase Jesus’ impact. In the broader arc, it invites readers to trust that God’s purposes persist beyond political power, religious elites, or cultural fear.
We, too, are tempted to seal off inconvenient truths or silencing rumors with our own “watch” and “seal.” When facing change, decline, or rumors about Jesus that challenge our comfort, we can choose to seek external security (control, regulations, status) rather than surrender to God’s ongoing work. The practical takeaway: lean into truth even when it’s uncomfortable. If you’re worried about a relationship, a work scenario, or a spiritual doubt, bring it into the light—write it down, discuss with a trusted friend or mentor, and invite God to reveal what He’s doing beyond our safeguards. The tomb being guarded reminds us that human defenses eventually fail; God’s guidance endures. Live with a posture that seeks fidelity to Jesus’ message, not merely the appearance of security.
Cross-References: Matthew 27:65–66; Isaiah 55:11; Jeremiah 32:17; John 2:19–22; Acts 5:38–39