Matthew 28:11
Now when they were going, behold, some of the watch came into the city, and shewed unto the chief priests all the things that were done.
MATT 28:11
While the women depart with joy and the risen Jesus instructs them, the narrative shifts to the handling of the guards and the authorities. Watchmen report the extraordinary events to the chief priests. This transition shows how rapid an event can trigger political and social maneuvering. The chief priests’ response reveals a religious structure trying to preserve its status and avoid scandal. The juxtaposition highlights two rival sources of authority: the living God in Christ and the human systems seeking to maintain control. The tension also foreshadows the conflict between the gospel and entrenched power that will mark the early church.
The passage emphasizes human accountability and the attempted control of information. It also highlights the fragility of human power in the face of God’s redemptive action. The chief priests’ decision to report to the authorities reveals a common pattern: when confronted with truth that disrupts, people may resort to strategic narratives to minimize impact. Yet the resurrection cannot be contained by human scheming.
For readers today, this text invites honesty about how fear and reputation influence decisions. In workplaces, campuses, or social circles, truth-telling may be compromised to protect status or avoid conflict. Practical wisdom: cultivate integrity in sharing what God has done, even when it risks discomfort. Build a habit of presenting the gospel honestly, avoid spin, and seek to discern when to speak and when to listen. Engage respectfully with concerns and questions about faith rather than forcing answers. Pray for courage to tell the truth with grace, understanding that God can work through imperfect human channels to accomplish his purposes.
Cross-References: Proverbs 21:28; 1 Samuel 2:3; Romans 3:5-6; 1 Corinthians 4:5; 2 Corinthians 4:2