Matthew 28:14
And if this come to the governor’s ears, we will persuade him, and secure you.
MATT 28:14
The priests’ plan extends to manipulating the governor to reinforce their lie. “We will persuade him” signals a strategic attempt to secure political protection, so the story stays contained. This scene reveals the interplay of religious and civil power and how both can collide with the truth claims of the gospel. It also shows the fear of political consequences—the desire to prevent unrest or a reversal of power structures.
The verse underscores that human institutions often attempt to suppress transformative events. Yet divine truth often continues to move despite such attempts. It sets up the tension between human power and God’s ongoing work in history, a theme that recurs in Acts and the early church’s experience under Roman rule.
Today, think about how institutions—government, media, or religious bodies—respond to disruptive truth. The question becomes: How do we respond when powerful voices resist or spin truths that challenge the status quo? Practical steps: cultivate humility in leadership, promote accountability, and create safe spaces for truth-telling. If you witness manipulation or cover-up, seek integrity and truth, engage respectfully with others, provide evidence-based responses, and avoid sensationalism. Encourage communities to pursue transparency even when it costs reputation or comfort.
Cross-References: Isaiah 54:14-17; Daniel 6:4-5; Romans 13:1-2; Acts 5:29; 1 Peter 2:15