Matthew 27: 62-66
The Guard at the Tomb
62 The next day, that is, after the day of Preparation, the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered before Pilate 63 and said, “Sir, we remember how that impostor said, while he was still alive, ‘After three days I will rise.’ 64 Therefore order the tomb to be made secure until the third day, lest his disciples go and steal him away and tell the people, ‘He has risen from the dead,’ and the last fraud will be worse than the first.” 65 Pilate said to them, “You have a guard of soldiers. Go, make it as secure as you can.” 66 So they went and made the tomb secure by sealing the stone and setting a guard.
“Go, make it as secure as you can" These were the words that came from Pilate following the death of Jesus. Jesus death didn’t keep them from being terrified. They were sure that Jesus disciples were going to steal away his body and make the prophecy appear to be true. Well, we know the full story which will be celebrated tomorrow. As we know the grave could not hold him, no fraud was perpetrated and the gates of hell shook at his resurrection.
A few years ago the movie Risen came out, the story of a Roman commander assigned the task of tracking down the people who stole Jesus body. As the story moves forward he learns of Jesus, meets his disciples and has a couple of encounters with the resurrected Jesus eventually leading to his salvation. This story has become one of my favourite Easter films. For those who seek him will find him. A man looking for a dead Jesus found a Jesus very much alive and in turn found life for himself. If you haven’t seen the movie I highly recommend it.
Lord, just like the soldier in the movie, let us be seekers of you and seekers of the truth as your truth sets us free. Lord, this is the day between when we recognized your agonizing death on the cross to your glorious resurrection, a day filled with solemn expectancy. We thank you again for taking the punishment we deserved and restoring our relationship with the father.