In this Easter Bible study lesson Jesus is laid in a borrowed tomb and guards are posted. Matthew 27:57-66 tells the story. This passage describes the time right after Jesus’ crucifixion when He was laid to rest in a borrowed tomb.
I can’t help but think of that line from a song: “from the cradle to the cross, from the cross to the grave, Lord I lift your name on high.” It captures so much of the study lesson for this post.
It’s a terrible time. The air is thick with sadness. But, as we read on, we see that the story doesn’t end here. Remember, Easter Sunday is just around the corner! The grave is not the end of the story; it’s the setup for something incredible. So, let’s cherish that hope as we look forward to Easter!
Easter Story – Joseph Loans Tomb for Jesus
When it was evening, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who himself had also become a disciple of Jesus.
This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then Pilate ordered it to be given to him.
And Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, and laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock; and he rolled a large stone against the entrance of the tomb and went away.
And Mary Magdalene was there, and the other Mary, sitting opposite the grave.
Now on the next day, the day after the preparation, the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered together with Pilate, and said, “Sir, we remember that when He was still alive that deceiver said, ‘After three days I am to rise again.’
Therefore, give orders for the grave to be made secure until the third day, otherwise His disciples may come and steal Him away and say to the people, ‘He has risen from the dead,’ and the last deception will be worse than the first.”
Pilate said to them, “You have a guard; go, make it as secure as you know how.”
And they went and made the grave secure, and along with the guard they set a seal on the stone. – Matthew 27:57-66 (NASB)
What Were The Pharisees Afraid Of?
First, let’s think about the Pharisees for a minute. They got what they wanted—right? But did they really? They had Jesus nailed to a cross, and they thought that was the end of it. But deep down, they were scared. Scared that He would rise, just like He promised. Even though His disciples had scattered and seemed nowhere to be found, the Pharisees still feared a risen Christ.
Power Extinguished!
Just think! If people discovered that Jesus was the true Messiah, they would lose much of their power. So, they insisted on placing a guard at the tomb. They covered all their bases–or so they thought! They didn’t want to leave anything to chance. Fear drove them, and they feared the worst.
How Did Jesus Escape the Grave?
Pharisees requested a guard. Why? Certainly not to keep people from getting in. No, it was to keep Jesus from getting out. When have you ever heard of guards being put in place to keep someone in a grave? Strange, but the Pharisees thought they had it all figured out. They figured Jesus couldn’t physically walk out of the tomb. And they believed that with a seal and a guard, there was no way His body could be stolen.
But here’s the thing: they totally underestimated the power of God. No rock can hold the Son of God! When Jesus arose, He wasn’t just another body; He had transformed into spirit. So all their efforts to keep Him contained failed.
A Question: Can We Keep Jesus in the Tomb?
After reading all this lesson, I can’t help but ask—do we sometimes try to keep Jesus hidden away, too? Think about it. Aren’t we doing something similar to what the Pharisees did when we fail to share our faith?
Let’s not keep the love of Christ a secret. He’s not in that tomb anymore; He’s a light to the world! It’s our job to let others know about His incredible love. Let’s invite someone we know to this year’s Easter services. It’s a simple step that could make a big difference in someone’s life. Let’s share the light!
Love in Christ
– Bob
If you would like to learn more about how to receive the love and life-changing experience of Jesus Christ, please take a moment to go here.