Part 2: Roman soldiers stole Jesus’ body
When Jesus was taken off the cross and laid in a tomb, the entrance was sealed by a heavy stone. At the entrance of the tomb, Roman soldiers were stationed to make sure that no-one went in and Jesus didn’t come out. Some say, well maybe the Roman soldiers stole Jesus’ body! Well, let’s take a look at what the gospel writer Matthew has to say about the turn of events.
First off let’s look at how the Romans viewed Jesus … they HATED Him! They believed He was a trouble maker, a threat to their power.
Remember, just before Jesus is crucified, as was the tradition at Passover, Pilate gave the people opportunity to free someone. They could choose to release Barabbas who was a murderer, or Jesus who was one with whom they could find no fault. Who would you have chosen?
The people chose Barabbas; Barabbas was freed, and Jesus crucified. Why? Because the people were threatened by Him. Jesus was making claims that quite frankly made them jealous (see Matthew chapter 27 verse 18).
So fast forward, the Romans have got their way – Jesus is dead. The gospel writers tell us that Jesus is taken from the cross and laid in a tomb. Matthew tells us of an interaction that takes place the next day, between the leading priests and Pilate.
‘The next day, the day after Preparation Day, the leading priests and the Pharisees went to Pilate. They said, “Sir, we remember that while that liar was still alive he said, ‘After three days I will rise from the dead.’ So give the order for the tomb to be guarded closely till the third day. Otherwise, his followers might come and steal the body and tell people that he has risen from the dead. That lie would be even worse than the first one.”
Pilate said, “Take some soldiers and go guard the tomb the best way you know.” So they all went to the tomb and made it safe from thieves by sealing the stone in the entrance and putting soldiers there to guard it.’
The Bible – Matthew chapter 27 verses 62-66 (New Century Version)
Jesus had said He would rise from the dead. The Romans thinking that was impossible, thought the next likely scenario was of Jesus’ friends stealing His body to claim He was risen. So, here we are, there’s a heavy stone covering the grave entrance and the soldiers are on guard, determined that there was no chance anyone was getting anywhere close enough to steal the body of Jesus.
Now to give a little bit of historical context – if there was one thing the Romans were good at, it was knowing how to kill someone. The Roman soldiers knew that if they failed to do their job properly, they too would be executed. There was no way they were going to mess this job up!
Fast forward a few verses, the Sabbath is over and Mary and Mary are headed to the tomb to pay their final respects to Jesus, and Matthew writes:
‘At that time there was a strong earthquake. An angel of the Lord came down from heaven, went to the tomb, and rolled the stone away from the entrance. Then he sat on the stone. He was shining as bright as lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The soldiers guarding the tomb shook with fear because of the angel, and they became like dead men.’
The Bible – Matthew chapter 28 verses 2-4 (New Century Version)
And then Matthew explains that the angel said to the women that they were not going to find Jesus in the tomb – ‘He’s not here, because He has risen!’
Let’s turn our attention back to the Roman soldiers again for a moment. Matthew continues, explaining to us what the Soldiers did next. Matthew says:
‘While the women went to tell Jesus’ followers, some of the soldiers who had been guarding the tomb went into the city to tell the leading priests everything that had happened. Then the priests met with the elders and made a plan. They paid the soldiers a large amount of money and said to them, “Tell the people that Jesus’ followers came during the night and stole the body while you were asleep. If the governor hears about this, we will satisfy him and save you from trouble.” So the soldiers kept the money and did as they were told. And that story is still spread among the people even today.’
The Bible – Matthew chapter 28 verses 11-15 (New Century Version)
Considering this evidence, it must be asked that if the Romans had stolen Jesus’ body, why would they not just have brought His body out when rumours said they had stolen it? The Romans didn’t want people thinking that Jesus was alive, as this would have been a bigger issue for them..
Why did the Romans go to such efforts to forge a cover-up story if Jesus hadn’t really risen again? What do you think?
