"Pilate said unto them, Ye have a watch: go your way, make it as sure as ye can. So they went, and made the sepulcher sure, sealing the stone, and setting a watch." (Matthew 27:65-66)
Pilate
had endured many strange experiences leading up to the crucifixion of
Christ. Both he and some close to him (v. 19) had wanted to release Him,
finding no fault in Him (v. 23). But, for political expediency, willing
to pacify the Jewish leaders and quell a potential riot, Pilate had
agreed to the execution. But once Christ was dead and in the grave,
Pilate's troubles did not end.
Perhaps
we are justified in reading a tone of sarcasm and impatience in
Pilate's words "make it as sure as you can." What is there to fear from a
dead man? Guard the tomb if you want. But just perhaps Pilate was
hounded by unexplained doubts; maybe a guard could prevent the bizarre
fears from becoming reality.
From
our perspective, however, we can see divine irony in these words. Satan
had seemingly won a great victory on the cross, for the Heir had been
slain. Thus, the one act which he had to prevent was that of the actual
resurrection, for all of Christ's message depended on His victory over
death.
Note
the limitation in the words "as sure as you can." How tightly sealed
and well-guarded must a tomb be to contain the Creator of all things? If
His purpose was to die and rise from the dead, would man's or Satan's
efforts be able to thwart it? "As sure as you can" was surely not sure
enough!
Today we know that the tomb's sealed entrance was breached, not so much to allow Him out, but to allow us to see inside. Satan's henchmen still deny the resurrection, but their efforts are just as futile as those who tried to keep Him inside. The fact remains, He left the tomb, triumphantly offering eternal life to all who believe!
Sing Praise To The Lord
Mark Chandler
