Persuading the Governor - Matthew 28:14

Matthew the apostle wrote how the “Roman guard” went into the city of Jerusalem to meet with the “chief priests and elders of the Sanhedrin” to tell them about all that surrounded the “resurrection” of Jesus. Matthew continued, “when they were assembled with the elders, and had taken counsel, they gave large money unto the soldiers. Saying, Say you, His disciples came by night, and stole him away while we slept”, and in chapter twenty-eight and verse fourteen of his book, Matthew wrote how the chief priests told the guards, “if this come to the governor's ears, we will persuade him” where we read:

And if this come to the governor's ears, we will persuade him, and secure you.

The verse reads, “And if this come to the governor's ears, ...” Matthew began words, “and if this come” which means “and whether the news of the Roman guards being asleep and Jesus' disciples stealing His body is brought” “to the governor's ears” or “to the hearing of the leader guide, ruler, prefect, president, chief, general, commander and sovereign” which was Pilate the following would occur. Matthew shared how the “religious leaders” presented the chance that “Pilate” would hear about the failure of the “Roman guard” to keep Jesus' grave secure.

The verse continues “... we will persuade him, and secure you.” Matthew added the words, “we will persuade him” or “the chief priests and elders of the Sanhedrin would convince, pacify and conciliate the governor, “and secure you” which means “and make you free from anxiety and care”. Matthew shared how the “religious leaders” promised to “convince” the “governor” about the “Roman guard” so they could be “anxiety and care” free.

When we think through Matthew's words in this verse, we see quite the promise from these religious leaders. They knew the news of Jesus' grave being opened and Jesus' body missing would be a bad reflection upon the “Roman guard” who were charged to keep the “tomb of Jesus” secure. Therefore, the “high priests and elders” would vouch for them and convince the governor these events were not their fault. Not only did these “religious leaders” pay “hush money” to the “Roman guard”, but they also were going to “lie” on their behalf. Isn't the way of man, especially self-righteous man, interesting. Yet, these were the people Jesus came to “save”. Everyone has “sinned” and “come short of the glory of God” (See Romans 6:23), and all who connive, twist, wrangle and lie concerning their own “righteousness” are in need of a “Savior”. That “Savior” is Jesus, and when someone yields their life to Him in faith and trust, He will not only “save” them from themselves and their “wicked ways”, He will provide them with “everlasting life”.

Next time Matthew shares how the guards, “took the money, and did as they were taught”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".