A Tomb Sealed, But Not the End (Matthew 27:57–66)
After Jesus died on the cross, many people may have thought His story was over. But in Matthew 27:57–66, we see that even in death, something important was happening. This part of the story sets the stage for the greatest surprise in history.
A Brave Man Named Joseph
A man named Joseph of Arimathea stepped forward after Jesus died. He was a wealthy man and a follower of Jesus, though he had kept it quiet before. Now, with courage, he went to Pilate, the Roman governor, and asked for Jesus’ body.
This was a bold move. Associating with someone who had just been executed as a criminal could be risky. But Joseph loved and respected Jesus and wanted to give Him a proper burial.
Pilate agreed, and Joseph carefully wrapped Jesus’ body in a clean linen cloth and laid Him in his own new tomb, carved out of rock. Then he rolled a large stone in front of the entrance.
A Guard at the Tomb
The next day, the religious leaders went to Pilate with a concern. They remembered that Jesus had said He would rise from the dead after three days. They were worried that His disciples might try to steal the body and then claim He had risen.
So they asked Pilate to secure the tomb. Pilate told them, “Take a guard… make it as secure as you know how.”
They sealed the stone and placed soldiers at the entrance to guard it. They did everything they could to make sure Jesus stayed in that tomb.
What This Tells Us
This passage may seem quiet compared to the dramatic events of the crucifixion, but it’s very important. It shows that Jesus was truly dead and buried. It also shows how the authorities tried to stop any chance of a resurrection claim.
They sealed the tomb and set guards to make sure nothing could happen.
But as we know, God’s plan can’t be stopped by stones, seals, or soldiers. What they thought was the end was only the beginning.
Final Thought
Matthew 27:57–66 reminds us that even when things look hopeless or finished, God is still at work. Sometimes the silence between Good Friday and Easter Sunday feels like a long wait—but the best part of the story is just around the corner.
The tomb was sealed, the guards were posted, and the world thought it was over.
But heaven knew a miracle was coming.
Matthew 27:57-66 (WEB)
27:57 When evening had come, a rich man from Arimathaea named Joseph, who himself was also Jesus’ disciple, came. 58 This man went to Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body. Then Pilate commanded the body to be given up. 59 Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a clean linen cloth 60 and laid it in his own new tomb, which he had cut out in the rock. Then he rolled a large stone against the door of the tomb, and departed. 61 Mary Magdalene was there, and the other Mary, sitting opposite the tomb.62 Now on the next day, which was the day after the Preparation Day, the chief priests and the Pharisees were gathered together to Pilate, 63 saying, “Sir, we remember what that deceiver said while he was still alive: ‘After three days I will rise again.’ 64 Command therefore that the tomb be made secure until the third day, lest perhaps his disciples come at night and steal him away, and tell the people, ‘He is risen from the dead;’ and the last deception will be worse than the first.”65 Pilate said to them, “You have a guard. Go, make it as secure as you can.” 66 So they went with the guard and made the tomb secure, sealing the stone.