*Matthew 28:8-15
After finding the tomb empty, the women are told by Jesus to instruct the disciples to go to Galilee where they will see him.
- The Women’s Joyful Departure:
- After the angel tells the women about Jesus’ resurrection and instructs them to inform the disciples, they leave the tomb quickly, filled with joy and fear, eager to deliver the message.
- Jesus Appears to the Women:
- As they are on their way, Jesus meets them and greets them. The women approach, grasp His feet, and worship Him.
- Jesus reassures them, telling them not to be afraid and to go and tell His brothers to go to Galilee, where they will see Him.
- The Report of the Guard:
- Meanwhile, some of the guards who had been at the tomb go into the city and report to the chief priests all that had happened.
- The chief priests convene with the elders to devise a plan, deciding to bribe the soldiers with a large sum of money.
- The Bribery and Spread of False Information:
- They instruct the soldiers to say that Jesus’ disciples came during the night and stole His body while they were asleep.
- They assure the soldiers that if the governor hears about their failure to guard the tomb, they will satisfy him and keep the soldiers out of trouble.
- The soldiers take the money and spread the story as instructed, which continues to circulate among the Jews to the day of the writing.
28:8 And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word.
28:9 And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him.
28:10 Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me.
28:11 Now when they were going, behold, some of the watch came into the city, and shewed unto the chief priests all the things that were done.
28:12 And when they were assembled with the elders, and had taken counsel, they gave large money unto the soldiers, 28:13 Saying, Say ye, His disciples came by night, and stole him away while we slept.
28:14 And if this come to the governor’s ears, we will persuade him, and secure you.
28:15 So they took the money, and did as they were taught: and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day.