The Report of the Guards is an event recorded in the Gospel of Matthew, specifically in Matthew 28:11-15. This passage details the aftermath of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, focusing on the actions and reactions of the Roman guards who were stationed at Jesus' tomb.

Context and Background

Following the crucifixion of Jesus, the chief priests and Pharisees, concerned about Jesus' prophecy that He would rise on the third day, requested that Pilate secure the tomb. Pilate granted them a guard of soldiers to seal and watch the tomb (Matthew 27:62-66). Despite these precautions, Jesus rose from the dead on the third day, an event witnessed by the guards who were present at the tomb.

The Event

Matthew 28:2-4 describes a great earthquake and the appearance of an angel of the Lord, whose presence caused the guards to tremble and become like dead men. After the resurrection, some of the guards went into the city to report to the chief priests everything that had happened (Matthew 28:11).

The Bribery and Cover-Up

Upon hearing the report from the guards, the chief priests convened with the elders and devised a plan to suppress the truth of the resurrection. They gave the soldiers a large sum of money, instructing them to say, "His disciples came by night and stole Him away while we were asleep" (Matthew 28:13). The religious leaders assured the guards that if the governor heard of this, they would satisfy him and keep the soldiers out of trouble (Matthew 28:14).

The Spread of the False Report

The soldiers took the money and did as they were instructed. As a result, the false report that Jesus' body had been stolen by His disciples while the guards slept was widely circulated among the Jews and persisted for some time (Matthew 28:15).

Theological Implications

The Report of the Guards highlights the lengths to which the religious leaders went to deny the resurrection of Jesus, despite the miraculous evidence. This event underscores the fulfillment of Jesus' prophecy about His resurrection and the opposition He faced from the religious authorities. The guards' report and the subsequent cover-up attempt serve as a testament to the truth of the resurrection, as even those who were tasked with preventing any tampering with the tomb could not deny the supernatural events they witnessed.

Significance in Christian Doctrine

For Christians, the resurrection of Jesus is a cornerstone of faith, affirming His victory over sin and death. The account of the guards and the attempted cover-up by the religious leaders further validates the historical reality of the resurrection. It also illustrates the spiritual blindness and hardness of heart that can lead individuals to reject the truth, even when confronted with undeniable evidence. This passage encourages believers to stand firm in their faith, knowing that the truth of the resurrection is supported by both divine revelation and historical testimony.