Matthew 27:63-64

[63] Saying, Sir, that that deceiver said, while he was yet alive, After three days I will rise again. [64] Command therefore that the sepulchre be made sure until the third day, his disciples come him away, and say unto the people, He is risen from the dead: so the last error worse than the first.

What is the context of Matthew 27:63-64?

What does Matthew 27:63-64 Mean?

Contextual Meaning

Jesus was in the tomb only about36 hours, but because these hours included parts of three days the Jews viewed the period as three days long (cf. Matthew 12:40). The fact that Jesus" prediction of His resurrection had reached the ears of these men reflects badly on the disciples" lack of faith. They should have understood and believed that Jesus would arise since knowledge of His prediction of this event was so widespread. These Sanhedrin members did not believe Jesus would rise. They wanted to guard against any plot that His disciples might concoct alleging that He arose. The Jews needed Pilate"s approval for any military action.

Jesus" first "deception" from their viewpoint was His messiahship, and His last (second) was His claim that He would rise from the dead. The chief priests and Pharisees wanted to protect the people from deception. Matthew viewed their action as self-deception designed to deceive others. They had formerly accused Jesus of being a deceiver ( Matthew 26:4).