MATTHEW GOSPEL: THE BRIBERY OF THE GUARDS

(Message by Tanny Keng)

0. Introduction

a) Matthew records nine special events that are not mentioned in any of the other Gospels. In each case, the most apparent reason for Matthew's choice has to do with his purpose in communicating the gospel to Jewish people. Five cases are fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies (marked with asterisks on the subject). The other four would have been of particular interest to the Jews of Matthew's day.

b) Here is one of the cases.

1. Subject

a) The bribery of the guards.

2. Scripture text: Matthew 28:11-15

i) ¹¹ Now while they were going, behold, some of the guard came into the city and reported to the chief priests all the things that had happened. ¹² When they had assembled with the elders and consulted together, they gave a large sum of money to the soldiers, ¹³ saying, “Tell them, ‘His disciples came at night and stole Him away while we slept.’ ¹⁴ And if this comes to the governor’s ears, we will appease him and make you secure.” ¹⁵ So they took the money and did as they were instructed; and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day. (Matthew 28:11-15 NKJV)

The End ...