The answer is: Set a guard to watch

Matt 27:65-66

After Jesus was crucified, there was a frenzy among the religious leaders in Jerusalem to ensure that His body remained in the tomb. These leaders were not just hoping to seal the tomb with a hefty stone; they wanted to reinforce their stone fortress with some serious muscle. Enter the guards! Pilate issued a command for a group of soldiers to stand watch, elevating this case of preventing a so-called grave robbery to a high-security situation.

These guards weren't like the friendly neighborhood watch. They represented the might of Roman power and were trained warriors. Historically, tombs were vulnerable places, and the thought was that if Jesus’ disciples could somehow steal the body and claim He had risen from the dead, it would stir up quite the dilemma! It’s fascinating to think about how significant the guards were. Their very presence validated the fear of Jesus’ threat to the status quo.

Moreover, it’s a tremendous echo of Old Testament themes of protection — like the angel guarding the Garden of Eden or the watchful presence of God described in Psalm 121, where He neither slumbers nor sleeps. Ironically, the guards witnessed events that would rather transform them than protect against a theft; eventually, they became essential characters in an incredible narrative of resurrection! So while they stood in place with intent, little did they know they were witnessing history’s transformative moment first-hand.