The answer is: The disciples stole him

Matt 28:11-5

In the Gospel of Matthew, we come across a poignant twist to the Resurrection story that reveals early tension between conflicting narratives. After Jesus is resurrected, the Roman guards, overwhelmed by their experience at the empty tomb, are instructed by the chief priests to spread the story that Jesus' disciples came and stole His body while they were sleeping. It’s interesting to note that this man-made explanation served the powerful elite of the time, worried about the upheaval that His resurrection heralded.

This idea ties into a prevalent theme in the Gospels—doubt and misunderstanding result in warped perspectives. Throughout the New Testament, stories of doubt frequently spotlight moments where belief falters. In the case of the soldiers, their prescriptive story attempted to discredit the miraculous phenomenon unfolding before them.

Matthew's account is unique, presenting the Great Commission shortly after, emphasizing the directive from Jesus to His disciples. He charged them to spread the good news, contrasting purpose against the soldiers’ misrepresentation of events. One fascinating piece of trivia: the story also echoes the earlier tales of Israel’s escape, where pharaoh’s granted narratives reflected the malfeasance and fear of losing power. Moreover, the notion of guarding a tomb gave rise to fears that captured the contrast between temporary authority and the everlasting message of hope. Thus, these guileful incidents provoke deeper contemplation around truth’s journey amid skepticism.