The answer is: The disciples stole him

Matt 28:11-5

In the Gospel of Matthew, after the resurrection, we encounter a dramatic moment where guards, terrified by an angelic appearance, find themselves holding the weight of a highly supernatural event. The soldiers were tasked with witnessing the incredible transformation of the stone being rolled away and Jesus not being in the tomb. Instead of reporting this miracle, they were bribed to spread a false narrative—that the disciples had stolen Jesus’ body.

This play of deceptions isn’t uncommon in ancient stories. Intriguingly, the cover-up reflects the lengths to which some will go to maintain power or control. Historical authorities fear any narrative destabilizing their positions. In the case of these guards, they manufactured a lie which ironically becomes an enduring part of the resurrection story.

It's fascinating to think about the profound implications of the resurrection in bid for power dynamics, both socially and theologically. It echoes back to various turn-of-events seen in historical recordings, like the failed embalmings or the very seals of tombs, which were used signifying authority in burial practices.

Moreover, consider this intriguing comparison in the Roman tradition: they had stories of rising gods, a concept not entirely foreign to the early context of the Gospel. It showcases how new narratives were creating a spiritually rich tableau amidst existing traditions. Such links deepen the understanding of early Christianity against the backdrop of the ancient world, inviting us to contemplate the fluid journey of truth amid worry and societal recalibration. ✨