Matthew 28:11-15
The guards are paid to spread a lie, but the empty tomb remains a witness to the risen King.
11 Now while they were going, behold, some of the guards came into the city, and told the chief priests all the things that had happened.
12 When they were assembled with the elders, and had taken counsel, they gave a large amount of silver to the soldiers,
13 saying, “Say that his disciples came by night, and stole him away while we slept.
14 If this comes to the governor’s ears, we will persuade him and make you free of worry.”
15 So they took the money and did as they were told. This saying was spread abroad among the Jews, and continues until today.
The guards are paid to spread a lie, but the empty tomb remains a witness to the risen King.
Matthew shows that the resurrection witness was immediately opposed by a bribed false report, even as that opposition unintentionally confirms the guarded tomb and empty place.
The scene occurs after the women leave the tomb to announce the resurrection. Some of the guards go into the city and report the events to the chief priests.
The Resurrection of Jesus and the Great Commission of the Risen King
The crucified Jesus has risen just as he said, possesses all authority in heaven and on earth, receives worship, sends his disciples to make disciples of all nations, and promises his abiding presence until the end of the age.