12: The Jewish counsel met once again to decide on a deceptive, though not very convincing, cover-up. They had to give the soldiers involved some money, and may have had to pay off the soldier’s superiors, and maybe even Pilate. This money may very well have come from the temple treasury, rather than their own pockets, which would have been yet another infringement of the law by these Jewish religious leaders.
13: Normally such a story would be the last thing these soldiers would want to report. Sleeping on the job could get them executed. This only serves to prove that this was a lie. How could it be believed that the disciples could break the seal, move the stone, and remove the body, all while the soldiers that were supposed to be guarding the tomb were fast asleep? They would have to be the laziest soldiers ever!
14: Although it is not clear whether any of this did come to the immediate attention of Pilate, the Jews were prepared to do whatever was necessary to cover the matter. They may have paid another bribe, made up more stories, or just asked the governor not to punish the soldiers.
Personal Journal Entry #12063
Prayer Journal Entry #12063
Daily Bible Reading: Deuteronomy 8:1-10:22
Praise Journal Entry #12024: Heavenly Father, thank You for rescuing us from a purely material life. Though we often fail and still get concerned over material things, it is good to know that there truly is more to life than money and possessions. Thank You for giving our lives value far beyond the things of this world. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise You, Amen.