Matthew 27:62-66; Matthew 28:1-10

Matthew 27:62-66

62 The next day was the day after Preparation Day. The chief priests and the Pharisees went to Pilate.

63 "Sir," they said, "we remember something that liar said while he was still alive. He claimed, 'After three days I will rise again.'

64 So give the order to make the tomb secure until the third day. If you don't, his disciples might come and steal the body. Then they will tell the people that Jesus has been raised from the dead. This last lie will be worse than the first."

65 "Take some guards with you," Pilate answered. "Go. Make the tomb as secure as you can."

66 So they went and made the tomb secure. They put a seal on the stone and placed some guards on duty.

Matthew 28:1-10

1 The Sabbath day was now over. It was dawn on the first day of the week. Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb.

2 There was a powerful earthquake. An angel of the Lord came down from heaven. The angel went to the tomb. He rolled back the stone and sat on it.

3 His body shone like lightning. His clothes were as white as snow.

4 The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.

5 The angel said to the women, "Don't be afraid. I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified.

6 He is not here! He has risen, just as he said he would! Come and see the place where he was lying.

7 Go quickly! Tell his disciples, 'He has risen from the dead. He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.' Now I have told you."

8 So the women hurried away from the tomb. They were afraid, but they were filled with joy. They ran to tell the disciples.

9 Suddenly Jesus met them. "Greetings!" he said. They came to him, took hold of his feet and worshiped him.

10 Then Jesus said to them, "Don't be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee. There they will see me."