“The chief priests met with the elders and made their plan; they gave a large sum of money to the soldiers and said, “You are to say that his disciples came during the night and stole his body while you were asleep.”(Matt. 28:12-13 GNBUK)

In Matthew 28:12–13, we see what is referred to as a “cover-up” in today’s world, and the culture of the first century continually mirrors the challenges we face. And today, the following are practical examples of bribed silence and controlled narratives by the leaders:

(1) Post-Truth and Fake News Era.
Just as the chief priests paid to spread a false narrative, we live in an age of misinformation, particularly from places of authority, just to change the narratives to suit the selfish purposes of the leaders. Whether on social media or in public discourse, we see people buying into versions of reality that would suit their own agenda or comfort levels.

However, as believers, our commitment must be to the Truth, even when it is unpopular or inconvenient. We are called to be people of discernment who don’t just follow the loudest or most well-funded “report,” but we follow only the truth for the sake of the Gospel in all things. Because Jesus makes it clear in John 8:34  that:
“You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

(2) Danger of Protecting the Status Quo
The religious leaders of Jesus’ time were not necessarily evil people or doing any evil in their own eyes. To them, they were protecting their institution, their jobs, and their social order. They chose a lie because the truth (Jesus is King) demanded they change their lives and give up their power. And, the question for each of us as believers is: “Am I avoiding a spiritual or political truth because it might cost me my comfort?”

Today, Christians “bribe” their own consciences with excuses to avoid the radical change that Jesus asks of us. The change from following the crowd to following the Risen Christ, which often requires us to let go of our “status quo,” has become difficult for Christians because of position, relevance, and wealth. When Christians do this, they are actually crucifying Christ a second time.

(3) Integrity in the Face of Pressure
The guards in the account of Matthew 28:12-13 were in a tough spot. They were pressured by powerful authorities to lie to save their (authority’s) own skin. And the same continues to apply in our workplaces and social circles, with people facing “peer pressure” to compromise their values or “spin” the truth to fit in or get ahead. But as for us, as believers, we must choose integrity over self-preservation.

The guards took the money and the “protection” of the elders, but they lost their witness. In our careers, social circles, politics and relationships, the Believer must always remember that a “large sum of money” or a moment of social safety is never worth the cost of their integrity.

4. The Futility of Hiding from God:
The leaders tried to use money to hide a miracle. What do we find in modern-day life? Leaders have repeatedly used money to hide the truth of deprivation and hardship in society by bribing a few to change the narrative. But, just as the chief priest’s money could not hide from the whole world, the miracle of Jesus’ resurrection, no amount of money can hide the truth. And, the believers must be bold to speak the truth even when the world is shouting a lie. The miracle of the ’empty tomb’ cannot be hidden. Peace!

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I thank You for this day. I thank You for Your Word. Father, I ask for a spirit of discernment in all my interactions with people. I shall not be pressured into silence by the fear of man. By the power of God, my ears are closed to the enemy’s propaganda. Bribe and/or worldly comfort shall not cause me to compromise my witness in Christ, in Jesus name. Amen 🙏🏽 – The Rev. Hon. Justice Elizabeth Osinuga FNICArb, MICMC, MICArb