How do we picture the guards who watched over... - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2024

And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat on it. His countenance was like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow. And the guards shook for fear of him, and became like dead men.
Matthew 28:2–4

How do we picture the guards who watched over Jesus’ tomb? At the crucifixion of Jesus, four soldiers and a centurion are mentioned. And in Acts we learn that “four squads of soldiers” guarded Peter in prison (John 19:23; Luke 23:47; Acts 12:4).

Thus, we can assume that there were also several soldiers guarding the rock tomb of Jesus. Roman guard units were extremely disciplined. Those on guard duty were on duty for four hours, while the others slept in a semicircle in front of it with their heads turned inward. Grave robbers would therefore have had to climb over those sleeping first. The tomb was secured around the clock.

At dawn on Easter Sunday, the earth suddenly shakes. An angel comes down from heaven, rolls away the stone and sits on it. The watchmen sink to the ground, scared to death. The angel removes the stone to open the already empty tomb. At the same time, the angel announces the glorious message to the women who had come to the tomb: “He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay” (ch. 28:6).

Jesus Christ, who suffered and died on the cross to redeem lost people from their sins, rose from the dead. This wonderful truth forms the core of the Christian faith. Jesus Christ is alive and He will come again soon, as He Himself has said, “Surely I am coming quickly” (Revelation 22:20).

Today’s reading: Deuteronomy 17:8-20 · Matthew 27:11-26