Will you hide the unbelievable…
Matthew 27:62–28:6
There are moments in life that stop us in our tracks—moments so overwhelming, so unbelievable, that we don’t quite know what to do with them. Sometimes we dismiss them. Sometimes we lean in and take a closer look. The resurrection of Jesus is one of those moments. And according to Matthew’s Gospel, it leaves us with a choice that still stands today:
Will you hide the unbelievable… or behold the incredible?
Why the Burial of Jesus Matters
Before we even get to the empty tomb, Scripture slows us down at the burial. In 1 Corinthians 15, the Apostle Paul reminds us of what is “of first importance”: Christ died, was buried, was raised, and appeared. That second point—His burial—matters more than we often realize.
1. It proves Jesus truly died
Jesus’ body was handled, examined, wrapped, and buried. Multiple witnesses saw it. Roman authorities confirmed it. This wasn’t a mistake or illusion.
The resurrection only has power because the death was real.
2. It fulfills Scripture
Isaiah foretold it centuries before:
“He was assigned a grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death…” (Isaiah 53:9)
Even in death, Jesus is fulfilling God’s plan perfectly.
3. It means His salvation reaches the grave
In Scripture, the grave (Sheol) is described as a place of darkness, dread, and finality.
But Jesus didn’t just suffer on the cross—He entered the grave itself.
That means:
He has defeated death at its deepest level
There is no place His salvation cannot reach
Even the grave has lost its power
And even more personally: Our “old self” has been buried with Him (Romans 6:6)
Returning to a life of sin is like digging up what Christ has already buried.
Two Responses to the Resurrection
Matthew shows us two very different reactions.
1. Hiding the Unbelievable
The chief priests and Pharisees do everything they can to suppress the truth.
They:
Call Jesus a fraud
Secure the tomb with guards
Later bribe soldiers to spread lies
Ironically, the ones calling Jesus a deceiver are acting in deception.
But underneath it all is fear.
Not fear of the disciples…
Fear that Jesus might actually be who He said He is.
Because if Jesus is alive:
He has authority over us
He exposes our sin
He demands our allegiance
And that’s why many still prefer a “dead and buried” Jesus.
A dead Jesus is easier.
A risen Jesus changes everything.
Reflection Question:
In what ways might you be tempted to keep Jesus at a distance in your life?
2. Beholding the Incredible
In contrast, the women come to the tomb—not to explain things away, but to see.
And what they encounter is unforgettable.
“Behold…” — Look closely
Matthew uses a word that essentially means:
“Look at this! Pay attention!”
Behold #1: The Earthquake
An angel descends. The stone is rolled away.
Not to let Jesus out—
but to let us in.
Behold #2: The Guards
Strong Roman soldiers collapse in fear.
Human strength is powerless before the reality of God.
Behold #3: The Invitation
The angel says:
“Come, see the place where He lay.”
Christianity uniquely invites investigation.
It doesn’t fear questions—it welcomes them.
You are invited to:
Examine the evidence
Consider the claims
See for yourself
Behold #4: Jesus Himself
The women run—and suddenly, Jesus is there. Not dramatic. Not distant. Just: “Greetings.”
They fall at His feet. They touch Him. They worship Him. Fully human. Fully God. Alive.
Reflection Question:
What would it look like for you to truly “behold” Jesus this week—not just know about Him, but respond to Him?
Living in Light of the Resurrection
The resurrection isn’t just something to believe—it’s something to live from.
Because Jesus is risen:
Your sin is truly forgiven
Your old self is truly buried
Your future is truly secure
Your Savior is truly alive
And that leaves you with a choice:
Will you hide the unbelievable? Or Will you behold the incredible?
Weekly Practice
Try this simple rhythm throughout the week:
1. Read – Matthew 28:1–10
2. Reflect – What stands out to you?
3. Respond – Pray honestly about where you are with Jesus
4. Rejoice – Thank Him that He is alive