Definition: Command therefore that the sepulchre be made sure until the third day, lest his disciples come by night, and steal him away, and say unto the people, He is risen from the dead: so the last error shall be worse than the first.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Matthew 27:64. It’s a really significant passage that speaks about Jesus’ resurrection. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that Jesus’ death was not the final end – it’s not going to be forgotten. It's instructing the authorities (the disciples) to keep watch over the empty tomb until a specific time, and they shouldn't give up on this. Let’s break it down word by word: “Command therefore that…” - This is a very direct instruction from Jesus. He’s giving a clear command. “…the sepulchre be made sure…” – This means the tomb needs to be guarded and secured. It's crucial that it isn't left unguarded. “…until the third day…” – This is the key part. “The third day” refers to the 3rd day after Jesus’ death on Good Friday. It's a specific, timed deadline. “…lest his disciples come by night, and steal him away, and say unto the people, He is risen from the dead:” – This is where the message gets really powerful. It says that if the authorities don't keep watch, they could try to discredit it by saying Jesus has risen. They could twist it and claim he’s not truly dead. They would then try to deceive people about his resurrection. “…and so the last error shall be worse than the first.” – This is a really dramatic statement. It means that if the authorities fail to keep watch, their attempt to downplay or deny the resurrection will be even more damaging and unsettling than the original event of Jesus’ death. It implies a terrible consequence for those who try to diminish it. What does this mean in a big picture sense? This verse is about the power of doubt and deception. It's warning against trying to silence or minimize the significance of Jesus’ resurrection. It’s a message of hope – that even after death, his resurrection will ultimately triumph over evil and confusion. Why is this important? It shows the importance of vigilance: Jesus entrusted his followers with guarding his tomb, and he wants us to do the same. It’s a reminder of the potential for betrayal: It warns against attempts to discredit or deny the truth of Jesus' resurrection. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Give you some examples of how this verse has been interpreted throughout history? Talk about the context of this passage within the New Testament?