3. READ: MATTHEW 27:57-66 AND MATTHEW 28:1-15
a. How was the tomb of Jesus made secure?
Answer: The tomb where Jesus' body was laid was made secure by putting a seal on the stone (a big stone which was rolled in front of the entrance to the tomb--Matthew 27:60) and posting a guard, (Matthew 27:66).
A. T. Robertson (Word Pictures in the New Testament) says that the seal on the stone was probably a cord stretched across the stone and sealed at each end, and gives an example of Daniel 6:19: "A stone was brought and placed over the mouth of the den, and the king sealed it with his own signet ring and with the rings of his nobles, so that Daniel's situation might not be changed." As the Temple guard (controlled by the high priest) had no authority outside the Temple, the sealing was done in the presence of the Roman guards who were left in charge to protect this stamp of Roman authority and power. Trying to prevent theft and resurrection, they provided additional witness to the resurrection of Jesus.