The Cost of HUSH Money

In Matthew 28:11-15 , we witness one of the greatest cover-ups in history. After the resurrection of Jesus, the soldiers who had guarded His tomb were bribed with “a large sum of money” to lie. They were told to say His disciples came and stole the body while they slept. Scripture says, “This story has been widely circulated among the Jews to this very day.” (v. 15)

That lie didn’t just exist for a moment; it lived. It multiplied. It has shaped generations. It was hush money: truth silenced for convenience and control.

H.U.S.H. • H – Holding • U – Underhanded • S – Secrets • H – Hostage

Hush money holds truth hostage through underhanded and secret means. It isn’t just about money; it’s about silencing testimony, manipulating narratives, and preserving power. The lie about the resurrection still echoes today as there are people who still believe Jesus never rose, never conquered death, never offered salvation, because of that ancient payout. Here is the spiritual consequence? Some live in darkness because a lie was more convenient than the truth. This is a sobering reminder:

• Lies can last.

• Silence can spread.

• When truth is suppressed, generations may stumble.

But here’s the hope!  Though hush money tried to bury the truth, the resurrection power of Jesus still speaks louder. The lie spread, yes—but so did the truth. The empty tomb still cries out. The witnesses still speak. The Church still stands.

So, let’s ask ourselves:

1.     What parts of our story are still shaped by narratives that were never rooted in truth?

2.     Are there places in our hearts and minds where deception has been quietly at work,

shaping our choices and convictions?

3. Have we allowed convenience, comfort, or fear to muffle the truth God is trying to reveal to us?

Don’t let “hush money” keep you from the hope and power of the risen Christ.  What was meant to bury the truth could not stop the resurrection! The stone was rolled away! Hallelujah! Because it was rolled away from the tomb, it was rolled away from every place in your life where darkness tries to hide. You can walk out of that tomb and live in the freedom of a revealed Savior.  Hallelujah! Christ has risen!~Amen