The wicked fanaticism of the Jews followed our Lord even after His death. We read: -" The chief priests and Pharisees came together unto Pilate saying, Sir, we remember that that deceiver said, while He was yet alive, After three days I will rise again. Command therefore that the sepulcher 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." (Matt. 27:62-64).
Pilate granted their request. A guard of Roman soldiers was detailed to watch the tomb, whilst the Jews with the authority of Pilate sealed the great stone, rolled against the mouth of the sepulcher. The next day being the Sabbath the sorrowing disciples rested according to the commandment. (Luke 23:56).