Matthew 28:11 in the King James Version (KJV) reads: "Now when they were going, behold, some of the watch came into the city, and shewed unto the chief priests all the things that were done." This verse is a part of the larger passage that describes the events that occurred immediately after the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This particular verse comes after the encounter of the women with the angel at the tomb and the Great Commission given by Jesus to his disciples.

In order to understand the full meaning and significance of this verse, it is important to examine the context in which it is situated. The entire chapter of Matthew 28 focuses on the resurrection of Jesus and the events surrounding it. This chapter begins with the visit of the women to the tomb and their encounter with the angel who announces the resurrection of Jesus. The women are then instructed to go and tell the disciples that Jesus has risen, and they encounter Jesus himself on their way. Jesus then instructs the disciples to go and make disciples of all nations, a commandment that is known as the Great Commission. It is in the midst of this momentous occasion that the verse in question takes place.

The verse describes the reaction of the guards who were stationed at the tomb to the events of the resurrection. These guards were placed by the chief priests and the Pharisees to ensure that Jesus' body remained in the tomb and that his disciples did not steal it. However, when they witnessed the angel descending from heaven and the stone being rolled away from the tomb, they were filled with fear and became as dead men. It is these same guards who then went to the chief priests to report all that had happened.

The significance of this verse lies in the contrast between the disbelief and fear of the guards and the faith and joy of the women and the disciples. While the guards, who were supposed to ensure the security of the tomb, were shaken and terrified by the supernatural events they witnessed, the followers of Jesus were filled with awe and joy at the reality of his resurrection. This serves as a powerful testimony to the truth of the resurrection and the divine power at work in the events surrounding it.

Furthermore, this verse also serves to highlight the opposition and disbelief that Jesus faced from the religious leaders of his time. Despite the overwhelming evidence of his resurrection, the chief priests and the Pharisees were not convinced and instead, they sought to cover up the truth by bribing the guards to spread a false account of what had occurred. This further emphasizes the spiritual blindness and hardness of heart that had taken hold of those who were supposed to be the religious authorities of the day.

Symbolically, this verse can be seen as a representation of the contrast between the darkness and despair of unbelief and the light and hope of faith in the midst of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It also serves as a reminder of the spiritual battle that takes place between the forces of darkness and the power of God, and the ultimate victory that is achieved through the resurrection.

In conclusion, Matthew 28:11 is a verse that holds deep meaning and significance within the larger narrative of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It serves as a testament to the truth of the resurrection, the contrast between belief and unbelief, and the spiritual warfare that encompasses the events surrounding this pivotal moment in history. It is a verse that encourages believers to hold fast to their faith in the face of opposition and to rejoice in the victory that has been achieved through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.