1 Now after the Sabbath, toward the dawn of the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb.
2 And behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone and sat on it.
3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow.
4 And for fear of him the guards trembled and became like dead men.
5 But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified.
6 He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay.
7 Then go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and behold, he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him. See, I have told you.”
8 So they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples.
9 And behold, Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” And they came up and took hold of his feet and worshiped him.
10 Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me.”
Setting the Scene for Matthew 28:1-10
As the sun began to rise over the horizon, a group of women made their way through the quiet streets of Jerusalem towards the tomb where Jesus had been laid to rest. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome. They carried spices and ointments to anoint the body of Jesus, wanting to show their love and respect for their beloved teacher.
The women arrived at the tomb, still heavy with grief over the loss of Jesus. Suddenly, there was a great earthquake, and an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, his appearance like lightning and his clothing as white as snow. The guards stationed at the tomb were struck with fear and fell to the ground as if dead. The angel spoke to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay.”
Overwhelmed with a mixture of fear and joy, the women hurried away from the tomb to tell the disciples the incredible news. As they ran, suddenly Jesus met them and greeted them. They fell at his feet and worshiped him. Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me.” The women, filled with awe and wonder, rushed to deliver the message, their sorrow turned to joy at the miraculous resurrection of their beloved teacher.
What is Matthew 28:1-10 about?
We are called to delve deeper into the significance of the resurrection of Jesus and the angel’s message to the women at the tomb when reflecting on these profound events. The resurrection of Jesus signifies the triumph of life over death, hope over despair, and light over darkness. It serves as a powerful affirmation of the core Christian belief in the victory of good over evil. The resurrection also symbolizes the eternal nature of the soul, offering believers comfort and assurance that life does not end with physical death.
The angel’s message to the women at the tomb further underscores the transformative power of this event. The angel conveys the fulfillment of Jesus’ promises and the confirmation of his divine identity by proclaiming, “He is not here; he has risen, just as he said.” This message carries profound implications for our faith, inviting us to reflect on the trustworthiness of God’s word and the reliability of his promises. We encourage you to contemplate the enduring impact of the resurrection in your own life and embrace the hope and renewal it brings as you meditate on these encounters. What does the resurrection mean for you personally? How does the angel’s message speak to your own experiences of faith and transformation? Let us ponder these questions and let the resurrection of Jesus deepen our understanding of God’s unfailing love and grace.
Understanding what Matthew 28:1-10 really means
Structure for Commentary:
- Introduction to the Passage
- Key Phrases and Their Meanings
- Related Biblical Passages
- Relevance to Contemporary Life
- Anecdote for Practical Understanding
- Conclusion and Reflection
Commentary:
Introduction to the Passage:
This passage from Matthew 28:1-10 recounts the resurrection of Jesus Christ, an event that is central to the Christian faith. This momentous occasion is not just a historical event but a transformative experience that continues to impact believers today. Let’s identify the key elements of this passage and uncover its profound meanings.
Key Phrases and Their Meanings:
The phrase “He is not here; for he is risen” is the cornerstone of this passage. It declares the triumph of Jesus over death, underscoring the promise of eternal life. The angel’s message to the women, “Do not be afraid,” speaks to the assurance and peace that comes from faith in the resurrected Christ. The instruction to “go quickly and tell his disciples” emphasizes the urgency and importance of spreading the Good News.
Related Biblical Passages:
This passage finds resonance in other parts of the New Testament. For instance, 1 Corinthians 15:20 proclaims, “But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.” This reinforces the concept of resurrection as the foundation of Christian hope. Additionally, John 20:19-20 narrates Jesus appearing to His disciples, further validating His resurrection and the peace He brings. The message of Christ’s resurrection is a beacon of hope in today’s fast-paced and often tumultuous world. It reassures us that no matter how dire our circumstances might appear, there is always the promise of renewal and new beginnings. The call to “go quickly and tell” challenges us to actively share our faith and the hope it brings with those around us. John, a man who faced immense personal loss, felt his life had come to a standstill. Attending an Easter service, he heard the proclamation of Christ’s resurrection. Inspired by the message, John found the strength to rise from his despair and rebuild his life. Like John, we too can find hope and courage in the resurrection, even during our darkest times. Let us reflect on this passage and ponder the transformative power of the resurrection in our own lives. Are we living in the light of this truth? Are we sharing this hope with others? The resurrection is not just an event to be remembered; it’s a reality to be lived. We should embrace this truth with joy and urgency, knowing that Christ’s victory over death is also our victory. Matthew 28:1-10 is a powerful reminder of the hope and renewal that comes through faith in the risen Christ. It challenges us to live boldly and share this transformative message with the world. May we carry this hope in our hearts and let it guide our actions each day.
What does it mean to “go and tell”?
To “go and tell” refers to the command given by Jesus to the women who encountered Him at the tomb. He instructed them to spread the news of His resurrection to the disciples. This directive is a call to action, urging believers to share the good news of salvation and the reality of Jesus’ resurrection with others. It signifies the importance of evangelism and spreading the message of Jesus’ victory over death.
The phrase “go and tell” embodies the essence of the Great Commission, emphasizing the role of every believer in sharing the gospel and making disciples of all nations. It underscores the responsibility of each follower of Christ to be a witness and ambassador of His love and redemption. Believers participate in fulfilling the mission of spreading the Good News and advancing the Kingdom of God by going and telling others about the transformative power of Jesus’ resurrection. “Go and tell” reflects the urgency and significance of sharing the message of Christ’s resurrection and the hope it brings. It encourages believers to step out in faith, proclaiming the truth of the gospel to those around them. Christians continue the work initiated by Jesus by obeying this directive, spreading His love and truth to a world in need of salvation and reconciliation with God.
Application
Think about the excitement when you open a new project at work or celebrate a family milestone. Matthew 28:1-10 is like that—the women discovering the empty tomb and seeing the risen Lord. Take this moment to renew your commitment and share the incredible news of Christ’s resurrection. Just as you confidently tackle tasks and support loved ones, share His victory over death and spread His love. Will you stand up and bring hope to those who need it most?
Reverend Michael Johnson is an experienced Church Minister with a profound expertise in spirituality and guidance. With a serene presence and a compassionate heart, he has faithfully served his congregation for over 20 years, leading them on a spiritual journey towards inner peace and enlightenment. Reverend Johnson’s extensive knowledge of religious philosophies and profound understanding of human nature have made him a trusted confidant and mentor to many, as he seamlessly weaves his profound wisdom into life teachings. Reverend Johnson’s calming demeanor and empathetic nature continue to uplift and heal souls, nurturing a sense of unity and tranquility within his community.