Matthew 28:1-15 is about the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the attempt by the religious leaders to cover up the truth by bribing the guards who witnessed the event.
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.”
11 While they were going, behold, some of the guard went into the city and told the chief priests all that had taken place.
12 And when they had assembled with the elders and taken counsel, they gave a sufficient sum of money to the soldiers
13 and said, “Tell people, ‘His disciples came by night and stole him away while we were asleep.’
14 And if this comes to the governor’s ears, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.”
15 So they took the money and did as they were directed. And this story has been spread among the Jews to this day.
Setting the Scene for Matthew 28:1-15
The scene in Matthew 28:1-15 takes place at the tomb of Jesus on the morning of the resurrection. Mary Magdalene and the other Mary arrive at the tomb to anoint Jesus’ body with spices, as was the custom at the time. The two women had been followers of Jesus during his ministry and had witnessed his crucifixion. They were deeply devoted to him and wanted to honor his body even in death.
As they approached the tomb, they were met with a violent earthquake, and an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, rolling back the stone that sealed the entrance to the tomb. The guards stationed there were struck with fear and became like dead men. The angel then spoke to the women, telling them not to be afraid, for Jesus had risen from the dead, just as he had said. He instructed them to go and tell the disciples that Jesus had been raised and would meet them in Galilee.
The women, filled with fear and great joy, ran to tell the disciples the incredible news. On their way, they encountered Jesus himself, who confirmed the angel’s message and instructed them to go and tell his followers to meet him in Galilee. This pivotal moment in the Bible marks the beginning of the resurrection story and the fulfillment of Jesus’ promise to rise again.
What is Matthew 28:1-15 about?
The guards’ dishonest response contrasts with the glorious truth of Jesus’ resurrection in this verse, Matthew 28:11-15. The resurrection of Jesus is a central tenet of the Christian faith, symbolizing victory over death and offering hope for eternal life. It is a miraculous event that showcases God’s power and fulfills His promises. The resurrection is a cornerstone of Christianity, demonstrating Jesus’ divinity and His role as the savior of humanity.
On the other hand, the guards’ report to the chief priests reveals the lengths to which some individuals will go to deny the truth. Despite witnessing the miraculous resurrection, the guards choose to accept a bribe and spread a false narrative. This deceit highlights the human tendency to choose dishonesty and self-interest over truth and integrity. It poses a challenge for believers to stand firm in their faith and uphold the truth, even in the face of opposition and persecution. We reflect on this verse, reminding us of the importance of staying steadfast in our beliefs, even when faced with skepticism or disbelief. We are encouraged to seek the truth, embrace the teachings of Jesus, and share His message of love and salvation with others. We are called to live lives that reflect His resurrection power and bear witness to His transformative love, just as Jesus conquered death and rose again. Let us hold fast to the truth of the resurrection, shaping our lives and guiding our actions.
Understanding what Matthew 28:1-15 really means
The passage in Matthew 28:1-15 unfolds the profound events that transpired following the resurrection of Jesus Christ, a pivotal moment in Christian faith. As we delve into the verses, we witness the significance of the empty tomb, with Mary Magdalene and the other Mary being the first to encounter its emptiness. Their presence underscores the crucial role women played in Jesus’ ministry, challenging societal norms of the time. The earthquake and the appearance of an angel rolling back the stone symbolize divine intervention, emphasizing the power and sovereignty of God, reminiscent of the earthquake at Jesus’ crucifixion.
The angel’s message to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said,” echoes the fulfillment of Jesus’ prophecy regarding His resurrection. This declaration not only reassures the women but also solidifies the trustworthiness of Jesus’ words, reinforcing the importance of faith and belief in His teachings. The subsequent encounter of the women with Jesus further validates the reality of His resurrection, as they worship Him, physically touching His feet, and acknowledging His divine presence.
However, the narrative takes a darker turn as the guards, bribed by the chief priests, spread false information about the disciples stealing Jesus’ body. This deceitful act highlights the lengths to which some would go to suppress the truth of the resurrection, mirroring the opposition faced by early Christians in proclaiming the Gospel. The guards’ report serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing battle between truth and deception, urging believers to uphold integrity and stand firm in the face of falsehood.
In today’s context, the resurrection account in Matthew 28:1-15 continues to hold profound relevance for individuals seeking faith and hope. Just as the resurrection brought hope to the early disciples, it serves as a beacon of assurance for Christians today, affirming that death is not the final destination. Stories of individuals finding strength and inspiration in the resurrection narrative, such as a cancer patient drawing comfort from the promise of eternal life, exemplify the enduring impact of this foundational belief.
The phrases within this passage, like “He has risen, just as he said,” and “Do not be afraid,” carry timeless truths and messages of trust in God’s promises and providence. They offer solace in times of fear and uncertainty, guiding believers to lean on the unwavering faithfulness of God. Ultimately, the resurrection account in Matthew 28:1-15 stands as a testament to God’s power, the fulfillment of prophecy, and the bedrock of Christian hope, calling believers to embrace a life marked by faith, integrity, and the unwavering assurance of eternal life.
What does it mean to have faith in resurrection?
Having faith in resurrection means believing in the power of new life after death. It requires trusting in the promise of resurrection that Jesus fulfilled through His own death and resurrection. This belief in resurrection transforms fear into hope, doubt into certainty, and death into life. It is an affirmation of the eternal life that comes from God’s love and grace, a life that is not bound by physical limitations but transcends into a spiritual reality. One acknowledges the victory of life over death, light over darkness, and good over evil by having faith in resurrection. It is a testament to the power of God to bring forth new beginnings and opportunities out of what may seem like an ending. Faith in resurrection brings comfort in times of loss and assurance in times of uncertainty, knowing that God is always at work, bringing about transformation and redemption. It inspires believers to live with hope and purpose, knowing that victory and joy await in the presence of the resurrected Lord.
Application
Let’s embody the spirit of renewal and rebirth, just like Jesus did when He rose from the dead. It’s time to step up and share this incredible message of redemption with those who need it. Our actions should be a beacon of light in a world filled with darkness, spreading love and hope to everyone we encounter. Will you seize this opportunity to be a messenger of hope today?
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.