Matthew 28:1-5 is about the women going to the tomb of Jesus and being met by an angel who proclaims the resurrection of Jesus, symbolizing the fulfillment of God’s promise, the victory over death, and the hope of eternal life for believers.
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.
Setting the Scene for Matthew 28:1-5
The scene in Matthew 28:1-5 takes place at the tomb of Jesus on the morning of the resurrection. Mary Magdalene and the other Mary, who were followers of Jesus, had come to the tomb to anoint Jesus’ body with spices. As they approached the tomb, there was a great earthquake, and an angel of the Lord descended from heaven. The angel rolled back the stone that was covering the entrance to the tomb and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing was as white as snow.
The guards who were stationed at the tomb were so afraid of the angel that they shook and became like dead men. The women, however, were told by the angel not to be afraid, for he knew they were looking for Jesus who had been crucified. The angel then delivered the incredible news that Jesus was not there, for He had risen from the dead, just as He had said. The women were instructed to go quickly and tell the disciples that Jesus had been raised from the dead and that He would meet them in Galilee. The scene is filled with awe, fear, and the miraculous power of God as the reality of Jesus’ resurrection begins to unfold.
What is Matthew 28:1-5 about?
Imagine the overwhelming emotions the women must have felt as they approached the tomb where Jesus had been laid to rest, only to find it empty. Confusion, disbelief, fear, and hope all swirling within them. And then, encountering an angel who proclaims the astonishing news of Jesus’ resurrection – what a moment of awe and mystery that must have been!
This verse captures the pivotal moment in Christian faith – the resurrection of Jesus. It is a powerful reminder of the miraculous nature of Jesus’ victory over death and the fulfillment of the prophesies foretold. The women’s encounter with the angel serves as a message of hope, confirming that Jesus is indeed the Son of God who conquered the grave. It invites us to reflect on our own beliefs, encouraging us to embrace the enduring message of love, redemption, and eternal life that Jesus’ resurrection represents. Let us consider how Jesus’ resurrection profoundly impacts our own lives as we ponder this verse. How does this miraculous event shape our faith, our perspectives, and our actions? How can we embody the message of resurrection in our daily lives, spreading hope and light in a world that often feels dark and filled with despair? Let the women’s encounter at the empty tomb inspire us to embrace the transformative power of Jesus’ resurrection in our own journeys of faith.
Understanding what Matthew 28:1-5 really means
The passage in Matthew 28:1-5 captures the pivotal moment following Jesus’ crucifixion, focusing on the profound discovery of His resurrection. This event stands as the cornerstone of Christian faith, symbolizing the victory over death and the promise of eternal life. As we delve into the breakdown and commentary of these verses, we uncover layers of significance that deepen our understanding of the divine intervention at play.
“After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week,” the timing of this event is not arbitrary. It signifies a new beginning, echoing themes of hope and renewal. Just as in Genesis 1:1-5, where God creates light to symbolize a new creation, this moment heralds a fresh start for humanity. The arrival of Mary Magdalene and the other Mary at the tomb underscores the devotion and faithfulness of these women, highlighting the crucial role women played in Jesus’ ministry. Their presence serves as a testament to the unwavering support and commitment shown by many throughout Jesus’ earthly journey.
The description of a violent earthquake and the appearance of an angel of the Lord descending from heaven are not mere coincidences. The earthquake symbolizes a divine intervention, a powerful manifestation of God’s presence in this momentous event. Drawing parallels to Exodus 19:18, where Mount Sinai trembles as God descends upon it, we see a pattern of awe-inspiring displays of God’s power throughout history. The angel’s appearance, radiant like lightning and clothed in white as snow, signifies purity, holiness, and the divine nature of the message being delivered. This imagery mirrors that of Daniel 7:9, where the Ancient of Days is depicted in a similar majestic light.
The reaction of the guards, trembling in fear and becoming like dead men, starkly contrasts with the peace and assurance bestowed upon the women. This stark juxtaposition emphasizes the power of God and the transformative impact of encountering the divine. As seen in Psalm 2:11-12, the fear and reverence due to God are palpable in moments where His presence is unmistakably felt. These verses resonate with us today, offering profound insights into the themes of hope, renewal, and divine intervention that continue to shape our lives.
In our modern context, the message of hope and renewal found in the resurrection remains as relevant as ever. Just as the dawn on the first day of the week symbolizes a new beginning, individuals grappling with challenges can find solace in the promise of a fresh start through faith in Christ. The faithfulness and devotion exemplified by Mary Magdalene and the other Mary serve as a beacon for us to remain steadfast in our beliefs, even amidst trials and tribulations. Their unwavering commitment inspires us to persevere in our own journeys of faith.
Moreover, the earthquake and angelic appearance remind us that God’s intervention in our lives is not confined to the pages of ancient texts. Miraculous occurrences and divine interventions continue to shape our narratives, offering glimpses of God’s power and sovereignty. Just as families experience miraculous healings or deliverances from dire circumstances, we are reminded of the profound impact of encountering the divine in our lives. The passage from Matthew 28:1-5 serves as a poignant reminder of the transformative power of the resurrection, urging us to embrace hope, remain faithful, and trust in the divine intervention that shapes our existence.
Why do we seek the living among the dead?
The women in the verse went to the tomb early in the morning to see where Jesus had been laid. They were seeking the living among the dead because Jesus had already risen, fulfilling the prophecy that He would be raised from the dead. The women were looking for Jesus in the tomb, a place associated with death, even though He had conquered death and was alive. They were not realizing the full extent of Jesus’ power and victory over death by looking for the living among the dead.
This scene reminds us that sometimes we may look for the hope, comfort, or answers we seek in places that only offer emptiness or despair. We may search for fulfillment in material possessions, temporary pleasures, or worldly success, but true life, peace, and joy are found in Jesus, who conquered death and offers eternal life. We too can find hope and new life in Him as we discover that Jesus was not among the dead but had risen. Turn to Jesus, the source of true life and resurrection power, instead of seeking the living among the dead.
Application
Let the story from Matthew 28 awaken your spirit. The empty tomb symbolizes endless possibilities, and the angel’s words hold a message of unwavering faith. Allow this tale to ignite a fire within you, urging you to spread the light of hope and redemption. Will you embrace this opportunity to shine the light of Christ’s resurrection in a world filled with darkness?
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.