Matthew 28:8-15 is about the awe and fear experienced by the women at the empty tomb, the deception of the soldiers instructed to lie about what happened, and the disbelief of some who could not accept the resurrection of Jesus.
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 28:8-15
The scene in Matthew 28:8-15 takes place at the tomb of Jesus on the morning of the resurrection. Mary Magdalene and the other Mary had come to the tomb to see where Jesus had been laid after His crucifixion. As they arrived, there was a great earthquake, and an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, rolled back the stone from the entrance of the tomb, and sat on it. The guards who were stationed at the tomb were so afraid that they shook and became like dead men.
The angel then spoke to the women, telling them not to be afraid and informing them that Jesus had risen from the dead, just as He had said. The angel instructed them to go quickly and tell the disciples that Jesus had been raised from the dead and that He would meet them in Galilee. As the women left to carry out the angel’s command, Jesus Himself met them on the way and reiterated the message of the angel. The guards, who had witnessed all of this, went into the city and reported to the chief priests what had happened.
The scene is filled with awe and wonder as the women and the guards encounter the supernatural events surrounding Jesus’ resurrection. The setting is a somber and quiet tomb, with the morning light just beginning to illuminate the surroundings. The atmosphere is charged with a sense of divine presence and power, as the angel delivers the incredible news of Jesus’ victory over death. The women and the guards are left amazed and shaken by what they have witnessed, setting the stage for the unfolding of the miraculous events following Jesus’ resurrection.
What is Matthew 28:8-15 about?
Imagine the scene: a group of women, full of grief, arrives at the tomb where Jesus was laid after his crucifixion, only to find it empty. Imagine the mix of confusion, fear, and wonder that must have filled their hearts. Then, suddenly, Jesus appears to them, alive and well, breaking the bounds of death. What an incredible moment of joy and disbelief it must have been!
But the story doesn’t end there. The guards, who were meant to secure the tomb, are bribed to spread a false narrative that the body of Jesus was stolen. Can you fathom the depths some would go to deny the truth of Jesus’ resurrection? Despite these attempts to distort the reality of what happened, the faith of those who witnessed the empty tomb and encountered the risen Jesus remains unshakeable. This verse reminds us not only of the power of God to overcome death but also of the lengths to which some may go to deny the truth of the resurrection. Let this be a lesson for us to hold fast to our faith, even in the face of deception and false narratives.
Understanding what Matthew 28:8-15 really means
The passage in Matthew 28:8-15 unveils the aftermath of Jesus’ resurrection, a pivotal moment in Christian faith. As the women discover the empty tomb and encounter the risen Jesus, their emotions oscillate between fear and great joy. This emotional rollercoaster mirrors the awe and reverence we should hold towards God’s miraculous works, reminding us of the profound impact of encountering the living Christ in our lives.
The women’s act of taking hold of Jesus’ feet and worshipping Him signifies not only their recognition of His divinity but also their submission to His authority. It paints a powerful image of faith and reverence, urging us to reflect on our own response to the resurrected Christ. How do we acknowledge His lordship in our lives, and do we approach Him with the same reverence and adoration as those women at the tomb?
In contrast, the chief priests’ actions, bribing the guards to spread a false narrative about the empty tomb, highlight the age-old conflict between truth and deception. Their desperate attempts to suppress the truth of the resurrection underscore the enduring relevance of this struggle in today’s world. As we navigate a landscape rife with misinformation, the unwavering commitment to truth, exemplified by the women and the disciples, serves as a beacon of light in a sea of darkness.
The resurrection narrative in Matthew 28:8-15 finds resonance in other biblical passages like John 20:11-18, 1 Corinthians 15:3-8, and Acts 4:33, each offering a unique perspective on the transformative power of the resurrection. These passages collectively reinforce the foundational importance of the resurrection in shaping Christian belief and practice, urging us to anchor our faith in the reality of Christ’s victory over death.
Today, the resurrection continues to hold profound significance for believers, offering a beacon of hope in a world fraught with uncertainty and fear. Just as the women at the tomb experienced a mix of fear and joy, so too can we find solace and reassurance in the resurrection of Jesus. It serves as a reminder that amidst life’s trials and tribulations, the hope and joy of the resurrection remain steadfast, guiding us through moments of darkness into the light of Christ’s victory.
In closing, let us embrace the truth and hope of the resurrection in our daily lives. Let the joy and reverence displayed by the women, the deceit of the religious leaders, and the unwavering truth of Christ’s resurrection inspire us to stand firm in our faith, even in the face of adversity. May the resurrection not only be a historical event but a living reality that transforms our lives, infusing us with hope, joy, and unwavering faith in the risen Lord.
How can we recognize and worship the risen Jesus?
We can recognize and worship the risen Jesus by believing in His resurrection and sharing the good news with others. We can respond to the truth of Jesus’ resurrection with awe, joy, and a desire to spread the message to others, just as the women did in the verse you referenced. We continue the work of the early disciples in spreading the good news of Jesus’ victory over death by proclaiming the risen Christ and sharing His love with those around us.
Additionally, we can worship the risen Jesus by living in a way that reflects His teachings and commands. This includes loving others, showing compassion and forgiveness, and seeking justice and righteousness. We demonstrate our belief in His resurrection and honor His sacrifice on the cross by following Jesus’ example and striving to live a life that brings glory to God.
Furthermore, we can recognize and worship the risen Jesus by spending time in prayer, reading the Scriptures, and participating in worship gatherings with other believers. These spiritual disciplines help us to deepen our relationship with Jesus and to grow in our understanding of His resurrection and its significance for our lives. We can truly recognize and worship Him as our risen Lord and Savior by acknowledging and responding to the reality of Jesus’ resurrection.
Application
Embrace the power within you to spread the message of hope and love like a beacon in the darkness of the modern world. Just as you strive for success in your work and cherish your family with all your heart, let your faith be a guiding light in all that you do. Your actions have the potential to transform lives and ignite a spark of faith in others. Will you rise to the challenge and create a ripple effect of positivity and grace in our world 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.