Matthew 28:9-10 is about the women encountering the risen Jesus, expressing their worship and joy, as well as being reassured by Him with the message to not be afraid and to go and share the good news with the 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 28:9-10
The scene in Matthew 28:9-10 takes place after the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Mary Magdalene and the other Mary had gone to the tomb where Jesus was buried, only to find it empty. As they were leaving the tomb, suddenly Jesus appeared to them. Overwhelmed with joy and awe, they fell at his feet and worshipped him. Jesus then greeted them, reassuring them not to be afraid, and instructed them to go and tell his disciples that he had risen from the dead and that they would see him in Galilee.
The setting is a garden near the tomb where Jesus was buried. The atmosphere is filled with a mix of emotions – from the initial confusion and sorrow of finding the tomb empty, to the sheer amazement and joy of encountering the resurrected Jesus. The women, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary, are in the presence of their beloved teacher and savior, experiencing a moment of profound revelation and divine encounter. The surroundings are peaceful and serene, with the beauty of nature serving as a backdrop to this miraculous event.
What is Matthew 28:9-10 about?
This verse is a powerful depiction of women encountering Jesus after His resurrection and being entrusted with the crucial task of spreading the news of His return. Here, we witness the profound faith and dedication of these women who not only approach Jesus with reverence and worship but also receive a mission directly from Him. They are called upon to be the first bearers of the miraculous news of Jesus’ resurrection, making them instrumental in the unfolding of the greatest story in Christianity.
Imagine the rollercoaster of emotions these women must have experienced – from grief and despair at Jesus’ crucifixion to overwhelming joy and awe at His resurrection. Their encounter with Jesus serves as a testament to the inclusivity and grace of His message, as He chooses these women as messengers despite the societal norms of the time. This verse is a profound reminder of the importance of spreading the good news of Jesus’ resurrection and the transformative power of faith and obedience. It challenges us to reflect on our own role in sharing the message of Christ with others and to consider how our faith can be a source of inspiration and hope for those around us.
Understanding what Matthew 28:9-10 really means
The verses in Matthew 28:9-10 capture a significant moment after Jesus’ resurrection, where He appears to the women who had come to His tomb. This encounter holds immense importance as it marks the first appearance of the risen Christ and the pivotal commissioning of the women to share the news of His resurrection with others.
In these verses, the phrase “Suddenly Jesus met them” underscores the unexpected and miraculous nature of Jesus’ appearance, signifying divine intervention and the fulfillment of His promise to rise again. His simple greeting of “Greetings” conveys peace and reassurance, showcasing His approachability and desire to comfort His followers. The command “Do not be afraid” echoes throughout the Bible, reassuring believers of God’s sovereignty over all circumstances. Furthermore, Jesus’ commission for the women to go and tell His brothers emphasizes the crucial role of women in His ministry and the spreading of the Gospel.
Related passages such as John 20:17, where Jesus instructs Mary Magdalene to go and tell His brothers, reinforce the commissioning of the women as messengers. Isaiah 41:10’s message of not fearing, for God is with us, resonates with Jesus’ words of reassurance. Additionally, the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20, where Jesus commands His disciples to make disciples of all nations, connects to the initial commissioning of the women, highlighting the universal scope of spreading the Gospel.
These verses remain relevant today by reminding believers of the foundational importance of faith in the resurrection of Jesus, which offers hope and assurance of eternal life. They also shed light on the significant role women play in God’s plan, advocating for gender equality and recognizing women’s contributions in the church and society. Furthermore, the timeless message of overcoming fear, as conveyed by Jesus, provides comfort and strength in the face of uncertainties in the world.
Consider Sarah, a woman facing challenges and uncertainties, finding solace and encouragement in these verses. Just as Jesus met the women in their despair, Sarah feels His presence in her time of need, urging her not to fear and to trust in His plan. Inspired by the women’s commissioning, Sarah decides to volunteer at her church, discovering purpose and community in sharing Christ’s love with others.
In conclusion, Matthew 28:9-10 serves as a poignant reminder of the hope and assurance stemming from Jesus’ resurrection. These verses urge believers to confront fear, acknowledge the vital roles of all individuals in God’s plan, and actively share the good news with others, embodying the essence of Christian faith and mission.
How can we recognize and worship the resurrected Christ?
We can recognize and worship the resurrected Christ by acknowledging his victory over death and the grave. The resurrection of Jesus signifies that he is the Son of God and that his sacrifice on the cross was accepted by the Father. We affirm our faith in his divine nature and the power of God to conquer sin and death by believing in his resurrection.
Worshipping the resurrected Christ involves giving thanks for his sacrifice and acknowledging him as our Lord and Savior. We can worship him through prayer, praise, and obedience to his teachings. We demonstrate our reverence for the resurrected Christ and bring glory to his name by living our lives in accordance with his will and following his example of love, forgiveness, and compassion. We recognize the significance of the resurrection in our lives, and we are called to share the good news with others and invite them to experience the joy and hope that comes from believing in the resurrected Christ. Through our words and actions, we can bear witness to the transformative power of Christ’s resurrection and lead others to worship and follow him as their Lord and Savior.
Application
Let the story of the disciples meeting Jesus after His resurrection be a reminder of the life-changing power of encountering the risen Lord. Believe in His victory over all challenges and actively invite His presence into your life. Embrace the joy and wonder of this encounter, allowing it to shape your thoughts and deeds. Will you take the step towards seeking the resurrected Jesus in your life with renewed zeal and purpose?
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.