Matthew 28:9 is about the moment when the women who had gone to the tomb encounter Jesus and worship him, signifying their belief in his resurrection and acknowledging his divinity.
9 And behold, Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” And they came up and took hold of his feet and worshiped him.
Setting the Scene for Matthew 28:9
In Matthew chapter 28, we find Mary Magdalene and the other Mary going to the tomb of Jesus. The scene is set early in the morning on the first day of the week, just after the Sabbath. The two women are filled with grief as they make their way to the tomb where Jesus was buried. The surroundings are quiet and somber, with the sun just beginning to rise, casting a soft light on the garden tomb.
As Mary Magdalene and the other Mary approach the tomb, they are suddenly met with a powerful earthquake. The ground shakes beneath their feet, and they are filled with fear and awe at the supernatural event unfolding before them. As they stand there, trying to make sense of the earthquake, an angel of the Lord descends from heaven, his appearance like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow. The guards posted at the tomb are so afraid of the angel that they become like dead men.
The angel then speaks to the women, reassuring them not to be afraid, for he knows they are seeking Jesus who was crucified. He delivers the incredible news that Jesus has risen from the dead, just as He said He would. The women are filled with a mixture of fear and joy as they realize the magnitude of what has just occurred. This pivotal moment marks the beginning of the resurrection story, where Jesus triumphs over death and offers hope and salvation to all who believe.
What is Matthew 28:9 about?
What a powerful and transformative encounter this verse describes! Picture yourself in the scene, witnessing the astonishment and awe of these women as they come face to face with the resurrected Jesus. Imagine the overwhelming emotions of joy, disbelief, and reverence that must have filled their hearts as they realized they were in the presence of their beloved Lord. We see a poignant example of true devotion and faith as these women fall to their knees in worship before Jesus. Their act of worship is not just a gesture of respect, but a deep acknowledgment of who Jesus is and the magnitude of His resurrection. It is a moment of profound connection and intimacy with the divine.
And then, Jesus entrusts these women with a crucial mission – to go and tell the disciples about His resurrection. This commission highlights the pivotal role that women played in spreading the good news of Jesus’s resurrection and signals a profound shift in how Jesus valued and empowered women as His followers. It is a reminder that all believers, regardless of gender or status, are called to be messengers of the Gospel and to share the life-changing message of Jesus with others.
Understanding what Matthew 28:9 really means
After Jesus’ resurrection, a pivotal event in Christian faith, we find the verse Matthew 28:9 capturing a moment of profound significance. The scene unfolds as the women, having visited Jesus’ tomb, are met by the risen Christ Himself. Imagine the whirlwind of emotions they must have experienced – fear, confusion, and overwhelming joy all mingling together. In the midst of their emotional turmoil, Jesus appears suddenly, underscoring the unexpected and miraculous nature of His resurrection.
The simple yet powerful word “Greetings” spoken by Jesus carries deep meaning. It signifies not just a casual hello but a message of peace and reassurance in the midst of uncertainty. The women’s immediate response is telling – they come to Jesus, clasp His feet, and worship Him. In this act of worship, they acknowledge His divinity and respond to His presence with reverence and adoration.
This encounter with the risen Christ is not an isolated incident. Throughout the Gospels and the New Testament, we see various accounts of Jesus appearing to His followers after His resurrection. Each of these encounters emphasizes the personal nature of faith and the transformative power of meeting the living Christ. From Mary Magdalene at the tomb to the disciples on the road to Emmaus, these stories highlight the reality of encountering Jesus in our daily lives.
The relevance of this passage extends beyond the historical event to our lives today. Just as Jesus’ appearance brought hope and reassurance to the women, His resurrection offers us hope in the midst of our own struggles and doubts. It reminds us that we serve a living God who is present with us in our joys and sorrows, ready to meet us in our moments of need.
Consider a modern-day anecdote where someone experiences a moment of unexpected hope or divine encounter. Perhaps it’s a person going through a tough season who receives a random act of kindness that restores their faith in humanity. These moments echo the women’s encounter with Jesus, reminding us that God’s presence and grace can manifest in unexpected ways in our lives.
In conclusion, Matthew 28:9 invites us to reflect on the miraculous reality of Jesus’ resurrection, the personal nature of encountering Him, and the call to respond with worship and devotion. As we ponder this passage, may we be encouraged to seek Jesus in our daily lives, to recognize His presence in the midst of our circumstances, and to respond with faith and adoration to the living Christ who meets us where we are.
How can we respond to encountering the risen Christ?
When we encounter the risen Christ, we can respond with worship, reverence, and awe. We can also humble ourselves before Jesus, acknowledging His power and glory, just as the women in Matthew 28:9 did when they fell at His feet and worshiped Him. This response demonstrates our belief in His divinity and our gratitude for His sacrifice for us.
Furthermore, encountering the risen Christ can lead us to a deeper faith and a renewed sense of purpose. We too can be inspired to share the gospel and our testimony with others, just as Jesus commissioned the women in the verse to go and tell the disciples the good news. This encounter can ignite a passion in us to live out our faith boldly and to spread the message of Christ’s resurrection to those around us. Encountering the risen Christ should ultimately lead us to a transformation of our hearts and lives. We can respond by surrendering ourselves to His will, allowing Him to shape us into the image of His love and grace. This encounter can be a powerful catalyst for growth, healing, and a deeper relationship with the Lord.
Application
Hey you, think about Matthew 28:9. Imagine the excitement of those women when they saw Jesus alive. Just like tackling a big project at work or celebrating a family milestone, let that energy drive you. Share the hope in Christ’s resurrection with everyone you meet, just like you’d share big news with your closest friends. How are you going to spread this incredible message 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.