How Matthew Portrays the Mixture of Fear and Joy After the Resurrection
The Gospel of Matthew offers a vivid and emotionally rich account of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. One of the most striking elements in this narrative is the powerful blend of fear and joy experienced by the women who first encounter the empty tomb. This emotional duality is not accidental—it carries deep theological meaning and enhances the dramatic impact of the resurrection story. Matthew carefully crafts this moment to highlight both the awe-inspiring nature of divine intervention and the overwhelming hope brought by Christ’s victory over death.
The Context of the Resurrection Scene
Matthew 28:1–10 describes how Mary Magdalene and the “other Mary” go to visit the tomb early on the first day of the week. What begins as a solemn visit quickly transforms into a life-altering experience.
Key Events Leading to Their Emotional Response
- A violent earthquake occurs
- An angel of the Lord descends from heaven
- The stone is rolled away from the tomb
- Guards tremble in fear and become like dead men
- The angel announces that Jesus has risen
This dramatic sequence sets the stage for the women’s intense emotional reaction—a mixture of fear and joy that defines their response.
Understanding the Element of Fear
Fear is the women’s initial and natural reaction to the supernatural events unfolding before them.
Sources of Their Fear
- Supernatural Manifestation: The angel’s appearance is described as lightning, with clothing as white as snow—an awe-inspiring and terrifying sight
- Earthquake: A physical sign of divine power that shakes not only the ground but also their sense of reality
- Empty Tomb: The unexpected absence of Jesus’ body creates confusion and alarm
- Divine Presence: Being in the presence of God’s power often evokes reverence and fear in biblical narratives
Theological Significance of Fear
- Fear reflects human limitation when confronted with divine glory
- It emphasizes the holiness and power of God
- It prepares the heart for revelation and transformation
Matthew uses fear not as a negative emotion but as a necessary step in encountering the divine.
The Emergence of Joy
While fear dominates the initial reaction, joy quickly emerges as the angel delivers the message of resurrection.
Reasons for Their Joy
- Good News of Resurrection: The angel declares, “He is not here; he has risen”
- Fulfillment of Jesus’ Promise: The women remember that Jesus foretold His resurrection
- Hope Restored: What seemed like defeat is now revealed as victory
- Personal Encounter: They later meet Jesus Himself, confirming the truth
Nature of Their Joy
- Overwhelming and Immediate: The joy is not gradual but bursts forth upon hearing the news
- Transformational: It changes their sorrow into hope and purpose
- Active: Their joy propels them into action—they run to tell the disciples
The Coexistence of Fear and Joy
Matthew uniquely captures the coexistence of these two seemingly opposite emotions in one powerful phrase: “afraid yet filled with joy” (Matthew 28:8).
Why Both Emotions Exist Together
- Divine Encounters Are Complex: Experiencing God often evokes multiple emotions simultaneously
- Transition from Death to Life: The shift from mourning to celebration is sudden and overwhelming
- Human Response to Mystery: The resurrection is beyond human comprehension, producing both awe and delight
Literary Purpose
- Adds depth and realism to the narrative
- Highlights the magnitude of the resurrection event
- Engages readers emotionally and spiritually
The Role of the Angel in Shaping Their Emotions
The angel plays a crucial role in guiding the women from fear to joy.
Angel’s Reassurance
- “Do not be afraid” directly addresses their fear
- Provides clear explanation of what has happened
- Gives instructions to go and tell the disciples
Impact on the Women
- Fear is calmed but not completely removed
- Joy becomes the dominant emotion
- They are given a mission, transforming them into messengers
Encounter with the Risen Jesus
The emotional climax occurs when the women meet Jesus on their way.
Their Reaction
- They approach Him, take hold of His feet, and worship Him
- Fear turns into reverent awe
- Joy becomes worshipful celebration
Jesus’ Words
- “Do not be afraid” reinforces the angel’s message
- He confirms their mission to inform the disciples
This encounter solidifies their emotional transformation and affirms the reality of the resurrection.
Theological Implications of Fear and Joy
Matthew’s portrayal is not just emotional—it is deeply theological.
Key Lessons
- Fear of God leads to wisdom and reverence
- Joy is the natural response to salvation and hope
- The resurrection brings both awe and celebration
- Believers are called to move from fear to faith and joy
Application for Modern Readers
The mixture of fear and joy is still relevant for believers today.
Practical Takeaways
- It is normal to feel uncertain or overwhelmed when encountering spiritual truths
- God’s message often transforms fear into peace and joy
- Faith involves embracing both reverence and celebration
- Like the women, believers are called to share the good news
Conclusion
Matthew masterfully portrays the women’s experience at the resurrection as a profound blend of fear and joy. This emotional duality reflects the human response to divine revelation—fear in the presence of God’s power and joy in the realization of His promises fulfilled. Through dramatic events, angelic reassurance, and a personal encounter with the risen Christ, the women transition from trembling uncertainty to joyful proclamation.
Their story serves as a powerful reminder that the resurrection is not just an event to be understood but an experience that transforms fear into joy, doubt into faith, and sorrow into hope.
What instructions do the angels give to the women at the tomb, and what is their significance?