How Matthew Contrasts the Response of the Women and the Guards at the Tomb
The Gospel of Matthew presents a powerful and dramatic account of the resurrection, highlighting a striking contrast between two groups present at the tomb: the women and the guards. This contrast is not accidental; rather, it serves a theological and narrative purpose. Through their differing reactions, Matthew emphasizes themes of faith versus fear, truth versus deception, and obedience versus resistance.
In this detailed exploration, we will examine how Matthew portrays these contrasting responses and what deeper meanings can be drawn from them.
The Context of the Resurrection Scene
Matthew 28:1–15 describes the events surrounding the empty tomb. Two women—Mary Magdalene and the other Mary—visit the tomb early in the morning. At the same time, guards stationed there by the religious authorities witness extraordinary supernatural events.
A great earthquake occurs, and an angel descends from heaven, rolls back the stone, and sits on it. This moment becomes the turning point that reveals the stark difference between the responses of the women and the guards.
The Response of the Women
Matthew portrays the women as faithful, receptive, and ultimately obedient witnesses to the resurrection.
1. Initial Fear Combined with Faith
- The women approach the tomb with devotion and concern.
- When they encounter the angel, they are initially afraid, which is a natural human reaction to divine presence.
- However, their fear does not paralyze them or lead to rejection.
Key Insight: Their fear is mingled with openness to God’s message.
2. Receptiveness to the Angel’s Message
The angel reassures the women:
- “Do not be afraid” becomes a central message.
- They are told that Jesus has risen, just as He said.
The women respond by:
- Listening attentively
- Accepting the message without skepticism
- Trusting in the words spoken to them
This shows their spiritual readiness and belief.
3. Joyful Obedience
Matthew uniquely emphasizes that the women leave the tomb with:
- Fear and great joy
This combination is significant:
- Fear reflects awe and reverence
- Joy reflects belief and hope
They are then instructed to:
- Go and tell the disciples
And they do so immediately.
4. Encounter with the Risen Jesus
As they go, they meet Jesus Himself:
- They recognize Him
- They worship Him
- They take hold of His feet, showing reverence and certainty
Jesus repeats the command to:
- Inform His disciples
Their response culminates in worship and obedience, confirming their faith.
The Response of the Guards
In stark contrast, the guards represent fear without faith and ultimately become instruments of deception.
1. Overwhelming Fear Leading to Paralysis
When the angel appears:
- The guards shake with fear
- They become “like dead men”
Unlike the women:
- Their fear is not accompanied by understanding or trust
- It results in helplessness and inaction
2. Lack of Spiritual Insight
Despite witnessing the same supernatural events:
- Earthquake
- Angelic appearance
- The empty tomb
The guards fail to:
- Interpret these signs correctly
- Recognize divine intervention
Their response reflects spiritual blindness.
3. Reporting to the Authorities
Instead of spreading the truth:
- The guards go to the chief priests
- They report everything that happened
At this point, they have the opportunity to testify to the resurrection truthfully.
4. Acceptance of a False Narrative
The religious leaders:
- Bribe the guards with money
- Instruct them to say the disciples stole the body while they slept
The guards:
- Accept the bribe
- Spread the false story
This marks a critical turning point—from witnesses of truth to promoters of deception.
Key Contrasts Between the Women and the Guards
Matthew intentionally places these two responses side by side to highlight their differences.
1. Fear vs. Faith
- Women: Fear mixed with faith and joy
- Guards: Fear leading to paralysis and confusion
2. Acceptance vs. Rejection of Truth
- Women: Accept the angel’s message
- Guards: Reject or ignore the truth despite clear evidence
3. Obedience vs. Compromise
- Women: Obey immediately and faithfully
- Guards: Compromise integrity for money
4. Witnesses of Truth vs. Agents of Deception
- Women: Become the first messengers of the resurrection
- Guards: Spread a fabricated story
5. Joy vs. Corruption
- Women: Experience “great joy”
- Guards: Participate in a corrupt scheme
Theological Significance of the Contrast
Matthew’s contrast is not merely historical; it carries deep theological implications.
1. Faith Is a Matter of Response, Not Evidence
Both groups:
- Witness the same events
- Experience the same miracle
Yet:
- The women believe
- The guards do not
This shows that faith depends on the heart’s response, not just external evidence.
2. God Uses the Humble
The women:
- Were not socially powerful
- Had limited status in that culture
Yet they become:
- The first witnesses
- The first proclaimers of the resurrection
God honors humility and faithfulness.
3. Rejection of Truth Leads to Deception
The guards’ choice illustrates:
- How truth can be suppressed
- How easily people can be influenced by power and money
This also reflects the broader rejection of Jesus by religious authorities.
4. The Triumph of Truth
Despite the guards’ false story:
- The truth of the resurrection spreads
- The women’s testimony becomes foundational
Matthew reassures readers that truth ultimately prevails over lies.
Lessons for Modern Readers
This contrast remains highly relevant today.
Practical Takeaways
- Choose faith over fear: Fear is natural, but it should lead to trust in God.
- Be open to truth: Even when it challenges expectations.
- Act in obedience: Like the women, respond quickly to God’s calling.
- Avoid compromise: Do not sacrifice truth for personal gain.
- Be a witness of truth: Share what is true, even when others reject it.
Conclusion
Matthew’s portrayal of the women and the guards at the tomb offers a vivid contrast between two fundamentally different responses to the resurrection. The women embody faith, joy, and obedience, becoming honored witnesses of the greatest event in Christian belief. The guards, on the other hand, represent fear without understanding, ultimately choosing deception over truth.
Through this contrast, Matthew delivers a powerful message: the resurrection demands a response. Whether one chooses faith or rejection determines not only their understanding of the event but also their role in the unfolding story of truth.
What instructions do the angels give to the women at the tomb, and what is their significance?