How Matthew Describes the Reactions of the Women Who First Encounter the Empty Tomb
The Gospel of Matthew provides a rich and vivid portrayal of the first witnesses to the resurrection of Jesus. Among these witnesses, the women who visit the tomb play a crucial role in the narrative. Their reactions convey a mixture of fear, awe, and joy, and serve as a pivotal moment in the Gospel’s resurrection account. Understanding these reactions helps readers appreciate the theological and emotional significance of the resurrection story.
The Identity of the Women at the Tomb
Matthew specifically names the women who come to the tomb:
- Mary Magdalene, a devoted follower of Jesus, known for her faithfulness and prior healing by Jesus.
- The other Mary, often identified as the mother of James and Joseph.
These women are described as faithful witnesses, remaining devoted even after Jesus’ crucifixion, demonstrating courage and steadfastness at a time of grief and fear.
Keywords: Mary Magdalene, other Mary, women at tomb, faithful witnesses, followers of Jesus
The Purpose of Their Visit
Matthew 28:1 explains that the women went to the tomb “to see the tomb and anoint Jesus’ body”. Their initial purpose reflects:
- Faithful devotion: They intended to honor Jesus’ body according to Jewish burial customs.
- Love and loyalty: Their visit demonstrates continued commitment despite the danger and despair surrounding Jesus’ death.
- Expectation of mourning: They went expecting sorrow, not resurrection.
This sets the stage for their dramatic reactions when confronted with the unexpected reality of an empty tomb.
Keywords: anoint Jesus, tomb visit, Jewish burial customs, devotion, loyalty
The Moment of Discovery: Fear and Astonishment
Matthew describes the women’s reactions vividly:
- They witness an angel of the Lord descending and rolling back the stone from the tomb entrance.
- The angel’s appearance is described as radiant, with clothing “white as snow,” creating awe and terror.
- The guards are described as shaking and becoming like dead men, emphasizing the supernatural power at the tomb.
The women’s fear and astonishment reflect a natural human response to encountering divine intervention. Matthew underscores the sacred and extraordinary nature of the resurrection event through their reactions.
Keywords: angel of the Lord, radiant appearance, fear, astonishment, divine intervention
The Angel’s Message: From Fear to Joy
The angel delivers a message that transforms the women’s fear into understanding and purpose:
- The message: “Do not be afraid; for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for He has risen, as He said.”
- The angel instructs them to go and tell the disciples about the resurrection.
At this moment, Matthew portrays a transition from fear to joy and mission. The women’s initial shock evolves into faith-filled obedience, highlighting the role of women as the first evangelists of the resurrection news.
Keywords: resurrection announcement, do not be afraid, angelic message, disciples, first evangelists
The Women’s Immediate Response: Worship and Obedience
Matthew emphasizes the women’s response after hearing the angel’s words:
- They leave the tomb quickly, filled with fear and great joy.
- They run to deliver the message to the disciples, showing immediate obedience.
- On the way, they encounter the risen Jesus Himself, who reassures them and repeats the instruction to inform His followers.
This combination of fear, joy, and worship highlights the transformative power of encountering the risen Christ. Their reactions convey both human emotion and spiritual devotion, illustrating the profound impact of the resurrection on those who witness it firsthand.
Keywords: fear and joy, immediate obedience, worship, encounter with Jesus, risen Christ
The Significance of the Women’s Reactions
Matthew’s portrayal serves multiple purposes:
- Validation of the Resurrection: Women, often considered less authoritative witnesses in Jewish culture, are the first to see the empty tomb, underscoring the truth of the resurrection beyond social expectations.
- Model of Faithful Witnessing: Their devotion, fear, and joy provide a model for Christian discipleship.
- Conveying Emotional Reality: By describing fear, astonishment, and joy, Matthew presents a realistic and relatable emotional response, making the narrative more impactful.
- Emphasizing the Role of Women: Women are the primary messengers of the resurrection, highlighting their crucial role in early Christian witness.
Keywords: validation of resurrection, faithful witnessing, emotional reality, role of women, Christian discipleship
Conclusion: Awe, Joy, and Mission
Matthew’s description of the women at the tomb captures the profound mixture of fear, astonishment, joy, and devotion that accompanies a divine encounter. These reactions are not just emotional but deeply spiritual, illustrating how the resurrection transforms mourning into worship, despair into hope, and fear into mission.
The women’s experience shows that the resurrection is both a miraculous event and a call to action, making them the first heralds of the resurrection message. Their story emphasizes the power of faith, the reality of divine intervention, and the transformative nature of encountering the risen Lord.
How does Matthew portray the events of the resurrection morning?