Events at the Resurrection in Matthew 28: Overview and Description
The resurrection of Jesus in Matthew 28 is a central event in Christian faith, symbolizing victory over death, divine power, and the fulfillment of prophecy. Matthew’s account is rich in narrative detail, highlighting supernatural phenomena, angelic appearances, and the reactions of witnesses. Understanding these events provides insight into early Christian beliefs, theological significance, and the transformative power of the resurrection.
Keywords: resurrection of Jesus, Matthew 28, angel at the tomb, empty tomb, women at the tomb, supernatural events, Jesus alive, resurrection narrative, Christian faith, divine power, Matthew gospel
1. The Visit of the Women to the Tomb
- Who visited the tomb: Matthew 28 emphasizes that Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb where Jesus had been buried.
- Timing: Their visit occurred at dawn on the first day of the week, marking the beginning of the resurrection day.
- Purpose: The women came to observe the tomb and honor Jesus, reflecting devotion and anticipation.
Description: Matthew 28:1–2 notes that there was a great earthquake, which was the first supernatural sign, signaling that something extraordinary had occurred.
Keywords: Mary Magdalene, other Mary, visit to tomb, first day of the week, dawn, devotion, resurrection day
2. The Appearance of the Angel
- Angel’s arrival: An angel of the Lord descended from heaven, rolled back the stone, and sat on it.
- Appearance: His countenance is described as like lightning, and his clothing white as snow, portraying divine glory and power.
- Reaction: The guards at the tomb trembled and became like dead men, highlighting the overwhelming, awe-inspiring nature of the resurrection event.
Purpose: The angel’s presence confirms that Jesus has risen, acting as God’s messenger to communicate the miraculous event to the witnesses.
Keywords: angel of the Lord, divine messenger, stone rolled away, supernatural, guards tremble, divine glory, Matthew 28
3. The Empty Tomb
- Discovery: Upon arriving, the women saw that the tomb was empty, fulfilling Jesus’ prophecy of resurrection.
- Significance: The empty tomb is a central symbol of Jesus’ victory over death, validating His claims of divinity and resurrection.
- Connection to prophecy: This event fulfills Old Testament predictions and earlier statements by Jesus regarding His resurrection.
Keywords: empty tomb, Jesus alive, resurrection prophecy, Matthew gospel, victory over death, prophecy fulfillment
4. The Angel’s Message to the Women
- Instruction: The angel tells the women, “Do not be afraid. I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen.”
- Purpose: The angel reassures the women, emphasizing that fear is replaced by joy and revelation.
- Mission: They are instructed to go quickly and tell the disciples that Jesus is alive and will meet them in Galilee.
Keywords: angel’s message, do not fear, Jesus risen, go tell disciples, resurrection announcement, Matthew 28
5. Women Encounter Jesus
- Appearance of Jesus: As the women went to deliver the message, Jesus Himself appears to them, confirming the angel’s message.
- Greeting: He says “Greetings!” which inspires both worship and fear, showing the profound emotional impact of witnessing the risen Lord.
- Reassurance: Jesus instructs them to inform His disciples to meet Him in Galilee, reinforcing obedience and faith.
Keywords: Jesus appears, greeting, worship, fear, Galilee meeting, resurrection encounter, Matthew 28
6. The Response of the Women
- Reaction: The women embraced His message with joy and fear, a combination often noted in biblical accounts of divine encounters.
- Obedience: They ran to share the news with the disciples, fulfilling the angel’s instructions and spreading the first resurrection testimony.
- Witness role: These women are the first witnesses of the resurrection, emphasizing the importance of faithfulness and testimony in spreading the gospel.
Keywords: women’s reaction, joy and fear, first witnesses, resurrection testimony, obedience, Matthew 28
7. The Guards’ Report and the Jewish Leaders’ Response
- Guards’ report: The guards reported to the chief priests what had happened, including the earthquake and the angelic appearance.
- Conspiracy: The chief priests bribed the soldiers to say that Jesus’ disciples stole the body, introducing early attempts to suppress the resurrection truth.
- Significance: This contrast between divine truth and human deception highlights the power and authority of Jesus’ resurrection.
Keywords: guards report, chief priests, bribery, stolen body story, human deception, resurrection authority, Matthew 28
8. The Great Commission
- Appearance in Galilee: Matthew 28 concludes with Jesus meeting the disciples in Galilee, as He had promised.
- Command: Jesus gives the disciples the Great Commission—to make disciples of all nations, baptizing and teaching them, underlining the global significance of His resurrection.
- Divine authority: Jesus declares, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me,” connecting His resurrection to ultimate authority and the mission of the church.
Keywords: Great Commission, make disciples, baptize, teach, Jesus’ authority, Galilee, resurrection mission, Matthew 28
Summary
Matthew 28 presents the resurrection as a divinely orchestrated event featuring supernatural elements like the earthquake, angelic appearance, and empty tomb. The women’s encounter with the angel and Jesus highlights faith, joy, and obedience, while the guards’ reaction underscores the overwhelming power of God. The chapter culminates with the Great Commission, linking the resurrection to the spread of Christianity worldwide.
This narrative emphasizes that the resurrection is not only a miraculous historical event but also a foundational moment of hope, divine authority, and eternal significance for all believers.
What is the significance of the crucifixion event as described in Matthew 27?