Meaning of Matthew 28:1

This verse marks the pivotal moment immediately following the Sabbath, ushering in the first day of the week, which would become known as the Lord's Day. It describes the actions of two women, Mary Magdalene and another Mary (likely Mary, the mother of James and Joses), who, driven by devotion and grief, venture to the tomb where Jesus was laid. Their purpose is to anoint his body, a customary Jewish burial practice, indicating their continued adherence to tradition and their deep sorrow, unaware of the supernatural events that had already transpired. The timing is crucial: the Sabbath, a day of rest and cessation from work, has concluded, allowing for their journey. The dawn signifies the beginning of a new day, mirroring the profound new beginning that this day represents for humanity.

Context and Background

The immediate context is the burial of Jesus after his crucifixion on Friday. The Jewish Sabbath, which begins at sunset on Friday and ends at sunset on Saturday, would have prevented any such activity. Therefore, the earliest possible time the women could fulfill their desire to tend to Jesus' body was after the Sabbath had ended, on the first day of the week. This timing is not coincidental; it aligns with the broader theme of resurrection and new life that is central to Christian theology. The women’s intention to anoint the body highlights their understanding of Jesus as deceased, underscoring the astonishing nature of what they would soon discover.

Key Themes and Messages

• Devotion and Loyalty: The women's actions demonstrate profound loyalty and enduring love for Jesus, even in death. They are willing to brave the darkness and their own fear to honor him.
• The Dawn of a New Era: The "dawn on the first day of the week" is symbolic. It represents the transition from the darkness of death and sorrow to the light of resurrection and hope. This day inaugurates a new covenant and a new spiritual reality.
• Anticipation of the Unexpected: The women go to the tomb with a specific, traditional purpose, but they are about to encounter something entirely outside their expectations – the empty tomb and the angelic announcement of Jesus' resurrection.

Spiritual Significance and Application

This verse speaks to the persistent nature of faith and love. Even in the face of death and apparent finality, true followers will seek to honor and remember. For believers today, it encourages a steadfast commitment to Christ, even when circumstances seem bleak. The dawn of the first day of the week also serves as a powerful reminder of the resurrection, the cornerstone of Christian belief, and the promise of new life that is available through Christ. It calls believers to look for God's work even in the darkest hours, for dawn always follows the night.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

Matthew 28:1 is the prologue to the most significant event in Christian history: the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It directly precedes the account of the empty tomb and the angelic appearance, which confirms Jesus' victory over death. This event fulfills numerous Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah's suffering, death, and subsequent triumph. It is the climax of God's redemptive plan for humanity, as initiated in Genesis and unfolded throughout the Law, the Prophets, and the Writings. The resurrection validates Jesus' claims and empowers his followers to spread the Gospel.

Analogies

Imagine a gardener tending to a beloved plant that has withered and died. Despite the apparent lifelessness, the gardener continues to care for it, perhaps watering it or tidying its pot, out of deep affection and a lingering hope. This is akin to the women's actions. They are performing acts of love and remembrance for a seemingly deceased figure, unaware that a miraculous new bloom is about to emerge, transforming the entire garden. Another analogy is the breaking of dawn after a long, dark night. The night represents sorrow, despair, and the finality of death, while the dawn signifies the arrival of hope, new beginnings, and the triumph of light over darkness.

Relation to Other Verses

This verse is inextricably linked to the accounts of the resurrection found in all four Gospels (Mark 16:1, Luke 24:1, John 20:1). It also resonates with Old Testament prophecies. For example, Isaiah 53:10 speaks of the Suffering Servant's "offspring" and how "the Lord makes his life an offering for sin," implying a future vindication. Psalm 16:10, quoted by Peter in Acts 2:27, prophesies, "You will not abandon me to the realm of the dead, nor will you let your faithful servant see decay." The significance of the first day of the week is further amplified by its association with creation (Genesis 1:5) and its establishment as a day of worship for the early church (Acts 20:7, 1 Corinthians 16:2).