Meaning of Matthew 28:10

This verse, spoken by the resurrected Jesus to the women at the tomb, serves as a pivotal moment in the immediate aftermath of the resurrection, conveying a message of reassurance and a directive for further action. The women, having just encountered the angelic announcement and the empty tomb, are understandably filled with a mixture of awe and fear. Jesus' appearance and his calming words, "Do not be afraid," directly address this emotional state, providing comfort and dispelling their apprehension. His instruction to "Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me" establishes the next step in the unfolding revelation of his resurrection, directing the disciples to a specific location where they will have their own encounter with the risen Christ. This encounter is not merely a visual confirmation but a transformative experience that will solidify their faith and prepare them for their mission.

Context and Background

The setting for this encounter is the tomb where Jesus was buried. The women, including Mary Magdalene, have come to anoint his body, a task left incomplete on the Sabbath. Their arrival on the first day of the week (Sunday) leads to the discovery of the empty tomb and the appearance of angels who declare Jesus' resurrection. It is in this charged atmosphere, immediately following this extraordinary revelation, that Jesus himself appears to them. The "brothers" Jesus refers to are his disciples, particularly the eleven remaining apostles, who are still in a state of shock, grief, and likely fear after Jesus' crucifixion. Galilee is significant as it was the region where Jesus began his public ministry and where many of his disciples were from, making it a familiar and central location for their interactions.

Key Themes and Messages

• Reassurance and Dispelling Fear: Jesus' opening words, "Do not be afraid," are paramount. The resurrection is a momentous event, and encountering the risen Lord would naturally evoke fear and disbelief. Jesus’ presence and his gentle command are designed to bring peace and confidence.
• The Resurrection as a Central Tenet: This verse directly confirms the resurrection, the foundational event of Christian faith. It is not a metaphorical resurrection but a physical reality, evidenced by Jesus' appearance.
• The Commission to Announce: The women are given the role of messengers. They are to relay Jesus' words to his disciples, initiating the process of spreading the news of the resurrection.
• The Importance of Encounter: Jesus promises that the disciples will see him in Galilee. This emphasizes that the resurrection is not just a historical fact to be believed but a personal encounter to be experienced.

Spiritual Significance and Application

Spiritually, this verse speaks to the ongoing work of Christ in reassuring his followers and commissioning them. For believers today, the message "Do not be afraid" is a perennial one, applicable to times of uncertainty, doubt, or personal crisis. The call to share the good news of the resurrection is a mandate for all Christians. The promise of encountering Jesus in a specific place (historically, Galilee; spiritually, through faith and the community of believers) highlights that God's presence is often revealed in familiar and communal settings. It encourages believers to seek out those encounters and to trust in God's faithfulness, even when circumstances are daunting.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

Matthew 28:10 is a crucial link in the New Testament narrative, bridging the events of the crucifixion and the subsequent ministry of the apostles. It fulfills prophecies of Jesus' victory over death and sets the stage for the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20), where Jesus commissions his disciples to go and make disciples of all nations. The reference to Galilee echoes the beginning of Jesus' ministry, suggesting a new beginning and a continuation of his work through his followers.

Analogies

• A General's Reassurance to His Troops: Imagine a commander after a difficult battle who appears to his weary soldiers, not to scold them, but to reassure them of victory and to give them their next objective. Jesus, the "Captain of our salvation," reassures his disciples and directs them to their mission.
• A Lost Child Finding Their Parent: When a child is lost and frightened, the greatest relief comes from the parent's reassuring voice and embrace. The disciples, scattered and fearful after Jesus' death, are comforted by his personal reappearance.
• A Seed Bursting Forth: Just as a seed must break open to produce new life, Jesus' resurrection signifies a breaking forth of new life and a new covenant for humanity. The women are the first to witness this new life and are tasked with spreading its implications.

Relation to Other Verses

• John 20:19: This verse describes Jesus appearing to his disciples on the evening of the resurrection, also saying, "Peace be with you," and showing them his hands and side. This reinforces the theme of reassurance and the reality of his resurrected body.
• 1 Corinthians 15:3-8: This passage in Paul's letter outlines the core of the gospel, including Jesus' death, burial, resurrection, and appearances to many witnesses, including the disciples. Matthew 28:10 is a specific instance of these appearances.
• Matthew 28:18-20 (The Great Commission): Jesus' command in Matthew 28:10 to tell his brothers to go to Galilee to see him directly precedes his commission to them to go and make disciples of all nations, establishing the foundation of faith necessary for that mission.
• Isaiah 53:10: This prophetic passage speaks of the suffering servant, stating, "Yet it was the Lord's will to crush him and cause him to suffer, and when his life is made an offering for sin, he will see his offspring and prolong his days, and the will of the Lord will prosper in his hand." Jesus' resurrection is the ultimate fulfillment of this promise, seeing his "offspring" (believers) and experiencing the prosperity of God's will.