Meaning of Matthew 28:2

This dramatic account in Matthew 28:2 vividly portrays the moment of Christ's resurrection, emphasizing divine intervention and the irrefutable evidence of God's power. The violent earthquake signifies the cosmic upheaval and the breaking of death's dominion, a force so potent that it physically alters the earth's landscape. The appearance of an angel, descending from heaven, underscores the supernatural nature of this event, distinguishing it from any human endeavor. This angelic messenger's action of rolling away the stone and sitting upon it is not merely a physical removal of an obstacle; it is a symbolic declaration that the tomb is empty and that Jesus' resurrection is a settled reality, openly displayed and guarded by celestial authority.

Context and Background

This verse immediately follows the burial of Jesus and precedes the discovery of the empty tomb by the women. The women, coming to anoint Jesus' body, would have found the tomb sealed with a large stone, a significant impediment. The earthquake and the angel's presence are the divine prelude to the revelation of the resurrection, ensuring that the tomb is accessible and its emptiness undeniably apparent. The preceding events in Matthew's Gospel – Jesus' crucifixion, death, and burial – set the stage for this climactic moment of victory over death.

Key Themes and Messages

• Divine Power: The earthquake and the angel's presence highlight God's omnipotence, demonstrating that no earthly barrier or power can thwart His plan.
• Victory Over Death: The rolling away of the stone is a powerful symbol of death being overcome and its hold broken.
• Revelation and Witness: The angel's actions ensure that the resurrection is not a hidden event but one that will be witnessed and proclaimed.
• Assurance of Resurrection: The angel's presence and actions provide irrefutable proof that Jesus has indeed risen.

Spiritual Significance and Application

The resurrection of Jesus, as initiated by this divine act, is the cornerstone of Christian faith. It assures believers of their own future resurrection and eternal life through Christ. The open tomb, revealed by divine power, serves as a perpetual testament to God's faithfulness and the efficacy of Jesus' sacrifice. For believers, this event offers hope, courage, and the certainty that even in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles (symbolized by the stone), God's power can bring about new life and vindication.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

This event is the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah's resurrection and the ultimate triumph of God's redemptive plan. It is the pivotal moment that redeems humanity from sin and death, inaugurating the new covenant. The resurrection of Christ is the central event that validates His claims, His atoning work, and His authority as the Son of God, thereby completing the narrative arc of salvation history.

Analogies

One might liken the rolling away of the stone to the dawn breaking after a long, dark night, dispelling the shadows of despair. The earthquake can be seen as the foundational shift that reconfigures the spiritual landscape, making way for a new reality. The angel sitting on the stone is akin to a king taking his rightful place on his throne after a victorious battle, signifying complete dominion.

Relation to Other Verses

• Psalm 16:10: "For you will not leave my soul in Sheol, nor will you allow your holy one to see corruption." This Psalm is understood as a prophecy pointing to Christ's resurrection, as quoted by Peter in Acts 2:27.
• John 11:25: Jesus states, "I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live." This verse foreshadows the power demonstrated in Matthew 28:2.
• 1 Corinthians 15:3-4: Paul summarizes the gospel message, stating that Christ died for our sins, was buried, and was raised on the third day, according to the Scriptures. This verse highlights the theological significance of the resurrection event.
• Mark 16:3-4: A parallel account in Mark also mentions the difficulty of the stone and the rolling away, though it attributes the rolling away to the stone itself being rolled back, with no mention of an earthquake or angel sitting on it in the immediate description of the stone's movement. The angelic appearance is described shortly after.
• Luke 24:2: Luke's Gospel mentions the women finding the stone rolled away and entering the tomb.