Meaning of Matthew 28:6

This declaration by the angel at Jesus' tomb signifies the pivotal moment of the Resurrection, the cornerstone of Christian faith, asserting that the physical absence of Jesus' body is not a sign of defeat or loss, but rather the ultimate proof of his victory over death. The angel's words, "He is not here; he has risen, just as he said," are addressed to the women who came seeking Jesus, offering them direct evidence and confirmation of his prophetic pronouncements about his death and subsequent revival. The invitation to "Come and see the place where he lay" serves as an empirical challenge, inviting them to witness the empty tomb itself, a tangible testament to the miraculous event.

Context and Background

The events leading up to this verse are crucial for understanding its weight. Jesus had been crucified, died, and was buried in a tomb belonging to Joseph of Arimathea. The disciples, both male and female, were in a state of grief, confusion, and likely fear following his execution. Early on the first day of the week (Sunday), several women, including Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome, went to the tomb to anoint Jesus' body with spices, a customary burial rite. Upon arriving, they found the stone rolled away and the tomb empty, leading to their initial consternation and the appearance of the angel. This verse captures the angel's immediate explanation to these bewildered visitors.

Key Themes and Messages

• The Reality of the Resurrection: The primary message is the undeniable fact that Jesus is alive. The empty tomb is presented as irrefutable proof.
• Fulfillment of Prophecy: The angel emphasizes that the Resurrection was not a surprise but something Jesus himself had foretold, linking the event to his divine foreknowledge and authority.
• Victory Over Death and Sin: The Resurrection is the ultimate demonstration of Jesus' power over the grave and the penalty of sin, offering hope and salvation to humanity.
• The Power of Divine Intervention: The presence of the angel and the miraculous circumstances surrounding the empty tomb highlight God's direct involvement in orchestrating this pivotal event.
• Invitation to Witness and Believe: The call to "Come and see" is an invitation to move from confusion and doubt to faith and understanding through direct observation and the acceptance of the angel's testimony.

Spiritual Significance and Application

The Resurrection, as proclaimed here, is the foundation of Christian theology. It validates Jesus' claims as the Son of God and offers believers the assurance of eternal life. For individuals, this verse underscores the importance of engaging with the evidence of faith, not just intellectually but also experientially. It calls believers to move beyond the "tomb" of their doubts and despair to embrace the living reality of Christ. The empty tomb becomes a symbol of hope, a reminder that death is not the end, and that through Christ, new life is possible.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

Matthew 28:6 is the culmination of Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah's suffering, death, and eventual triumph. Throughout the Gospels, Jesus himself repeatedly predicted his own resurrection (e.g., Matthew 12:40, 16:21, 17:23). This verse confirms the accuracy of those predictions, demonstrating Jesus' divine nature and his fulfillment of God's redemptive plan for humanity. It sets the stage for the Great Commission that follows, where the resurrected Christ empowers his disciples to spread the message of salvation throughout the world.

Analogies

One analogy for the empty tomb is finding a sealed envelope that was clearly marked as containing a vital message, but upon opening it, the message itself is gone. The absence of the contents, however, does not imply the message was never there or that it was lost; rather, it suggests it has been delivered or fulfilled its purpose. Another analogy might be a key that unlocks a treasure chest. If the chest is found open and empty, it confirms that the key was indeed functional and the treasure has been accessed and distributed. The emptiness is not a sign of failure, but of success.

Relation to Other Verses

• Matthew 12:40: "For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth." This verse directly foreshadows the Resurrection, providing a prophetic parallel.
• John 2:19: "Jesus answered them, 'Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.'" Here, Jesus speaks metaphorically of his body as a temple, predicting his resurrection.
• 1 Corinthians 15:3-4: "For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures." This passage from Paul's letter to the Corinthians explicitly states the core tenets of the Christian faith, including the Resurrection.
• Luke 24:5-6: Similar to Matthew, the women at the tomb are told by angels, "Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen."