Meaning of Matthew 28:7

This verse from Matthew 28:7 is a pivotal command given by the angel to the women at the empty tomb, marking the immediate aftermath of Jesus' resurrection. The angel's instruction to "go quickly and tell his disciples" emphasizes the urgency and profound importance of the news. The message itself, "He has risen from the dead," is the foundational proclamation of Christianity, the ultimate proof of Jesus' divine authority and the victory over sin and death. The directive to meet Jesus in Galilee serves as both a confirmation of his resurrection and a foreshadowing of renewed discipleship and ministry in a familiar, yet transformed, setting. The angel’s concluding statement, "Now I have told you," underscores the finality and sufficiency of this divine revelation, placing the responsibility for its dissemination squarely on the women.

Context and Background

The events surrounding Matthew 28:7 occur on the first day of the week following Jesus' crucifixion. The women, including Mary Magdalene and the other Mary, had come to the tomb early in the morning to anoint Jesus' body, a task interrupted by a violent earthquake and the appearance of an angel who rolled away the stone. Upon entering, they found the tomb empty, prompting their confusion and fear. The angel’s appearance and message in Matthew 28:7 are thus a direct response to this situation, providing divine clarification and instruction. This encounter is a critical moment, shifting the narrative from mourning and despair to the triumphant announcement of the resurrection.

Key Themes and Messages

• The Resurrection: The central message is the bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ, the cornerstone of Christian faith.
• Urgency and Proclamation: The command to "go quickly" highlights the immediate need to share this life-altering news.
• Divine Commissioning: The women are the first messengers of the resurrection, a significant role given to individuals often marginalized in ancient society.
• Hope and Assurance: The resurrection offers hope of eternal life and assures believers of Jesus' ongoing presence and power.
• Future Encounter: The promise of seeing Jesus in Galilee points to a future encounter and the continuation of his work through his followers.

Spiritual Significance and Application

The spiritual significance of Matthew 28:7 lies in its foundational role for Christian belief and practice. The resurrection is not merely a historical event but a present reality that empowers believers. The call to "go quickly" can be applied to believers today, urging them to share the Gospel message with conviction and promptness. The promise of seeing Jesus in Galilee signifies that encountering Christ is not a one-time event but an ongoing relationship, often experienced in familiar settings where we live and work, and in community with other believers. It encourages active faith and participation in God's ongoing redemptive plan.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

This verse is a climactic fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah's suffering, death, and eventual triumph over death (e.g., Psalm 16:10, Isaiah 53). It marks the inauguration of the New Covenant, sealed by Christ's blood and confirmed by his resurrection. The resurrection is the divine validation of Jesus' claims and the ultimate demonstration of God's power, paving the way for the spread of the Gospel to all nations, as commissioned in the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20).

Analogies

One analogy for the angel's message is a life-saving announcement delivered by emergency responders. Imagine a city under threat, and a messenger arrives with the urgent news that the danger has been averted and a path to safety is now open. The urgency of their delivery is paramount, as delay could mean further suffering. Similarly, the angel's message is of paramount importance, bringing liberation from the bondage of sin and death. Another analogy is a royal decree announcing the king's victory and his intention to meet his loyal subjects in a specific location to lead them forward. The decree is not just information; it's a call to action and a promise of future engagement.

Relation to Other Verses

• Matthew 16:21: "From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life." This verse foreshadows the resurrection that the women are now announcing.
• 1 Corinthians 15:3-8: This passage explicitly details the Gospel message, including Christ's death, burial, resurrection, and appearances, confirming the theological significance of the event at the tomb.
• John 20:11-18: The parallel account in John provides further details of Mary Magdalene's encounter with the risen Jesus at the tomb, reinforcing the message of his resurrection.
• Matthew 28:18-20: The Great Commission directly follows this encounter, where Jesus himself appears to the disciples and commissions them to make disciples of all nations, building upon the foundation of his resurrection.