The whole of this chapter is about the resurrection of the Jesus. Matthew 28:1-10 describes Christ’s resurrection and appearance to the women. Matthew 28:11-15 speaks to the confession of the soldiers. Matthew 28:16-20 contains Christ's commission to his disciples.
The word “fear” is used several times in this passage.
There was an earthquake and an angel of the Lord rolled
the stone away. Jesus did not need the
power of angels to roll away the stone so He could ascend to heaven. This was
more for the benefit of the women to see that Jesus was gone and for the angels
of the Lord to provide instruction. It was also for the benefit of his enemies
as the guards “shook” for fear and became like dead men.
Just imagine going to see the grave of a loved one and
seeing the dirt removed, coffin open, body gone and clothes remaining all neat
and tidy. This is exactly what the women saw as the angel of the Lord invited
them into the tomb to show them that Jesus followed through with what he said
he was going to do. The angels encouraged the women to put their fear away and to go and tell the
disciples to meet Jesus in Galilee.
It
was a different story for the guards who feared for their lives because they
somehow missed what they must have thought was the theft of Jesus’ body his
disciples. Some of the guards got up the courage to go and meet with the chief
priests who needed to come up with an alternate story, and used bribery to
squelch the truth. They were fearful of what was true.
As
we seek to grasp the importance of the “Resurrected” Jesus we need to ask: Do I
fear Jesus’ return? Or…Am I excited about Jesus’ return? I pray today and everyday: Jesus
please come now!
Written by guest blogger: Don Mills
Thanks for stopping by . . .
pj
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