Imagine the dawn breaking on a quiet Sunday morning, filled with hope and uncertainty. Mary Magdalene and the other Mary approach the tomb, unaware that their world is about to be turned upside down.
The Reading: Matthew 28
World English Bible1 Now after the Sabbath, as it began to dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb.
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2 Behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from the sky, and came and rolled away the stone from the door, and sat on it.
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3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow.
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4 For fear of him, the guards shook, and became like dead men.
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5 The angel answered the women, “Don’t be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus, who has been crucified.
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6 He is not here, for he has risen, just like he said. Come, see the place where the Lord was lying.
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7 Go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He has risen from the dead, and behold, he goes before you into Galilee; there you will see him.’ Behold, I have told you.”
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8 They departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to bring his disciples word.
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9 As they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, “Rejoice!” They came and took hold of his feet, and worshiped him.
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10 Then Jesus said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Go tell my brothers that they should go into Galilee, and there they will see me.”
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11 Now while they were going, behold, some of the guards came into the city, and told the chief priests all the things that had happened.
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12 When they were assembled with the elders, and had taken counsel, they gave a large amount of silver to the soldiers,
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13 saying, “Say that his disciples came by night, and stole him away while we slept.
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14 If this comes to the governor’s ears, we will persuade him and make you free of worry.”
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15 So they took the money and did as they were told. This saying was spread abroad among the Jews, and continues until today.
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16 But the eleven disciples went into Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had sent them.
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17 When they saw him, they bowed down to him, but some doubted.
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18 Jesus came to them and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth.
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19 Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
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20 teaching them to observe all things that I commanded you. Behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.
What This Chapter Is Really Saying
The Earthquake and the Angel
After the Sabbath, as dawn painted the sky, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary arrived at Jesus' tomb. Suddenly, a massive earthquake rocked the ground, signaling the arrival of an angel. This heavenly messenger rolled away the stone covering the tomb and sat on it, his appearance dazzling like lightning and his clothes pure as snow.
The Angel's Message
The guards, terrified and frozen in fear, resembled dead men. But the angel reassured the women, urging them not to be afraid. The most extraordinary news followed: Jesus had risen from the dead, just as he had promised! The angel invited them to see the empty tomb and instructed them to tell the disciples that Jesus would meet them in Galilee.
The Joyful Encounter
Filled with a mix of fear and great joy, the women rushed away to deliver the message. On their way, they encountered the risen Jesus, who greeted them with a joyful 'Rejoice!' They fell at his feet in worship, overwhelmed by the miraculous event. Jesus encouraged them to share the news with his brothers and assure them of his impending appearance in Galilee.
The Guards' Report
Meanwhile, the guards, shaken by the events, reported everything to the chief priests. To cover up the resurrection, the priests bribed them to spread a false story that the disciples had stolen Jesus' body while they slept.
The Great Commission
The eleven disciples eventually gathered in Galilee, where Jesus met them. Some doubted, but Jesus declared his authority over heaven and earth. He commissioned them to make disciples of all nations, baptizing them and teaching them his commandments. He ended with a comforting promise: he would always be with them, even to the end of the age.
Why It Matters
Embracing Resurrection
Matthew 28 is all about transformation - turning despair into joy. The resurrection represents hope and new beginnings, reminding us that even in our darkest moments, there is light ahead.
The Call to Action
Jesus' Great Commission is a powerful call for all believers. We are invited not just to believe but to share our faith and help others discover hope and joy in Christ. It's about being active participants in our communities and sharing the love we've encountered.
Finding Community
In our modern world, finding a supportive community is vital to our faith journey. Platforms like Sancta can help you connect with local churches and services, making it easier to find your place in this ongoing story of faith. find a church near you.
The Promise of Presence
Jesus' assurance that he will be with us is comforting. We can face life's challenges with confidence, knowing we are never truly alone - this is a profound promise to carry in our hearts.
Coming Up Next: Mark 1
In the next part of our journey, we venture into Mark 1, where we witness the beginning of Jesus' ministry. Get ready for powerful teachings and miraculous moments that will inspire your faith!