“He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.”– Matthew 28:6 (KJV)
“He isn’t here! He has risen from the dead, just as he said would happen. Come, see where his body was lying.”– Matthew 28:6 (NLT)
“He’s not here! He’s risen, just as he said. Come and look at the place where he was placed.”– Matthew 28:6 (MSG)
What Does Matthew 28:6 Mean?
This verse in Matthew captivates the essence of hope and triumph found within Christianity. The declaration that Jesus is risen brings forth the cornerstone of our faith. It marks the moment when death was defeated, and the promise of eternal life was set in motion. In these words, we find an assurance that resonates deeply with our beliefs and our lives.
The phrase “He is not here” confirms the miraculous event that defies human understanding. Our Savior has risen from the dead, showcasing the power of God over death. This announcement by the angel is not just a proclamation; it is a message of encouragement to all who hear it. It urges us to witness the victory over sin and despair. As we reflect on this moment, we can remember how Jesus’ resurrection inspires us to hold onto our faith even in challenging times.
Matthew 28:6 Explanation and Commentary
Matthew 28:6 serves as a divine reminder that the resurrection of Jesus is not merely a historical event but a transformative experience for all believers. As we explore this scripture, we realize that it encapsulates the hope that our faith is built upon. The angel’s assurance to the women visiting the tomb carries weight beyond the moment. It invites us to look closer at the implications of Jesus rising from the dead.
The invitation to “come and see” depicts a divine call to witness the reality of Jesus’ resurrection. We are not left in ambiguity; instead, we are encouraged to experience the truth. We find comfort in knowing that we can partake in this promise of life and renewal. Just as the early disciples were called to witness, we too are invited daily to explore the depths of our faith in a personal and profound way. This same invitation extends to us today, asking us to step into the fullness of life that Jesus embodies.
Jesus’ resurrection signifies the defeat of death, sin, and despair. It demonstrates that God’s power is far greater than any challenges we face. This profound truth transforms how we perceive our struggles. When we feel overwhelmed or lost, we can remember that Jesus has triumphed over the grave. His victory becomes our victory; His resurrection becomes our hope. As believers, we can rally together in faith, knowing that no situation is too complicated for the risen Christ to overcome.
Every time we reflect on this verse, it invites us to envision the empty tomb: a space of transformation, where death no longer holds sway. We are called to embody this life and share the message of hope and freedom that comes from knowing our Savior. Matthew 28:6 reminds us that our faith is anchored in this incredible miracle—the resurrection, which provides the foundation for everything we believe.
Context of Matthew 28:6
Understanding the context of Matthew 28:6 enhances our grasp of its meaning and significance. This verse sits in the broader narrative of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. The events leading up to this moment were filled with anticipation, despair, and confusion among Jesus’ followers. After enduring the agony of the crucifixion, the disciples faced a period of uncertainty, grappling with the loss of their beloved teacher and friend.
As the women approached the tomb, they were likely feeling a mix of sadness and confusion. The angel’s statement was poised to redirect their despair into hope. In that moment, Matthew reveals the emphatic truth that Jesus is not in the tomb but has risen as He promised. This context is essential because it paints a clearer picture of the emotional weight surrounding Jesus’ resurrection. It emphasizes that the reality of the resurrection brings light into moments of darkness.
The broader context of Matthew 28 also includes the Great Commission, where Jesus instructs His followers to spread the message of His resurrection to all nations. This turning point sets the stage for the advancement of the early Church. We see that the resurrection was not only an important moment in history but also a transformative beginning for Jesus’ disciples, propelling them to share their experiences and establish the Church. This context allows us to appreciate the depth of Matthew 28:6 within the story of salvation.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Matthew 28:6
The impact of Matthew 28:6 lies in its key components. “He is not here”: This first declaration signifies more than just a physical absence; it speaks to the reality that Jesus has moved beyond earthly limitations. It invites us to shift our perspective—He is alive! This powerful assertion ignites hope, showing us that Jesus has conquered death.
“For he is risen”: This simple yet profound statement is the heart of the Gospel message. In three words, we find the foundation of our faith. The resurrection proves that God’s power is unmatched, initiating the fulfillment of God’s promises to humanity. This part of the verse celebrates the victory over sin, signifying the newfound access we have to eternal life.
“As he said”: These words remind us of the faithfulness of Jesus. Prior to His death, He foretold His resurrection numerous times. This reality of His rising reinforces the authenticity and reliability of Christ’s words. Time and again, Jesus encouraged His followers to trust in His promises. Understanding this phrase allows us to appreciate the importance of having faith in what God has declared throughout Scripture.
“Come, see the place where the Lord lay”: This invitation emphasizes that we are invited to witness this extraordinary event. It is a call to all believers to seek and experience the glory of Christ’s resurrection. The empty tomb becomes a symbol of the life we are granted through Him. We reflect on the implications of the invitation to explore and embrace the reality that Jesus is alive. Each of these key parts builds a comprehensive understanding of the verse, reinforcing our faith in the resurrection.
Lessons to Learn From Matthew 28:6
As we reflect on Matthew 28:6, we uncover invaluable lessons that apply to our lives today. The most significant lesson is the unwavering hope found in the resurrection of Jesus. This hope is transformative, encouraging us to step forward in faith regardless of the challenges we encounter. When we hold onto this hope, it reshapes our perspective, allowing us to see beyond present difficulties.
Another crucial lesson is the importance of sharing the message of hope with others. Just as the angel invited the women to witness and then share what they saw, we are called to communicate the Gospel. We are part of something greater than ourselves, and our testimonies can inspire others to explore their faith. In doing so, we play a role in advancing the mission that Jesus entrusted to His followers after the resurrection.
Additionally, this verse teaches us about the reliability of God’s promises. Jesus assured His disciples that He would rise again, and He fulfilled that promise. This truth encourages us to trust in God’s word. We can look back on His promises in our lives, recognizing that He remains faithful even in times of uncertainty. Every promise He has made can be counted upon, reminding us to lean into faith when faced with life’s trials.
In times of doubt, Matthew 28:6 reassures us that we can find strength through the resurrection. Just as Jesus rose, we too are invited to rise above our circumstances with renewed faith, joy, and purpose. We are reminded that our struggles do not define us. We can embrace life in its fullness because our Savior conquered death, paving the way for us to experience abundant life.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, Matthew 28:6 serves as a powerful reminder of the hope and assurance found in Christ’s resurrection. This verse encapsulates the message that Jesus is alive, inviting us into a personal experience of faith. As we hold tightly to the truths presented within these words, we embark on a journey of exploration and growth in our relationship with God.
We are reminded that the resurrection revitalizes our faith and empowers us to face life’s challenges head-on. As we share the message of hope with those around us, we become vessels of God’s love and grace. Let us continuously seek the truth of the empty tomb and embrace the life that we are offered in Jesus.
If you are inspired by this exploration of Matthew 28:6, we encourage you to read more about Jesus’ ministry in Matthew 11 and delve into the stories in Genesis 18:4 and Genesis 18:6. Together, let us continue to discover the rich narratives and principles that shape our faith.