“And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him.”– Matthew 28:9 (KJV)
“And as they went, Jesus met them and greeted them. And they ran to him, grasped his feet, and worshiped him.”– Matthew 28:9 (NLT)
“While they were on their way, Jesus suddenly met them. ‘Good morning!’ he said. They fell to their knees, embraced his feet, and worshiped him.”– Matthew 28:9 (MSG)
What Does Matthew 28:9 Mean?
This verse occurs after Jesus’ resurrection. It reveals a beautiful moment where those who discovered the empty tomb encountered the risen Christ. The phrase, “All hail,” expresses joy and recognition. They are assured by Jesus himself, and these women show great reverence by holding his feet and worshiping him. This scene encapsulates both a greeting and a demonstration of faith.
In the context of that time and culture, it was significant for women to be the first to encounter Jesus after his resurrection. This moment symbolizes not only the victory of life over death but also the importance of women in the early church. The reverence shown by holding Jesus’ feet indicates their acknowledgment of him as Lord. This moment illustrates the reality of resurrection, encouraging believers to hold on to their faith. It speaks volumes about the power of Jesus to usher in new life and hope.
Matthew 28:9 Explanation and Commentary
To fully grasp what occurs in Matthew 28:9, one must appreciate the emotional landscape of the disciples and the surrounding community at that time. Jesus had been crucified, and the weight of grief felt by those who loved him was profound. They had witnessed his suffering and death, making any encounter with him after such a loss utterly transformative. Imagine the confusion and excitement they felt as they walked towards the tomb. To hear that they would see Jesus again was both thrilling and bewildering.
When Jesus meets them, his first words, “All hail,” are filled with warmth and familiarity, inviting them to rejoice in the miracle of his resurrection. They respond with joy, falling at his feet. This act of worship signifies deep love and gratitude. They aren’t just acknowledging Jesus as a friend; they recognize him as Savior. In that moment, everything changed. Their sorrow was exchanged for unbridled joy.
We can relate to those feelings of confusion and joy. Sometimes in our own lives, when we face challenges, it can feel disheartening. Yet, just like those who encountered Jesus, we, too, can experience transformative moments. It reassures us that hope does exist even when it seems lost. Through our faith in Jesus, we are reminded that we can trust him beyond the despair we may face.
This verse not only reveals the nature of Christ’s victory over death but also illustrates the bond between Jesus and his followers. His greeting is more than casual; it’s a call to embrace hope and faith after witnessing despair. Just as the women worshiped him, we are encouraged to come to Jesus with our burdens and doubts, seeking his comfort.
Context of Matthew 28:9
This passage takes place at a crucial point in history—the resurrection of Jesus. After his crucifixion, fear and uncertainty hung over his followers. Women were tasked to visit the tomb, and upon arriving, they were met with an angelic presence announcing Jesus’ resurrection. The angel instructs them to tell the disciples the good news. This sets the stage for the encounter they have with Jesus in Matthew 28:9.
Understanding the historical backdrop is key to appreciating the gravity of this moment. In a society where women’s voices often went unheard, the fact that the first witnesses were women speaks volumes about Jesus’ inclusive nature. The early church flourished in a time when challenging societal norms was essential for the spread of the gospel.
Jesus’ resurrection not only confirms his claim as the Son of God but signifies a new beginning for mankind. As the women grasped his feet, they embodied the very action of faith, revealing how people today should approach Jesus—with reverence and love. In our practice of faith, we are encouraged to come before Jesus in sincere worship and acknowledgment of who he is.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Matthew 28:9
Each portion of this passage carries weight and significance. “And as they went” indicates action and movement toward a promise being fulfilled. This implies we have an important role in our journey of faith, moving toward God’s will for our lives.
The greeting from Jesus, “All hail,” is not just a simple hello; it fosters a sense of joy, connection, and assurance. It signifies that He knows them and desires a relationship with them, and that warmth invites us to embrace him in our lives.
“They came and held him by the feet” speaks to the physicality of faith. Worship is not just a mental or emotional acknowledgment; it should involve our whole being. Jesus’ feet represent humility and submission. In recognizing his sovereignty, we align ourselves with God’s kingdom.
“Worshipped him” indicates the complete embrace of his divinity. Worship is an act of recognizing God’s greatness. It’s an invitation for us to trust Him in all circumstances, surrendering our fears and struggles at His feet.
The gathering of these elements in Matthew 28:9 solidifies the essence of our faith—acknowledging Jesus as the Lord and Savior who meets us in our daily lives, offering hope and calling us into deeper relationships with Him.
Lessons to Learn From Matthew 28:9
Matthew 28:9 teaches us several lessons that we can apply to our lives. First, we learn the importance of seeking Jesus actively. The women went to the tomb seeking Him. Just like them, we should initiate our own search for spiritual truth and meaning. God welcomes our efforts; He desires to meet us where we are in our journey.
The second lesson is about recognizing Jesus. The women didn’t just see an empty tomb; they encountered the Living Christ. In our own lives, we may overlook His presence because of distractions or hardships. We should strive to recognize Him during our times of trial and joy, remembering that He is alive and active in our lives.
Worship is another key takeaway from this verse. The women’s act of worship signifies complete devotion. We are encouraged to cultivate a lifestyle of worship that includes thankfulness and reverence towards God—not just during church services but in every aspect of our lives. Such practices help us maintain our relationship with God, making us more aware of His grace and love.
Finally, Matthew 28:9 teaches us that sharing our faith is critical. The women were instructed to share the news of His resurrection. We must take initiative to share our experiences with others, helping them understand the hope we have found in Jesus. Developing relationships rooted in faith helps unite and strengthen our community.
Final Thoughts
Matthew 28:9 is not just a historical account; it’s a vivid reminder of Jesus’ love, power, and the hope we hold in Him. The moment reflects the significant role of women in the early church while highlighting Christ as our source of joy and strength. As we reflect on this passage, let us draw encouragement from the women who showed faith and love, remembering that we can approach Jesus with open hearts.
Let this moment inspire us to come before Him in worship, allowing Him to mold our lives through His grace. For those still seeking, let’s recognize that Jesus desires to meet us too, offering us a relationship rooted in love and hope. As we carry this message of life into our daily interactions, let’s seek opportunities to share our faith with others. Together, we grow as a united body in Christ, encouraging one another in this beautiful journey of faith.
If you want to explore more enlightening topics about the Bible, I encourage you to check out more articles for inspiration and understanding! You can also learn more about other passages, like Matthew 11 or even earlier texts like Genesis 18.