“Then Jesus said unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me.”– Matthew 28:10 (KJV)
“Then Jesus said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. Go tell my brothers to leave for Galilee, and they will see me there.’– Matthew 28:10 (NLT)
“Jesus said, ‘Don’t be afraid. Go tell my brothers that they are to go to Galilee. They will see me there.’– Matthew 28:10 (MSG)
What Does Matthew 28:10 Mean?
Matthew 28:10 is a powerful verse that comes after the resurrection of Jesus Christ. After He rose from the dead, some women went to visit His tomb. They were filled with fear and confusion. However, when they encountered Jesus, He comforted them and gave them a mission. He told them not to be afraid but to go and tell His disciples that they would see Him in Galilee. This command is significant for several reasons.
First, it emphasizes the importance of sharing the good news. The women were not just witnesses to an incredible miracle, they were also tasked with spreading the message. Jesus had entrusted them with the vital role of being the first messengers of His resurrection. By telling the women to inform His disciples that they would see Him again, He was assuring them that His resurrection was real and that they had a purpose in His continued mission.
Second, this verse highlights Jesus’ compassion. He told the women not to be afraid, which shows His understanding of their fears and worries. This reassured them in their moment of uncertainty. In our lives, we often face situations that fill us with fear or doubt. Jesus’ words remind us that we can always lean on Him for comfort and strength. He understands our fears and encourages us to move forward in faith.
This verse also signifies the inclusion of women in Jesus’ ministry. In a time when women were often marginalized, Jesus chose women to be the first to witness His resurrection. This indicates that the message of Christ is for everyone, regardless of gender, social status, or background. By entrusting women with this crucial message, Jesus demonstrates that everyone has a role to play in His story.
Matthew 28:10 Explanation and Commentary
To fully understand Matthew 28:10, we must look at the context. After being crucified, Jesus had been buried, and His tomb was sealed. On the third day, there was a great earthquake, and an angel rolled away the stone from the entrance of the tomb. The women came to the tomb expecting to find Jesus’ body but were met with the astonishing news of His resurrection.
When the angel spoke to the women, it was a moment of revelation. The angel instructed them to go quickly and tell His disciples about the resurrection. After the angel’s message, the resurrected Jesus appeared to them. This is where our verse comes in, as Jesus reassures them not to be afraid.
In this moment, we witness the beauty of God’s love and grace. Jesus did not appear to the religious leaders or the powerful of that time but chose to reveal Himself to humble women. Their fear transformed into joy when they realized that they had encountered the risen Lord. They experienced a profound moment of faith, and through this encounter, they were empowered to share the incredible news.
Moreover, the command to go to Galilee was not just a geographical instruction. Galilee holds a significant place in the ministry of Jesus. It was the place where His disciples were called, a region where He performed many miracles, and where He preached about the kingdom of God. This region became pivotal in spreading His teachings after His resurrection. By telling them to go to Galilee, Jesus was emphasizing the continuation of His mission through His followers.
Each detail in this passage is rich with meaning. We see how Jesus values the women and uses them as messengers of hope. In our context today, we can see that Jesus calls each of us to share His message of love and restoration, just like He instructed the women before us. His resurrection gives us hope and a purpose, reminding us to communicate His love to others.
Context of Matthew 28:10
Understanding the context of Matthew 28:10 is crucial for appreciating its significance. This verse appears in the final chapter of the Gospel of Matthew, where the resurrection of Jesus is the focal point. The events leading up to this moment include Jesus’ crucifixion, burial, and the great stone that was rolled away from His tomb.
After the crucifixion, the story dramatically shifts from despair to joy as the resurrection takes place. The women who visited the tomb were the Marys, significant figures in Jesus’ life. Mary Magdalene, in particular, had experienced Jesus’ transformative power after He cast out demons from her. Their visit to the tomb represents hope, faith, and anticipation for what was to come.
As we read this passage, we must also consider what Jesus had previously taught His disciples about His death and resurrection. He had shared with them that He would suffer and rise again on the third day. Matthew 28:10 fulfills this promise and illustrates the reliability of Jesus’ words.
In this context, Jesus’ appearance to the women emphasizes His victory over death and sin. He rose again, and the message of this powerful act is entrusted to those who were once considered weak in society. This purposeful act reinforces that God’s plans often align with the unexpected and remind us that He can use anyone to fulfill His work.
In our walk of faith, remembering this context brings deeper meaning to Jesus’ reassurances. The same words spoken to the women are meant for us today. We can look forward with hope, knowing that Jesus is alive and that He calls us to actively participate in sharing His love and truth.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Matthew 28:10
Breaking down Matthew 28:10 gives us a clearer view of its significance. Let’s look closely at three key parts: Jesus’ command to “Do not be afraid,” the directive to “Go tell my brothers,” and the location of Galilee.
Firstly, Jesus begins by telling the women “Do not be afraid.” This phrase offers immediate comfort to their anxious hearts. Fear can paralyze us, causing us to hesitate in our faith. Jesus’ words remind us that fear does not have to control our lives. We can choose to trust in Him and find courage in His presence. When we face challenges or uncertainties, we can turn to Jesus, who comforts us and promises to be with us.
Secondly, the instruction to “Go tell my brothers” demonstrates how Jesus chooses to empower others. He calls His disciples “brothers,” emphasizing a familial bond. In this moment, He includes His followers in the intimate relationship that exists between Him and them. In doing so, He shows that they are no longer just disciples but active participants in the mission of spreading the good news of His resurrection. This sense of belonging is essential for us as believers. We are called to share our faith, support each other, and foster community within the body of Christ.
Finally, the mention of Galilee is significant. Galilee represents a place of hope where the disciples first encountered Jesus, where they learned from Him, and where much of His ministry took place. Jesus instructing the disciples to return here reaffirms that He would meet them in their familiar territory. He would not abandon them but would continue to guide and teach them. This teaches us about the importance of returning to our roots in faith. Whether through prayer, worship, or reading the Scriptures, we find strength and encouragement in our spiritual homes.
As we reflect on these key parts, we discover how they intertwine to form a rich tapestry of hope, purpose, and reassurance. It calls us to confront our fears, engage actively in our faith, and remain connected to Christ and our spiritual family.
Lessons to Learn From Matthew 28:10
Matthew 28:10 is filled with valuable lessons we can apply to our lives. One key takeaway is the importance of sharing our faith. Just as the women were tasked with conveying the message of the resurrection, we too are called to share the good news. In our daily lives, we can be witnesses of Christ by telling others about His love and what He has done for us. We can do this through conversations, acts of kindness, and by living out our faith authentically.
This verse reminds us that God can use anyone to fulfill His purpose. The women were not elite or highly regarded but were chosen by Jesus for a vital role. This challenges us to think about who we are and how God values us. He sees potential in each of us, regardless of our background, and He equips us to serve in His kingdom. We can be confident that our worth is rooted in Him, and He can use our unique gifts for His glory.
Moreover, we learn the importance of addressing fear. Jesus’ admonition to “not be afraid” resonates throughout scripture and offers comfort during anxious moments. We should recognize that fear is a natural response in uncertain times, but we must not let it overshadow our faith. Instead of allowing fear to consume us, we can remind ourselves of Jesus’ presence and rely on His strength. We can use prayer and support from our community to help combat feelings of fear.
Another lesson relates to belonging. Jesus refers to His disciples as “brothers,” inviting them into a close relationship with Him. This speaks to the need for fellowship within the body of Christ. We are not meant to navigate our spiritual journeys alone. By building relationships with fellow believers, we can encourage one another, share our struggles, and grow in our faith together.
Lastly, this passage encourages us to look for Jesus in our daily lives, just as the disciples were directed to Galilee. It is in these familiar places that we experience His presence. Whether it is through nature, church gatherings, or quiet moments of reflection, we can encounter Christ anew. This reminder to watch for His guiding hand rekindles our love for Him and our awareness of His continuous work in our lives.
Final Thoughts
Matthew 28:10 serves as a profound reminder of Jesus’ resurrection, His call to share the good news, and the comfort He provides in times of fear. This passage has relevance not only in a historical context but also for us today. As we grasp the significance of His command not to be afraid, we can embrace His call to act and share our faith with others.
In our lives, we may find ourselves facing uncertainties and challenges. Yet, just as Jesus spoke to the women, He speaks to us with encouragement and reassurance. Let us always remember that we are valued, loved, and chosen by Him. Each of us has a purpose in His grand narrative, and He calls us to participate in spreading His love.
As we reflect on the meaning of this verse, we are reminded to cultivate community among believers and to seek out opportunities to share our experiences with Jesus. We can encourage one another and serve together in His name. In moments of fear, let us lean on our faith and remain united in our mission to share the good news of Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns forever.
We invite you to explore more amazing topics, such as the incredible truths found in other parts of the Bible. For instance, you can read about Jesus’ teachings in Matthew 11 or experience the beginnings of creation in Genesis 1. Each passage has a message that can uplift and inspire us in our ongoing journey of faith.