“In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre.”– Matthew 28:1 (KJV)
“Early on Sunday morning, as the new day was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went out to visit the tomb.”– Matthew 28:1 (NLT)
“After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb.”– Matthew 28:1 (MSG)
What Does Matthew 28:1 Mean?
Matthew 28:1 marks a moment of incredible significance within the Christian faith, as it brings us to the very heart of the Resurrection story. Here, we see Mary Magdalene and another Mary approaching the tomb of Jesus after the Sabbath, eager and perhaps anxious to tend to His body. This moment conveys both a literal and emotional awakening: while the dawn signifies a new day, it also symbolizes hope rising from the despair of His crucifixion. The women’s actions demonstrate devotion, courage, and anticipation, which all play a fundamental role in the unfolding events of the Resurrection.
This verse highlights the importance of the first day of the week, which would later be recognized by Christians as the Lord’s Day, a day of worship and celebration of Jesus’ triumph over death. The fact that it was dawn adds to the symbolism; its light breaking signifies transformation, the defeat of darkness, and the promise of new beginnings. We can draw parallels with other Biblical references where dawn or morning signifies a new chapter, such as in Psalms 30:5, which tells us, “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.” The dawn here is much more than just a time of day – it is God’s promise fulfilled through His Son.
Matthew 28:1 Explanation and Commentary
In this passage, we notice that the women approached the sepulchre after the Sabbath, which was a significant day of rest in Jewish culture. Observing the Sabbath, they refrained from any activity, including tending to Jesus’ body after His crucifixion. When they arrived at the tomb, their purpose was clear: they wanted to honor Him with the traditional burial spices and oils. Their dedication illustrates their love and respect for Jesus, serving as a reminder for us to reflect on our own commitment to our faith.
As they made their way to the grave, we can imagine their minds filled with emotions. They were mourning the loss of their beloved teacher and friend, yet they were still holding onto hope. Their journey to the tomb symbolizes the steps we often take in our lives, where even in situations that seem hopeless, we continue to seek, to care, and to show our love.
This verse also prepares us for what happens next: the miraculous resurrection of Jesus. The presence of Mary Magdalene emphasizes her vital role in the story of Christ. She is often recognized as the first to see the risen Lord. Her unwavering loyalty and faithfulness exemplify how we should approach Jesus with determination, regardless of our current circumstances or the challenges we face. Her story inspires us to be steadfast in our faith and shows us that we, too, can witness the miraculous in our lives—if we persist in seeking Him.
Furthermore, the mention of the dawn adds a layer of anticipation to the narrative. It suggests that even in darkness, light is on the horizon – a powerful metaphor for the hope we find in Christ. We experience moments of darkness in our lives, where everything feels hopeless, but just like the dawn follows the night, we can trust that God’s light will break through our struggles. Reflecting on this part of the verse encourages us to remain steadfast in our own journeys and have faith that we will experience joy anew.
Context of Matthew 28:1
This verse is set in the context of the events following the crucifixion of Jesus, a profound and tragic moment in the Gospels. Chapter 27 describes His betrayal, arrest, trial, and ultimate death on the cross, where He bore the weight of our sins. After His death, Jesus was laid in a tomb provided by Joseph of Arimathea. The time between His death and resurrection was filled with confusion, sorrow, and uncertainty for His followers.
Understanding the scene in which Matthew 28:1 takes place helps us to grasp the depth of emotion experienced by Mary Magdalene and the other Mary. They endured the grief of losing Jesus, a friend and leader who had transformed their lives. In this moment of despair, the act of approaching His tomb demonstrates their unwavering love and dedication. There is also a cultural context here, as the practice of anointing the dead was a respected tradition, indicating the deep love and care for the deceased.
The resurrection occurred during an important time in the Jewish calendar, which means that many were in Jerusalem for the Passover celebration. The events surrounding it were not limited to the personal grief of the women but resonated throughout the community. When Jesus rose from the dead, it wasn’t just a victory for a few individual followers, but it became a defining moment for all humanity. The message of salvation through Christ would spread outwards to reach all corners of the earth, forever changing the course of history.
Contextually, this passage leads to the Great Commission, where Jesus instructs His disciples to spread the good news. Therefore, Matthew 28:1 isn’t merely a historical account; it is a launching point for teaching, sharing, and proclaiming the message of hope that His resurrection brings to us all. By focusing on what transpired during these early hours, we gain insight into the themes that are central to our faith—grace, hope, and redemption.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Matthew 28:1
Let’s break down the key components of Matthew 28:1 systematically. The verse begins with “After the Sabbath,” marking a transition from rest to action. The Sabbath, a day of no work, was incredibly significant for the Jewish people. It was a time set aside to honor God, which illustrates the respect the women held for this practice as they waited to fulfill their duties toward Jesus. This moment signifies that they are now ready to take action in the light of a new day.
“At dawn on the first day of the week,” is another crucial aspect. The dawn signifies not only the start of a new day but also the ushering in of a new era – resurrection and life. The “first day of the week” highlights how their week was beginning with something extraordinary. For Christians, this day became associated with Jesus’ resurrection, which we celebrate every Sunday. This custom acknowledges the huge significance of this event in our faith journey.
As the women went to look at the tomb, we find encouragement in their bravery. They were not deterred by the danger or despair they faced; instead, they stepped forward despite their fear. This action reveals a powerful truth: we are often called to move in faith, even when we may not see the outcomes. Their journey to honor the body of Jesus symbolizes how we too are encouraged to go forth in obedience, trusting in the invisible hand of God to lead us onward.
The women’s return illustrates a common theme throughout Scripture: God leveraging unexpected people to accomplish His purposes. In this case, it was the women who would be the first recipients of the news of hope and life. It challenges us to reflect on how we view those around us and reminds us that anyone is capable of being an instrument for God’s glory. It serves as a reminder that we are all a part of a much larger story where everyone matters and can play a role in the unfolding plan of God.
By comprehending these elements of Matthew 28:1, we deepen our appreciation for the events played out in this narrative. It invites us to be inspired by the courage of the women and to remain committed to seeking Jesus, especially in times of adversity. We too can experience revelations and renewed hope when we step out in faith, just as these women did.
Lessons to Learn From Matthew 28:1
Matthew 28:1 teaches us several powerful lessons. The first lesson revolves around faith and persistence. The women approached the tomb of Jesus despite their sorrow, illustrating that our faith can still be strong even when we are weighed down by grief. It encourages us to come before God in our times of need, demonstrating that our hearts and affections should be aimed at honoring Him, even in our darkest moments. When we keep our focus on seeking Jesus, we are reminded of His faithfulness and love that will carry us through.
The act of going to the tomb also reveals commitment. True faith often calls for commitment and can require sacrifices. As we venture into our spiritual lives, we must examine our dedication. Are we willing to follow the promptings of the Spirit? Are we committed to looking for Christ in our daily lives? This passage serves as a motivational epitome of what devotion looks like, challenging us to find ways to express our love for Him daily.
An additional lesson lies in the significance of community. The women went to the tomb together, demonstrating the importance of support in our spiritual journeys. As believers, we are called to walk alongside one another, sharing burdens and encouraging one another in our faith. Their friendship serves as a reminder that we should not walk through life alone; instead, we can gather with fellow believers to navigate through life’s challenges together, just as they did.
The dawn that followed the Sabbath signifies hope and renewal. In our own lives, when we experience trials, we can remind ourselves that dawn breaks, leading to new beginnings. In times of doubt, we may experience moments when we wonder about our purpose and plans, but God invites us to trust in the promise of resurrection and the hope of Christ. This lesson encourages us to maintain an optimism grounded in our faith, knowing that even in our trials, God is working for our good.
These timeless lessons beckon us to embrace the significance of Matthew 28:1 in our lives today. Whether it’s our daily routines, our friendships, or the encouragement to rise in faith, we find great inspiration in the dedication of Mary Magdalene and the other Mary. Their story reminds us that with each new day, we have an opportunity to experience the love and grace of God, allowing it to overflow into every aspect of our lives.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, Matthew 28:1 is more than just a historical account; it serves as a guiding light for us in our faith journey. The moment that these women approach the tomb reflects our own search for hope, love, and connection with Jesus. Their courage and heart offer us a shining example of devotion, persistence, and community. As we approach our own moments of darkness or uncertainty, we are reminded that with Jesus, a new dawn always follows.
May we always seek Him with the same fervor that Mary and the other Mary displayed. As we wake each morning, let us embrace the new day with hope, trust, and love. In our personal journey to know Jesus, we will encounter trials, and just as the dawn light brought forth a new beginning for the world the Resurrection opened, we will experience our own moments of triumph that God orchestrates in our lives. Let us be inspired by the simple but profound lessons in Matthew 28:1, stirring in us a deeper desire to pursue God and share the good news with others.
For those who want to further explore topics of faith and hope, we invite you to read more about the life-changing events in the scriptures. Dive deeper into passages like Genesis 18 or Matthew 11 that continue to inspire us today.