“And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you.”– Matthew 28:7 (KJV)
“Now, go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead and he is going ahead of you to Galilee. You will see him there. Remember, I have told you.”– Matthew 28:7 (NLT)
“Now, go on your way quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He’s risen from the dead. He’s going on ahead of you to Galilee. You will see him there. That’s the message.’”– Matthew 28:7 (MSG)
What Does Matthew 28:7 Mean?
Matthew 28:7 is a profoundly significant verse in the Gospel of Matthew. It occurs right after the resurrection of Jesus, a pivotal moment in Christian faith. In this verse, we see the angel of the Lord instructing the women who were at the tomb to go and tell the disciples that Jesus has risen. This commission to spread the word highlights the importance of sharing the Good News of Jesus’ resurrection, which is a cornerstone of Christian belief.
The command “go quickly” reflects urgency. The women are not just passive observers, they are given a mission. They are to announce the greatest news history has ever known: that Jesus is alive after being crucified. Their role in this story emphasizes that women were among the first witnesses of the resurrection. This is essential, as it highlights the inclusive nature of God’s message and mission.
Matthew 28:7 Explanation and Commentary
To fully appreciate Matthew 28:7, we must recognize its context and implications. After Jesus’ death and burial, confusion and grief surrounded His disciples. They witnessed the trial, crucifixion, and despair of losing their teacher and friend. The angel’s message represents a turning point. With the command to “go and tell,” the heavy cloak of despair is lifted. The resurrection signifies hope, victory over death, and fulfillment of Jesus’ proclamations about His purpose and sacrifice.
When we consider the phrase “tell his disciples,” we realize that the resurrection is not only for the women who witnessed it. It is meant for everyone, especially those who followed Jesus. The command serves as an urgent reminder to us today of our responsibility as believers to share the good news of Jesus’ resurrection with others. Just like the women at the tomb, we are called to be heralds of hope.
The directive to go into Galilee is also telling. Galilee was where Jesus spent much of His ministry, teaching and performing miracles. The fact that He would meet His disciples there symbolizes a return to their roots, a recommissioning of their mission. This aspect encourages us to reflect on our own “Galilees.” Where do we encounter Jesus, and where are we called to go in our lives following our encounters with Him?
Furthermore, there is a personal relationship expressed in this verse. The angel’s words, “there shall ye see him,” indicate that the resurrected Jesus is available to His disciples. There is an invitation, an assurance that they will experience the presence of Jesus again, offering comfort to them and to us. Jesus desires to be known and to engage with those who seek Him.
Context of Matthew 28:7
To further understand Matthew 28:7, we should look at the broader narrative leading to this moment. Just before this verse, Jesus died on the cross, a significant event that fulfilled Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah’s suffering and sacrificial nature. The end of Matthew 27 describes the burial of Jesus, where the disciples were hiding, filled with fear and uncertainty.
The first day of the week began with the women approaching the tomb, filled with grief, armed with spices to anoint Jesus’ body. They did not expect to find an empty tomb. However, upon arrival, they encountered an angel who reassured them and delivered the message of hope. This moment served as a catalyst for transforming their despair into joy, showcasing the power of resurrection.
Matthew 28 captures the essence of the great commission. After the resurrection, Jesus not only conquers death but also imparts the responsibility of spreading the gospel. This context emphasizes that the resurrection is the foundation of the Christian faith; it signifies God’s power and His intent to redeem all of humanity.
Understanding this context enhances our perspective on our calling today. We are also recipients of this Good News, and we must recognize that our response to the resurrection alters our lives and the lives of those around us. The disciples’ mission to spread the word is our mission as well.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Matthew 28:7
Matthew 28:7 contains several key components worth exploring. The first is the urgency in the phrase “go quickly.” This urgency resonates with a sense of action; it invites us to move from a state of passive belief to active participation in sharing our faith. There is no time to waste when it comes to bringing the message of hope to others.
Next, the command to tell the disciples highlights our call to be witnesses of Christ. Sharing our faith, sharing stories of how Jesus has worked in our lives, is foundational to our calling as believers. It encourages us to talk about our experiences of faith and how Jesus has transformed our lives. Just like the women at the tomb, we have stories to tell, and those stories can ignite faith in others.
Furthermore, the instruction to go to Galilee emphasizes that meeting Jesus involves going to places where He has worked in our lives. Galilee symbolizes our roots in faith. We should be mindful of how our spiritual journeys began and the encounters we’ve had in various “Galilees” of our lives. We must acknowledge our experiences and use them as testimonies that can encourage others.
Lastly, the promise of seeing Jesus points to a personal relationship with Him. God desires intimacy with us, offering a deep connection with Jesus. This relationship is transformative. It leads us to grow in faith and love, which empowers us to share the gospel with others. Our relationship with Jesus is what makes the message of resurrection powerful and alive. It is through this connection that we find the strength to go and spread the Good News.
Lessons to Learn From Matthew 28:7
From Matthew 28:7, we can extract several important lessons. One of the first lessons is the importance of spreading hope. The women were entrusted with the message of hope after experiencing despair. They went from mourning to proclaiming joyfulness, and this shift teaches us the significance of redemptive storytelling. Our testimonies can inspire others who might be feeling hopeless and alone.
Another lesson is the urgency of sharing the Good News. The command to “go quickly” reminds us not to procrastinate. The world needs the light of Christ, and we should be proactive in sharing this light. Every moment is precious when it comes to spreading the message of love, forgiveness, and salvation that Christ offers.
Moreover, this passage challenges us to embrace our roles as witnesses to the resurrection. Everyone has a unique story to tell. Each of our experiences shapes our perspectives and influences how we can reach others. By sharing our narratives of faith, we contribute to the collective testimony of the church and invite others into relationship with Jesus.
Ultimately, the personal relationship emphasized in this verse teaches us that Jesus is always available to us. In moments of confusion or uncertainty, we are invited to seek Him out. The assurance that we can encounter Him in our own “Galilees” invites a closer walk with Him. This intimacy strengthens us and fuels our desire to share His love with others.
Final Thoughts
In closing, Matthew 28:7 serves not just as a historical account of Jesus’ resurrection but as a call to action for us all. The excitement and urgency conveyed in the angel’s command to share the news challenges us to consider how we are responding to the call in our own lives. Jesus’ resurrection offers us hope and a mission. We must embrace our roles as messengers, sharing our stories and encouraging others to pursue their own relationship with Christ.
Let us remember that our faith is not to be kept hidden but shared abundantly. Each of us has the power to change lives by sharing the love of Jesus that we have experienced. As we reflect on this vital verse, let us take heart and find ways to proclaim the resurrection story, just like the women at the tomb did, and continue to seek Him in our lives. If you want to read about more biblical topics or get deeper insights, consider visiting Bible Repository or check out Matthew 11.