“And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word.”– Matthew 28:8 (KJV)
“The women ran quickly from the tomb. They were very frightened but also filled with great joy, and they rushed to give the disciples the angel’s message.”– Matthew 28:8 (NLT)
“The women, deep in wonder and fear, left the tomb and ran to tell the disciples.”– Matthew 28:8 (MSG)
What Does Matthew 28:8 Mean?
Matthew 28:8 captures a pivotal moment in the Christian faith, marking the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. This event signifies the triumph of life over death and hope over despair. For us, it is a reminder that, despite fear and uncertainty, joy can blossom in our hearts when we realize the power of God’s love and grace. It also shows us how the women, witnessing this miraculous event, were filled with both fear and joy. This duality is important to recognize. We often find ourselves in situations that provoke fear, yet, at the same time, we can see the blessings of joy that come from faith.
In this verse, the women who visited the tomb were not just passive observers; they were active participants in the unfolding of this monumental event. As they left the tomb quickly, two strong emotions stirred within them: fear and joy. This blending of feelings is relatable to us, as we navigate our own lives with a mix of uncertainties and moments of profound happiness. Understanding this aspect helps us connect with their experience more deeply.
Matthew 28:8 Explanation and Commentary
The passage illustrates the immediate reactions of the women after the angelic announcement of Jesus’s resurrection. Their quick departure signifies urgency, as they were given a crucial message to convey. The fear they felt likely stemmed from the unexpected nature of the situation—finding the tomb empty and encountering an angel in place of a dead body would be startling for anyone. Yet, alongside this fear was great joy, knowing that their Savior had conquered death. We can reflect on how this moment brings us hope. It invites us not to dismiss our fears but rather acknowledge them as we also embrace the joy that faith brings. With God, we are encouraged to confront our challenges, understanding that joy can be found in the most unexpected places.
The resurrection is often viewed as a new beginning, not just for Jesus but for all believers. It represents the idea that through Christ, we are offered the chance of new life. Our relationship with Him promises transformation, as we learn to live joyfully even in the face of fear. This theme reflects throughout the Bible. Verses such as John 16:33 remind us that we can find peace in Him even amid troubles. The women’s experience at the tomb and the urgent message they carry serve as a powerful reminder that we too are called to share the good news of hope and resurrection with others.
The way this story unfolds underscores how important it is for us to be open to the presence of God in our lives. The women were not looking for a resurrected Savior; instead, they expected to find Jesus’ body. Our own expectations can sometimes blind us to the miracles happening around us. We are reminded, through their experience, to look beyond our fears and anxieties. These women acted in faith, running to tell the disciples. This necessitates action on our part as well. We, too, are called to take steps—perhaps small ones—to share and spread the joy we have, despite what we might face.
Ultimately, this verse invites us to contemplate our own journey. How do we react in moments of fear? Can we allow joy to coexist with those emotions? We can look to God in prayer and reflection, seeking wisdom to navigate our paths. Just like the women at the tomb, we are worthy of God’s message, and we’re invited to share it far and wide.
Context of Matthew 28:8
To fully appreciate Matthew 28:8, understanding the surrounding context is crucial. This verse occurs right after the account of the resurrection. Earlier in the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus expressed multiple times the foretold events of His suffering, death, and resurrection. In fact, this was a core aspect of His mission on Earth. After His crucifixion, the mood was heavy with despair. The disciples were in hiding, and those who had followed Him felt hopeless. Matthew 28 tells us how the women who loved Jesus came to the tomb, expecting to complete the burial rites. This cultural context helps us grasp their deep shock and joy upon discovering an empty tomb. The resurrection was not just a miraculous event but a profound realization of hope returning to their hearts.
Following the resurrection announcement, Jesus goes on to meet His disciples, offering further instructions and commissioning them. This reinforces that the resurrection is not just an isolated event but part of a larger plan. Jesus established the ongoing work of the Church, sending His followers out to spread the good news. We can find encouragement in this message, understanding our roles as ambassadors of His love and resurrection power. The passage invites us into a community of believers who have experienced hope and seek to share it with others.
This historical backdrop enriches our understanding of the importance of their message in Matthew 28:8. The subsequent verses detail the Great Commission, where Jesus instructs His followers to baptize and teach all nations. This reflects the transformative power of the resurrection in action—a call to continue that legacy today. Each experience in our life can become part of a larger story, where we find purpose in our journey through faith in Christ.
All in all, when we view Matthew 28:8 through this lens, it becomes more than just a singular narrative. It reminds us of our connection with those brave women and the ultimate mission that has spanned generations. Their fear and joy resonate with our modern struggles, giving us hope that we too can embrace both feelings while allowing God to guide our lives.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Matthew 28:8
The phrase “they departed quickly” speaks volumes about urgency. When we are filled with hope and joy, it propels us to action. The quiet confidence that emerged from the unexpected news of the resurrection instilled a drive in the women to act promptly. In our own lives, we might experience moments when we are stirred to share our faith or serve others. This encourages us to recognize those instances and respond swiftly, just as they did.
Next, we see that the women were “with fear and great joy.” Both emotions can coexist, revealing the complex nature of our experiences. Life often brings us to crossroads where fear can overwhelm us. Yet, through faith, we can find joy intertwined with those fears. Embracing a relationship with Jesus allows us to navigate those moments, realizing He walks with us. This enables us to experience joy amid uncertainty, a blessing the women felt—a profound reminder for us too.
The conclusion of the verse states that they “did run to bring his disciples word.” This reflects their dedication to sharing the message. In many ways, it mirrors our obligations as believers; we are called to be messengers of hope to a world that may feel despairing. This call can come in many forms—through acts of kindness, sharing our stories, or lending encouragement. Their sense of mission reminds us that no story of faith is too small when motivated by love. Jesus commissioned His followers to be the light, empowering us to be that same light in our communities.
As we reflect on these parts, we find deeper meanings that resonate personally. Each component is a reminder that our faith journey is about the experiences we share and the joy of proclaiming a risen Savior. Understanding this passage can help strengthen our faith and encourage us to seek opportunities to share with others the power of Christ in our lives. It invites us to form connections with each other as we reflect on the life-changing message of Jesus’s resurrection.
Lessons to Learn From Matthew 28:8
Matthew 28:8 offers numerous lessons. One powerful takeaway is that we ought to embrace both our fears and our joys. The women displayed a beautiful rawness, feeling fear as they were faced with something undeniably supernatural. We can find strength in acknowledging our own fears and allowing our faith to lead us to joy. This teaches us that faith does not imply the absence of fear, rather, it signifies walking through our fears with God beside us.
We also learn the importance of sharing the good news. The women ran to deliver the message of resurrection. Our experiences of faith—whether personal victories or struggles—carry the potential to inspire others. By embracing the call to share our stories and our hope in Christ, we can impact those around us.
Another significant lesson is the reminder that God often works unexpectedly. The women came to the tomb with a specific purpose in mind but left with an astonishing revelation that altered history. Our own lives may follow this same pattern. We often prepare for the routine, yet God surprises us with extraordinary experiences that deepen our faith. It encourages us to remain open to His divine purposes amid our day-to-day lives.
Lastly, we can reflect on the nature of community. The women did not carry the message alone. They had each other and later would encourage their fellow disciples. Community plays a vital role in our faith. Surrounding ourselves with like-minded individuals provides support and fellowship. It’s a reminder that, together, we can navigate our fears and amplify our joys, supporting one another in our spiritual journeys.
In essence, the parable of the women at the tomb invites us to grow in our relationship with Jesus and encourages us to pursue lives reflective of His light. Through the lessons extracted from Matthew 28:8, we find strength, purpose, and comfort that guide us. We are challenged to reflect on how we can make these teachings part of our daily lives. With hearts open to sharing and embracing both fear and joy, we can influence those around us positively.
Final Thoughts
Matthew 28:8 encapsulates a profound moment filled with fear and joy. This duality of emotions serves to remind us that life in faith can bring together contrasting feelings. It highlights how we can experience fear yet still find great joy through hope in Christ. This experience is a valuable lesson for us—encouraging us to bring that joy to others, just like the women at the tomb.
We realize that moments of revelation often come unexpectedly. Each of us may face challenges and fears as we navigate our lives, yet the resurrection assures us that there is hope and light awaiting us. Let us each strive to act swiftly, like those women, to share the good news of Christ’s love, fully aware that our combined experiences enrich the faith of others.
As we explore Matthew 28:8, let’s evaluate our own responses to fear and joy. Let us reflect on our calling to share our faith and nurture our communities. Understanding these teachings can help us apply them in various aspects of our lives, allowing us to grow in Christian faith and fellowship. We pray together for the wisdom to live boldly and joyfully in our pursuit of sharing God’s love with the world.
If you’re interested in exploring further scriptures and lessons, consider checking out related topics such as Genesis 18:5 or Genesis 17:8. Each passage has the potential to offer insight and guidance in our journeys of faith.