Matthew 28:5

Context of Matthew 28:5

This verse marks a pivotal moment in the biblical narrative of the resurrection. Following the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and "the other Mary" (Matthew 28:1) came to visit the tomb where Jesus had been laid after His crucifixion. Matthew's Gospel uniquely records a great earthquake and the dramatic appearance of an angel, whose countenance was like lightning and raiment white as snow, causing the Roman guards to tremble and become like dead men (Matthew 28:2-4). It is in this awe-inspiring and potentially terrifying scene that the angel addresses the women, who were undoubtedly filled with fear and sorrow.

Key Themes and Messages

• Divine Reassurance: The angel's opening words, "Fear not ye," are a common biblical greeting from heavenly messengers, often preceding profound divine revelation or good news. It immediately addresses the women's natural apprehension in the presence of the supernatural.
• Acknowledging Sincere Seeking: The angel recognizes the women's pure motive: "for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified." This highlights their devotion and purpose in coming to the tomb, distinguishing them from the fearful guards or those who sought to keep Jesus confined to death. Their act of seeking, even in sorrow, was seen and validated.
• The Reality of the Crucifixion: The phrase "which was crucified" serves as a crucial anchor. It confirms that the Jesus they sought was indeed the same historical person who suffered and died on the cross, emphasizing the continuity between His suffering and the impending triumph of His resurrection. This grounds the miraculous event in verifiable historical fact.
• Transition to Hope: This verse serves as a powerful transition from the despair of death to the burgeoning hope of new life. The angel's words prepare the women for the glorious news of the resurrection, which is explicitly announced in the very next verse (Matthew 28:6).

Linguistic Insights

The Greek phrase for "Fear not" is phobeisthe me (φοβεῖσθε μή), an imperative often used in the Gospels when divine figures or angels address humans, aiming to calm their terror before delivering significant news. It's a hallmark of God's compassionate approach to humanity. The term "crucified" (Greek: estauromenon, ἐσταυρωμένον) is a perfect passive participle, emphasizing a completed action with ongoing results, confirming the brutal reality of Jesus' death as a past event that sets the stage for His present victory.

Practical Application

Matthew 28:5 offers timeless encouragement for believers today:

• Overcoming Fear: Just as the angel calmed the women, God often speaks peace into our fearful situations. When we genuinely seek Christ, we can trust that His presence brings reassurance and dispels anxiety, even in the face of overwhelming circumstances. This echoes the divine comfort seen throughout Scripture, as when the angel Gabriel told Mary, "Fear not".
• The Value of Seeking Jesus: The verse affirms that our earnest desire to seek Christ, even when we are grieving or uncertain, is recognized and honored by God. Our pursuit of Him, whether in sorrow or joy, is never in vain.
• The Reality of His Sacrifice: Remembering that we seek "Jesus, which was crucified" grounds our faith in the historical truth of His atoning death (Matthew 27:35). This sacrifice is the foundation upon which the hope of the resurrection is built, offering both forgiveness and new life.