Matthew 28 - 7.28.26
SCRIPTURE: MATTHEW 28:1 – 10
“1 After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb.
2 There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. 4 The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.
5 The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6 He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. 7 Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.”
8 So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. 9 Suddenly Jesus met them. “Greetings,” he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.”
OBSERVATION
What a wonderful scene! It’s such a monumental and exceptional scene that it’s one of the few events that are covered in all four Gospels. It is also a special scene that is covered in many works of art throughout time from early church frescos and mosaics to Medieval carved ivory, stone, stained glass and in many Renaissance paintings. The impact of this event is monumental because it proved that Jesus broke the bonds of death and rose from the dead.
This scene also depicts the deep love Mary Magdalene and the “other Mary” had for Jesus. They arrived to anoint his body with fresh spices to finish the Jewish burial that was cut short due to the upcoming Sabbath and Passover. They wanted to honor Jesus.
One thing I noticed about this story is the Angel told the women to go tell the disciples He has risen from the dead and they would see him in Galilee. Verse 8 says they (women) hurried away, “afraid yet filled with joy.” They didn’t quite understand but were excited to see Jesus in Galilee. The plan was simple: Go to Galilee, tell the Apostles they would see Jesus. Then, out of an act of love by Jesus for these women, He appears to them early on the road to Galilee. They were so excited to see Jesus they fell to his feet in worship.
I also think His early visit with the women was to affirm to the Disciples that Jesus was not in the tomb but had truly risen from the dead. The women were able to confirm to the Disciples they actually saw Jesus, with their own two eyes, and that He was alive. That might have helped the Disciples to believe Jesus had risen but later in Matthew 28:16 - 17, we see some still doubted it was Him:
“Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted.”
APPLICATION
God’s love and compassion can change a plan. In this story, we see there was one plan for Jesus to appear in Galilee and then it was altered by Jesus’ love for the women. Although the women didn’t ask to be visited on the road to Galilee, it was a special surprise that shows God’s compassion. Be expecting God to show His love for you in even the smallest ways.
There are other stories in the Bible that show how God relented his original plan after being petitioned through His great love and compassion. Here are a few examples:
Exodus 32:14: Moses pleads with God not to destroy the rebellious Israelites, and the Lord relents from the disaster he threatened.
2 Kings 20:1-6: King Hezekiah weeps and prays when told he will die, and God adds 15 years to his life.
Jonah 3:10: The people of Nineveh turn from their evil ways, and God relents from the destruction he had announced.
God wants us to pray and petition Him. We’re instructed to bring our requests to Him, in every situation:
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Philippians 4:6
If there wasn’t a possibility He would answer prayer, to move with compassion, then why petition the Lord? Because God hears our every prayer – He listens, cares and has compassion on us:
- Psalm 65:2: God is the "Hearer of prayer".
- 1 John 5:14: We have confidence that He hears us when we ask.
- Psalm 34:17: The Lord hears when people cry out in trouble.
PRAYER
Lord, I’m in awe of your love and compassion. Time and time again, in many stories in your Word, your lovingkindness is shown. Thank you for your never ending compassion as noted in Lamentations 3:22 – 23: “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."
I’m reminded of the great hymn that is based on this Scripture – praise your mighty name: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NT0HcAr9aeI
Amen!
- Mary Oberg
