What role do angels play in delivering God's messages, as seen in Matthew 28:5? Setting the Scene: An Empty Tomb and a Startled Audience The women approach Jesus’ tomb expecting to complete His burial preparations. Instead, an angel greets them amid a violent earthquake and a rolled-away stone. Heaven intersects earth at the very moment the resurrection is unveiled. Text Focus: Matthew 28:5 “But the angel said to the women, ‘Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified.’” Observation: What the Angel Actually Does • Calms fear – “Do not be afraid.” • Shows divine awareness – “I know that you are looking for Jesus.” • Affirms historical reality – “who was crucified.” • Sets up the resurrection announcement that follows in verse 6. Biblical Pattern: Angels as Divine Couriers The angel in Matthew 28:5 mirrors a consistent scriptural pattern: • Genesis 16:7–11 – Angel speaks promise and instruction to Hagar. • Daniel 9:21–23 – Gabriel gives Daniel insight into future events. • Luke 1:11–17 – Gabriel foretells John the Baptist’s birth to Zechariah. • Luke 1:26–38 – Gabriel announces Jesus’ conception to Mary. • Luke 2:9–15 – Angelic host proclaims Messiah’s birth to shepherds. • Acts 8:26 – Angel directs Philip to the Ethiopian eunuch. • Acts 10:3–6 – Angel tells Cornelius to send for Peter. • Acts 27:23–24 – Angel assures Paul of survival during the storm. Key Functions of Angelic Messages 1. Reassurance – replacing fear with God-given peace. 2. Revelation – unveiling God’s plans or mysteries. 3. Instruction – guiding believers toward obedience. 4. Confirmation – validating prior prophecy or promise. 5. Commission – launching God’s people into mission (Matthew 28:7). Why God Chooses Angels for This Task • They are sinless spiritual beings who perfectly obey (Psalm 103:20). • Their appearance visibly links heaven and earth, underscoring the authority of the message. • They ensure precision: “Every word of God is flawless” (Proverbs 30:5). • Their sudden arrival captures attention, preventing distraction or doubt. Personal Takeaways for Believers Today • God communicates clearly—sometimes through angels, always through His Word. • Divine messages aim to remove fear and stir faith. • Heaven’s messengers point away from themselves and toward Christ, the risen Lord. |
    |