Compare Mark 16:8 with Matthew 28:8-10. What differences in reactions are evident? The Setting Two Gospel writers zoom in on the same morning—the women at Jesus’ empty tomb—but each highlights a different slice of emotion and response. Mark 16:8 — A Moment of Overwhelming Fear “ So they went out and fled from the tomb, trembling and bewildered. And they said nothing to anyone, because they were afraid.” •“trembling and bewildered” — sheer shock •“fled” — instinctive flight, not calm reporting •“said nothing to anyone” — stunned silence, at least at first Mark leaves us at the height of raw, unprocessed fear. Matthew 28:8-10 — Fear Transformed into Joy and Worship “ So they hurried away from the tomb in fear and great joy, and ran to tell His disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them and said, ‘Greetings!’ They came to Him, grasped His feet, and worshiped Him. ‘Do not be afraid,’ said Jesus. ‘Go and tell My brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see Me.’ ” •“fear and great joy” — awe now mingled with triumph •“ran to tell” — immediate obedience, no paralysis •Encounter with the risen Jesus — personal, tangible •“grasped His feet” — physical worship, confirming bodily resurrection (cf. Luke 24:39) •Jesus replaces fear with assurance and mission Key Contrasts at a Glance •Emotion – Mark: fear alone – Matthew: fear plus great joy •Action – Mark: flight and silence – Matthew: running to report, then worship •Divine Encounter – Mark: angelic message only – Matthew: angelic message followed by Jesus Himself •Resulting Mission – Mark: implied, not yet described – Matthew: explicit command, “Go and tell My brothers” (reinforced in Acts 1:8) Why the Variations? Complementary Perspectives •Timeline: Mark freezes the camera at the women’s very first reaction; Matthew pans forward a few moments to show what happened next. •Purpose: Mark underscores the staggering awe of resurrection; Matthew showcases how Jesus’ presence turns fear into worship and witness. •Harmony: Luke 24:4-9 and John 20:11-18 confirm both fear and eventual proclamation, filling out the fuller picture. Takeaway Truths for Us Today •The empty tomb initially startles—even faithful followers can be overwhelmed. •Jesus doesn’t leave His people stuck in fear; He meets them, speaks peace, and commissions them. •Fear plus obedience opens the door to joy and worship. •What began with trembling silence in Mark quickly becomes bold proclamation in Matthew—and in Acts 2:24-32, that proclamation reaches the world. |
    |