In what ways does Matthew 28:5 strengthen our faith in Jesus' resurrection? Setting the Scene at the Empty Tomb 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.’” • The statement is delivered at the very place where Jesus’ body had been laid—an empty tomb that can be inspected by the listeners themselves (John 20:6-7). • The women are named eyewitnesses (Matthew 28:1), anchoring the event in real history and satisfying the biblical principle that “every matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses” (Deuteronomy 19:15; 2 Corinthians 13:1). “Do Not Be Afraid” – Replacing Fear with Faith • First words from heaven after the crucifixion directly address human fear, echoing Jesus’ own repeated assurance (Matthew 14:27; John 14:27). • Fear dissolves when the angel confirms that the worst imaginable scenario—Jesus remaining dead—has not occurred. • For modern disciples, this command reinforces that any fear of death or doubt about eternal life is unfounded (Hebrews 2:14-15). Heaven’s Testimony – An Angelic Witness • An angel is a messenger sent by God (Hebrews 1:14), conferring divine authority on the announcement. • The presence of an angel links earth with heaven, showing that God Himself validates the resurrection, not merely human opinion (Luke 24:4-6). “Jesus Who Was Crucified” – Continuity Between Cross and Resurrection • The angel identifies the risen Lord as the same Jesus who died, shutting the door on theories of mistaken identity or spiritual-only resurrection (Luke 24:39-40). • By tying the resurrection to the crucifixion, the angel affirms the full gospel: “Christ died for our sins…He was raised on the third day” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). • The phrase “was crucified” underscores the completed atonement; the resurrection is proof that the sacrifice was accepted (Romans 4:25). Confirmation of Prophecy and Promise • Jesus had predicted His own resurrection (Matthew 16:21; 17:23; 20:19). The angel’s words confirm that every promise of Christ can be trusted. • The event fulfills Old Testament prophecy that the Holy One would not see decay (Psalm 16:10; Acts 2:31-32). Implications for Our Everyday Faith • Because the tomb is empty, believers have a living Savior who intercedes for them (Hebrews 7:25). • Fear is replaced by boldness in witness, just as the women ran “with great joy” to tell the news (Matthew 28:8; Acts 4:33). • The angel’s testimony grounds our hope of bodily resurrection (1 Thessalonians 4:14) and empowers daily obedience, knowing that “your labor in the Lord is not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:58). |
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