Connect Matthew 28:2 with other biblical instances of angelic intervention. Matthew 28:2—An Angel at the Empty Tomb “Suddenly there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it.” The Earth Quakes—Moments When Angels Shake the Scene - Exodus 19:18 – Although not named, the “angel of God” who had gone before Israel (14:19) is present when “the whole mountain trembled violently.” - Judges 13:20 – When the angel leaves Samson’s parents, “the flame… rose from the altar to heaven,” and the ground is shaken by awe. - Revelation 8:5 – An angel casts fire on the earth, and “there were peals of thunder, rumblings, flashes of lightning, and an earthquake.” God often pairs angelic presence with physical signs that no one can ignore. Barriers Removed—Angels Opening What Humans Cannot - Genesis 19:10-11 – Two angels pull Lot inside, shut the door, and strike the mob with blindness. - Acts 5:19 – “During the night an angel of the Lord opened the doors of the jail and brought them out.” - Acts 12:7-10 – Chains fall off Peter; an iron gate “opened for them by itself.” Just as at the tomb, angels literally clear the way so God’s people can walk in freedom. Deliverance in the Face of Death - Daniel 6:22 – “My God sent His angel and shut the lions’ mouths.” - Daniel 3:28 – Nebuchadnezzar: “God… has sent His angel and delivered His servants.” - Matthew 28:5-6 – The angel tells the women, “Do not be afraid… He is risen.” Heaven’s messengers consistently announce triumph over lethal threats, culminating in the empty tomb. Radiant Glory—Consistent Appearance and Effect - Daniel 10:6 – “His face was like lightning… his eyes like flaming torches.” - Luke 24:4 – “Two men in radiant clothing” stand by the tomb. - Revelation 10:1 – “Another mighty angel… his face was like the sun.” The brilliance reported by eyewitnesses underscores the same heavenly origin in every era. Good News Proclaimed by Angels - Luke 1:13 – To Zechariah: “Your prayer has been heard.” - Luke 1:30-31 – To Mary: “You will conceive… and give birth to a Son.” - Luke 2:10-11 – To shepherds: “I bring you good news of great joy… a Savior is born.” - Acts 27:23-24 – To Paul: “Do not be afraid… you must stand before Caesar.” - Matthew 28:6-7 – To the women: “He has risen… go quickly and tell His disciples.” Angelic announcements always center on God’s saving plan and call people to respond. Key Takeaways—Threads That Tie the Accounts Together • Angels are literal, personal beings who serve at pivotal moments in salvation history. • Their interventions reveal God’s power over nature, obstacles, and death itself. • They never draw worship to themselves but point people to trust and obedience toward God. • The resurrection angel crowns a long biblical pattern: heavenly messengers ushering in deliverance, confirming promises, and turning fear into hope. |
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