What is the meaning of Matthew 28:7? Then go quickly • The angel’s first command underscores urgency. The empty tomb is not a curiosity to ponder but news to broadcast without delay (cf. Luke 24:33; Acts 8:4). • Throughout Scripture, when God acts decisively, His people move quickly—think of the shepherds hurrying to Bethlehem (Luke 2:15–17) or Philip sprinting to the Ethiopian’s chariot (Acts 8:29–30). Our prompt obedience mirrors their example. and tell His disciples • These frightened, scattered followers remain “His disciples.” The risen Lord still claims them, showing grace after their failures (cf. John 20:17; Mark 16:7). • The women become the first messengers of resurrection hope, modeling how the gospel elevates unlikely voices (cf. John 4:28–30). “He has risen from the dead” • This declaration is the heart of Christian faith—Jesus lives bodily, just as He foretold (Matthew 16:21; 17:23). • Paul later anchors the gospel in this fact: “that Christ died…was buried, and that He was raised on the third day” (1 Corinthians 15:3–4). and is going ahead of you into Galilee • Jesus leads before He sends. Galilee—the place where most disciples first met Him—becomes the reunion spot, highlighting continuity between earthly ministry and resurrected mission (Matthew 26:32). • The phrase “going ahead” paints Him as the Shepherd guiding His flock (John 10:4), assuring them they will not walk alone into the future. There you will see Him • Sight will replace sorrow. The promise parallels other post-resurrection assurances (John 20:19–20; 1 Corinthians 15:6). • Meeting in Galilee also widens the circle: it’s the setting for the Great Commission (Matthew 28:16–20), linking resurrection to worldwide witness. See, I have told you • The angel seals his testimony—“You can bank on this; my task is complete” (cf. Luke 1:19). • Scripture often records such affirmations to stress reliability (John 13:19). God wants no doubt about the resurrection’s historic, factual nature. summary Matthew 28:7 strings together an urgent commission, a gracious reassurance, and a forward-looking promise. The women must hurry, tell the disciples, and trust that Jesus—truly risen—already leads the way to Galilee, where seeing Him will transform their fear into world-changing faith. |
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