What is the meaning of Matthew 28:8? So they hurried away from the tomb “Suddenly Jesus met them” is the very next phrase (Matthew 28:9), so the women’s quick departure sets the stage for this encounter. Their hurried movement shows: • Obedience to the angel’s command: “Go quickly and tell His disciples” (Matthew 28:7). • Confidence that the tomb was truly empty, just as foretold (Matthew 16:21; John 20:1–2). • A rejection of lingering in death’s place; life now calls them forward (Romans 6:9). In fear and great joy The two emotions sit side by side, and both are appropriate: • Fear—reverent awe—often follows angelic appearances (Luke 1:12–13; Acts 10:3–4). It acknowledges God’s power on display in the resurrection. • Great joy flows from realizing that Jesus is alive, validating every promise He made (John 16:20–22; 1 Corinthians 15:20). Holding both emotions together keeps worship balanced: trembling humility and exuberant celebration. And ran Physical haste underscores spiritual urgency: • The gospel is never merely intellectual; it propels action (James 2:17). • Running demonstrates eagerness to spread life-giving news, echoing Isaiah 52:7—“How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news.” • Their pace contrasts with the guards who “became like dead men” (Matthew 28:4); resurrection life energizes, unbelief paralyzes. To tell His disciples The message has a clear destination: • Jesus’ first followers need assurance after scattering in fear (Matthew 26:56; John 20:19). • Women, whose testimony was undervalued culturally, become the first heralds of the risen Lord, showcasing God’s unexpected choices (1 Corinthians 1:27). • Sharing the resurrection is foundational to faith itself (Romans 10:9–10; Acts 4:33). Their witness launches the chain that reaches us today. summary Matthew 28:8 captures the immediate, wholehearted response to the empty tomb: obedient haste, reverent fear, overflowing joy, energetic action, and purposeful witness. The verse invites every believer to move from the place of death, filled with awe and delight, running to announce that Jesus Christ is risen indeed. |
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