What is the meaning of Matthew 28:9? Suddenly Jesus met them • The risen Jesus takes the initiative, stepping into the women’s fearful flight from the tomb (Matthew 28:8). • His appearance fulfills His own promise: “After I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee” (Matthew 26:32; echoed in Matthew 28:10). • Scripture shows the same pattern of the resurrected Lord meeting His followers where they are—Mary Magdalene outside the tomb (John 20:14-16), the disciples on the Emmaus road (Luke 24:13-15), and Peter by the sea (John 21:1-7). • The suddenness underscores that the resurrection is not legend but literal history; a real Savior interrupts real lives. and said, “Greetings!” • Jesus uses a common, friendly salutation—He is the same Lord they knew before the cross, now triumphant over death. • The simplicity of “Greetings!” settles frightened hearts; elsewhere He enlarges it to “Peace be with you” (Luke 24:36; John 20:19-21), but here a single word is enough. • The resurrected Christ is approachable; His first post-resurrection words to these women are not commands but welcome. They came to Him • Their instinctive movement toward Jesus shows faith overcoming fear (compare Matthew 28:5). • Coming to Jesus is always the appropriate response to His initiative (Matthew 11:28; John 6:37). • They do not linger in doubt; they close the distance instantly, modeling the believer’s proper reaction to the living Lord (Hebrews 4:16). grasped His feet • Touch proves He is bodily risen, not a vision or spirit (Luke 24:39-40; 1 John 1:1). • Feet symbolize the complete victory of Christ: the serpent’s head is crushed beneath them (Genesis 3:15; Romans 16:20). • Taking hold of His feet is an act of humility—positioned low before the exalted Savior—yet it is also intimate, allowed only because He welcomes their closeness. • This physical contact testifies that the same Jesus who died now stands alive, validating every promise He made. and worshiped Him • Worship is the only fitting response to the risen Son of God (Matthew 14:33; John 9:38). • Jesus receives their worship, confirming His deity; Scripture forbids worship of anyone but God (Exodus 34:14; Acts 10:25-26; Revelation 22:8-9). • Their posture—face to the ground, hands clinging to His feet—mirrors the heavenly worship scene where every creature sings, “Worthy is the Lamb” (Revelation 5:12-14). • In this moment the women become the church’s first resurrection witnesses, turning worship into testimony (Matthew 28:10; Luke 24:9-10). summary Matthew 28:9 presents a vivid, literal encounter with the risen Christ. Jesus personally meets the women, greets them with kindness, invites their approach, allows their confirming touch, and receives their worship. The verse assures believers that the resurrection is bodily, Jesus is divine, and worshipers who draw near in faith are welcomed and commissioned. |
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