Why does Jesus instruct the women to tell His brothers in Matthew 28:10? Canonical Setting Matthew 28:10 : “Do not be afraid. Go and tell My brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see Me.” The command follows the angelic announcement (vv. 5–7) and the women’s first encounter with the risen Christ (v. 9). It anticipates the climactic appearance in Galilee (vv. 16–20), where the Great Commission is issued. Meaning of “Brothers” 1. Primary referent: the eleven disciples (cf. Matthew 28:16). 2. Secondary resonance: Jesus’ biological half-brothers (James, Jude, et al.; cf. Matthew 13:55) will join the resurrection community shortly thereafter (Acts 1:14). The inclusive term signals a new family created by the atonement (John 20:17; Hebrews 2:11). Women as First Witnesses Jewish legal custom discounted female testimony (Josephus, Antiquities 4.219). The Gospel’s choice of women as primary reporters is therefore an unlikely invention, supporting authenticity (criterion of embarrassment). Christ dignifies them and commissions them, overturning cultural expectations and underscoring that the message rests on divine rather than human authority. Restoration of the Disciples Calling the failed, scattered disciples “brothers” conveys forgiveness (cf. Matthew 26:56, 75). The risen Christ reinstates relationship before addressing mission, illustrating grace preceding service (John 21 parallels this with Peter). Behavioral research on trauma recovery affirms that reassurance from a trusted authority accelerates restoration to purpose—precisely what this address accomplishes. Psalm 22 Echo Psalm 22:22 : “I will proclaim Your name to my brothers; I will praise You in the assembly.” The Septuagint renders “ἀδελφοῖς μου,” the same noun Matthew records. The Messiah who suffered in Psalm 22 now fulfills the psalm in resurrection, declaring God’s name to “brothers.” Hebrews 2:11–12 explicitly links the same psalm to Jesus’ post-resurrection declaration. Galilee as Covenant Context Galilee is where Jesus first called the disciples (Matthew 4:18–22) and performed signs (John 2:11). Returning there closes the narrative arc, confirming continuity between earthly ministry and post-resurrection commission. Archaeological digs at Capernaum (Franciscan excavations, 1968–2003) reveal a first-century insula compound consistent with early Christian house-church tradition, situating the narrative in verifiable geography. Foundation for the Great Commission The women’s message serves as the logistical link: 1. Proof of resurrection to the eleven. 2. Coordination of rendezvous in Galilee. 3. Preparation for universal mission (vv. 18–20). Thus the instruction is strategic, not merely informational. Psychological Impact By assigning a concrete task—“Go, tell”—Jesus redirects grief into purposeful action. Modern cognitive-behavioral studies show that agency in the wake of trauma mitigates fear responses; the imperative “Do not be afraid” combined with mission exemplifies this therapeutic pattern. Confirming Early Creedal Tradition 1 Corinthians 15:3–7 preserves a creed dated by most scholars within five years of the crucifixion. It mentions a series of appearances paralleling Matthew’s sequence: to Peter, the Twelve, and others. The women’s role, omitted in 1 Corinthians 15 yet highlighted by the Gospels, underlines complementary, independent lines of testimony—hallmarks of reliable eyewitness reportage. Pastoral Application 1. Assurance: The resurrected Christ dispels fear. 2. Identity: Believers are adopted as siblings of Christ. 3. Mission: Resurrection truth propels proclamation. Conclusion Jesus instructs the women to tell “His brothers” to: • authenticate His bodily resurrection through chosen eyewitnesses, • restore and re-commission the disciples as family, • fulfill prophetic Scripture, • prepare the stage for the global mission launched in Galilee. The coherence of manuscript evidence, prophetic fulfillment, cultural context, psychological dynamics, and archaeological corroboration together demonstrate that this simple instruction is loaded with redemptive and historical weight, fully consistent with the unified testimony of Scripture. |
    |