Matthew 28: 1-10 – The Resurrection of Jesus
On Friday, Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James (“the other Mary”) have seen Jesus’ body laid in the tomb, the stone door sealed, and a guard mounted. Now, soon after dawn on Sunday morning (“the first day of the week”) they return to “see” and probably to mourn. Matthew highlights important milestones with displays of cosmic power, God’s power: here, and when Jesus died, an “earthquake” (v.12), which heralds the arrival of “an angel”, a messenger from God. The sealing of the tomb has marked death’s victory, but now God’s agent rolls back the door (“stone”) and sits on it – symbolizing Jesus’ triumph over death. The angel’s “appearance” (v.3) shows God’s presence and power (“like lightening”); his clothing is like Jesus transfigured. The guards are paralysed with :fear” (v.4), but the angel is no threat to the women (“Do not be afraid”, v.5). As Jesus has told his disciples (“as he said”, v.6), Jesus has risen from the dead. The disciples will see him again in Galilee. The women leave the tomb filled with awe (“fear”, v.8) and “great joy”. Jesus meets the Marys again later (v.9). That they “took hold of his feet” attests to his bodily resurrection. Jesus refers to the disciples as “brothers” (v.10): he has forgiven them for deserting him.
© 1996-2025 Chris Haslam
Prayer of the Day
Glorious Lord of life, by the mighty resurrection of your son, you overcame the old order of sin and death to make all things new in him: grant that we, who celebrate with joy Christ’s rising from the dead may be raised from the death of sin to the life of righteousness; through him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.