Will Kynes, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Biblical Studies, Samford University
Jesus lives – and you can too
Matthew 28:1–10
The gospel is world-shattering. It turns our understanding of ourselves, of reality itself, upside down. That can be frightening — we are not what we thought we were. We are both less worthy and far more valued. The Creator of heaven and earth has entered into this fallen world and broken the rules by which we thought it operated. Death has been defeated. Hope reigns. That message must be shared.
The event of the resurrection of Christ was no cause for fear. (1–5)
“Do not be afraid” is commanded twice in this passage (vv. 5, 10). That in itself indicates the two Marys have had multiple experiences so far outside the norm that fear would be reasonable, even expected. Violent earthquakes, lightning-like angelic appearances, supernatural voices and the unexpected presence of one formerly dead certainly justify some degree of trepidation.
It can be terrifying to realize there is more to reality than we previously believed. But both the angel and Jesus command these women not to be afraid because the deeper reality they reveal is thoroughly good, a source of ultimate comfort, not terror. In the world the women glimpse in these events, death is defeated and hope reigns. These are things only God, who defines reality, could do.
The evidence of the resurrection of Christ can be investigated. (6–7)
It’s tempting to try and find some means of squeezing things that defy reality back into the constraints of our understanding. Humans do not rise from the dead, so this must be symbolism, metaphor or myth, some might say.
We couldn’t blame the two Marys if their initial reaction was similar. But the angel doesn’t allow them to escape the world-transforming implication of what they have witnessed. “Come and see the place where He lay,” the angel commands. There used to be a dead body there. It lies there no more.
Jesus will do the same with Thomas: “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe” (John 20:27). Paul, too, appeals to verifiable evidence of the resurrection: Jesus appeared to Peter, the 12 disciples, James, all the apostles and to more than 500 at one time (1 Cor. 15:6). Paul says most of them are still living, which is an encouragement to go check their stories. The reality of the resurrection is vital, because, as Paul goes on to write, “If Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith” (1 Cor. 15:14).
The news of the resurrection of Christ needs to be shared. (8–10)
A second command is repeated in this passage: Go and tell (vv. 7, 10). Like the angel, Jesus instructs the women to share this reality-expanding news with the disciples. But first He receives their worship, which indicates His divine status since worship is reserved for God alone.
The command to “tell” is combined with one to “go,” and the message the women are given includes a command for the disciples to meet with Jesus in Galilee. When they do, He commands them similarly to “go and make disciples of all nations” (Matt. 28:19) and teach others to obey all His commands (Matt. 28:20).
Speech and action must coincide. He has risen, and He assures them He will be with them “always, to the very end of the age.”
Has Jesus’ resurrection transformed your understanding of reality? If so, do not be afraid; go and tell!
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