“After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb.”– Matthew 28:1
Matthew 28:1 Meaning
Matthew 28:1 marks a significant moment in Christian belief—the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This verse captures a poignant scene, where two women, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary, journey to the tomb of Jesus after the Sabbath. The significance of their visit cannot be understated. The Sabbath is a day of rest, and its conclusion would symbolize a new beginning. This moment is captured right at dawn on the first day of the week, which is Sunday, the day that Christians commemorate the resurrection of Jesus. The old has passed, and a new era is about to unfold—one of hope and new life.
In this verse, the act of the two Marys going to the tomb is laden with emotional weight. They came seeking Jesus in a state of grief, mourning the loss of their beloved Lord. Their journey symbolizes our own often painful walks through grief and loss. However, little did they know that this visit would transform their sorrow into joy, as they would be the first to witness the miraculous event of the resurrection. The act of coming to the tomb can also be seen as a metaphor for seeking Jesus in our lives, whether during times of despair or joy. It is an invitation for us to come closer to Him, as He is the source of all hope.
Matthew 28:1 Commentary and Explanation
As we reflect on the significance of Matthew 28:1, we begin to appreciate the courage displayed by Mary Magdalene and the other Mary. They ventured out early in the morning, at a time when darkness still lingered. Their love and devotion propelled them to seek Jesus, despite the fear and uncertainty that enveloped them. This action speaks volumes about their faith. It reminds us that, even when life feels overwhelmingly heavy, we can draw that same courage to seek the Lord in our circumstances.
The mention of “Mary Magdalene” is particularly noteworthy. She is a figure often associated with perseverance in her faith. Once possessed by seven demons, she was transformed after encountering Jesus, becoming one of His most loyal followers. This transformation is a powerful reminder of redemption and grace—showing that regardless of our past, we have a place at Jesus’ feet. When we approach Jesus in sincerity, He welcomes us with open arms and offers us renewal. The love that Mary Magdalene had for her Lord reflects our own longing for connection with Him.
As the two women arrive at the tomb, they are faced with daunting challenges. It was customary for women to anoint the bodies of the deceased out of duty. However, their hearts are heavy with sorrow because they believe they are coming to mourn a lost cause. Despite their pain, their faithful hearts lead them to this place. We too often find ourselves at places of despair. Yet, just like Mary and her companion, we must go forth in faith, trusting that God has something extraordinary waiting on the other side of our sorrow.
When they reach the tomb, they would soon find the stone rolled away and the tomb empty—a moment that signified incredible hope. As they behold this miraculous sight, the message of resurrection becomes a reality. This act of God changes everything. Just as it did for Mary and the other Mary, it signifies new possibilities and a promise of eternal life through Jesus. In this moment, fear is dispelled, and joy is born anew. It assures us that even in our darkest moments, God holds the power to transform our circumstances.
Expanding on this theme, we can look at Romans 6:4, which resonates with the resurrection’s significance: “We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.” The resurrection not only assures us of a future hope but also gives us strength for our present lives. It empowers us to live as transformed individuals, filled with purpose and peace. Each dawn represents the possibility of new beginnings; Christ’s resurrection exemplifies this chance for renewal.
Context of Matthew 28:1
In the grand scheme of the Gospel, Matthew 28 represents the triumphant culmination of Jesus’ earthly ministry, which was marked by miracles, teachings, sacrifices, and ultimately, His death on the cross. Before this verse, we find the heart-wrenching account of Jesus’ crucifixion. He faced betrayal, denial, and abandonment by His closest disciples. Everyone thought that hope was lost. But the resurrection flips this narrative, showcasing God’s ultimate authority over death itself.
It’s essential to grasp what the resurrection means in Christian theology. Following Jesus’ death, His disciples were gripped by fear, uncertainty, and doubt. They were grappling with the reality that their leader had been unjustly executed. The emotional state of those involved greatly influences how we interpret this verse. Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were emblematic of the despair and uncertainty faced by Jesus’ followers after His death.
This context makes their visit to the tomb even more significant. In that era, women often had little societal influence, yet it was women who became the first witnesses to the resurrection. This inclusion highlights our God’s design to elevate all people, regardless of societal norms. It serves as an affirmation that God values the faithfulness of all individuals, which inspires each one of us to rise up in our faith as well.
Following this momentous event, we see the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20, where Jesus instructs His disciples to go into the world and make more disciples. This linkage illustrates that Christ’s resurrection is not merely for a select few; it is a message for everyone. The calling on our lives is significant as well. We are challenged to share this hope with those around us, inviting others to experience this transformative power that the resurrection provides in our own lives.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Matthew 28:1
As we break down Matthew 28:1, we can explore the components that fill this verse with meaning. The term “Sabbath” marks a significant time of waiting and resting. Ending the Sabbath not only represents the close of a day of rest but signifies a pivotal change—a transition where God’s plan for salvation unfolds. The dawn symbolizes hope rising, shedding light into the darkness.
The identity of the women, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary, is key to understanding this moment. Their connection to Jesus is profound; they witnessed much of His ministry and were deeply impacted by Him. Their obedience to attend the tomb calls for illustration of how we respond to God in anticipation. When God speaks to us, our hearts should respond in faith, reminiscent of how these women risked everything to approach the tomb.
Furthermore, we notice that they went “to look at the tomb.” This simple phrase encapsulates their intent—a desire to honor Jesus posthumously. It displays their devotion and illustrates that our relationship with God often includes acts of reverence and love, even in moments filled with uncertainty. Their journey encourages us to actively seek Christ through personal devotion, prayer, and study, assuring us that He meets us where we are.
Lessons From Matthew 28:1
From this verse, we are invited to reflect on several powerful lessons. Firstly, we learn about the importance of persistent faith. Just like Mary and the other Mary, we must strive to seek Jesus despite doubt or fear that may overshadow us. They pursued their quest with courage, even when the odds felt insurmountable. Looking at their example teaches us the value of resilience in a faith walk.
The act of coming together to visit the tomb also highlights community. In our spiritual lives, surrounding ourselves with fellow believers is essential. We can encourage one another through challenges, lifting each other up. The two women’s unity encapsulates this principle and showcases that we are called to support one another, mirroring the love and encouragement that Christ shows us.
One more profound lesson we can glean from Matthew 28:1 is the promise of resurrection and hope. When Mary and the other Mary arrived, they discovered that Jesus was not in the tomb. This serves as a reminder that God’s plans often exceed what we envision. The resurrection signifies that darkness never has the final say. By trusting in Christ, we embrace the reassurance that even amidst despair, hope can arise anew. Each day holds the potential for new beginnings, just as God assures us in Lamentations 3:22-23: “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, Matthew 28:1 beautifully encapsulates a moment of transformation for the women who sought Jesus’ tomb. The dawn signifies new beginnings, while the actions of Mary and her companion speak to us about love, courage, and faith. Their experience reflects a microcosm of the Christian life—a journey of ups, downs, joy, and sorrow.
The resurrection invites each one of us to experience the life-giving fullness of Christ. It reminds us that no matter how dark the night may seem, the dawn will always come. The promise of resurrection not only assures us of eternal life but instills in us a sense of hope and empowerment to share this transformative message with others in our lives. We are called to respond as the two Marys did, stepping forth in faith and declaring the goodness of the Lord.
So, let us reflect on the lessons garnered from Matthew 28:1. Let it inspire us to seek Jesus fervently in our lives and to support our communities in faith. If you’re interested in exploring other encouraging messages, consider reading our article on Bible Verses About Easter for Kids. Each verse of Scripture offers insight and encouragement for our journeys.