“He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.”– Matthew 28:6
Matthew 28:6 Meaning
This verse brings the wonderful news of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The statement “He is not here; for He is risen” indicates that Jesus has conquered death. This is a fundamental belief in Christianity which assures us that Jesus was not merely a great teacher or prophet, but He is the Son of God who has the power over life and death.
Moreover, the invitation to “Come, see the place where the Lord lay” emphasizes that the tomb is empty. The women who came to the tomb looking for Jesus received an incredible message. Their expectation of finding a dead body was replaced with the realization of hope and new life. This moment marks a turning point not only for the disciples but for all of humanity. The resurrection signifies that no matter the trials we face in life, through Jesus, we have the promise of eternal life and overcoming all obstacles. Each one of us is called to witness this truth.
Matthew 28:6 Commentary and Explanation
In Matthew 28:6, we find hope and assurance in the message delivered by the angel at the tomb. The words spoken highlight not just a historical event but a profound spiritual truth. Jesus was resurrected, and that changed everything. The resurrection means that through faith in Him, we too can experience new life. This is the central message of the Gospel.
This profound statement indicates that the resurrection wasn’t just an isolated incident. It signifies that God’s promise of salvation is fulfilled through Jesus. When we reflect on the significance of the resurrection, we see that it offers us victory over sin and death. John 3:16 reminds us that God loved the world so much that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. This eternal life begins now and extends beyond death.
Furthermore, the resurrection serves as a reminder of God’s great power and His ability to bring about change in our lives. In moments of despair, we are reminded by this event that life can spring forth even from the most hopeless situations. Just as Jesus is raised from the dead, we too can rise above our challenges and struggles through faith and trust in Him.
The angel’s message was not just for the women who visited the tomb but extends to all of us. It is an invitation for each one of us to come, investigate, and witness for ourselves the promise of salvation and hope offered through Jesus. Believing is seeing in this context. When we seek Him with open hearts, He reveals the truths that transform our lives.
Culturally, resurrection was a concept that was difficult to grasp for many in that time. Yet, here we see it laid out clearly. The angel opened the tomb for the women and invited them to see the evidence of His resurrection. We can find comfort knowing that God welcomes our curiosity and desire for understanding. It indicates God’s willingness to meet us where we are.
In summary, Matthew 28:6 is a powerful statement of victory and hope. It encourages us to pursue a relationship with Jesus and embrace the life and new beginnings He offers. The resurrection is the turning point in history, and it compels us toward faith, freedom, and purpose.
Context of Matthew 28:6
To fully appreciate Matthew 28:6, we must consider the events leading up to this moment. Jesus was crucified, buried, and a great stone was rolled in front of the tomb to secure it. The disciples were in mourning and confusion, grappling with the loss. The world felt as though darkness prevailed. Matthew, in the earlier chapters, depicts the anticipation of Jesus’ arrival, His teachings, and the miracles He performed. Throughout His ministry, He alluded to His resurrection, yet it was difficult for the disciples to grasp the magnitude of this promise amidst their grief.
The morning of the resurrection arrived, and the women, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary, made their way to the tomb with spices to anoint His body. Their emotional state was one of sorrow and uncertainty about what the future would hold. The dramatic event of the resurrection shatters their expectations and transforms their fear into faith and hope. The message of the angel stands victorious over despair, shifting everything from hopelessness to exuberant joy.
This event, taking place on the first day of the week, signifies a fresh start and a new beginning. It echoes God’s promise of redemption and restoration. It is fitting that the women were the first to receive this message of resurrection. In a societal context where women often went unrecognized, God chose them to bear witness to this life-altering news. This carries a significant message that God’s grace and love extend beyond conventional boundaries.
The resurrection became a key element for early Christians. It solidified the belief that Jesus was indeed the Messiah. This news spread like wildfire, igniting hope and faith across nations. The resurrection confirms our faith in Jesus and reassures us of our assurance in salvation.
In the longer narrative, Jesus’ resurrection is the climax of the Gospel message, representing the fulfillment of God’s plan to redeem humanity. This moment ushered in a new covenant, a promise of hope that is spiritual and eternal, highlighted by Jesus’ resurrection. When we reflect on the resurrection, we see that it transcends time. It offers us a relational understanding of a living Savior who continues to invite us to share in this life-changing experience.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Matthew 28:6
As we break down this verse, we can see several critical components. The phrase “He is not here” indicates the absence of Christ in the tomb where He was laid. His absence signals His victory over death, affirming that He is alive. This took away the fear of death not only for the disciples but for all believers in Christ.
The command “for He is risen” speaks volumes. It affirms the Christian belief that Jesus is alive today. The word “risen” alludes to the newness of life, symbolizing the abundant life promised to us through faith. The word “risen” also communicates the fulfillment of prophecy and Jesus’ own predictions regarding His resurrection. He told us that He would return to life after three days (Matthew 16:21). This moment fulfills every word He spoke with authority.
When the angel invited the women to “see the place where the Lord lay,” it illustrates the importance of personal witness. It shows God’s desire for a relationship with us, urging us to seek and find Him. We are encouraged to explore our faith and to come to the empty tomb, personally experiencing and confirming our beliefs. The empty tomb serves as a powerful reminder of enduring hope, no matter the difficult circumstances we may face.
Lastly, the phrase “come, see” bolsters the notion of invitation. Jesus isn’t a distant deity; instead, He desires a relationship with us. He invites us to not only believe in Him but to come to Him for understanding and depth in our relationship. This command gives us an action item. We are called to approach the cross willingly, to examine our faith genuinely, and to discover the truths that liberate us.
Lessons From Matthew 28:6
Matthew 28:6 teaches us several profound lessons. To begin with, we learn about the importance of hope. The resurrection is not simply a historical event; it is the hope that we carry every day. Much like the women at the tomb, we may face challenging circumstances that cause us despair. Yet the empty tomb reminds us that hope can transcend our immediate reality. Regardless of how insurmountable our struggles may feel, our faith assures us of new beginnings and transformations.
The phrase “He is not here” prompts us to confront fear and uncertainty in our lives. Many things may seem daunting or scary, leading us to lose sight of God’s promises. However, letting go of our fears allows us to experience peace that surpasses understanding (Philippians 4:7). Jesus’ resurrection assures us that He is with us in every season.
Additionally, the invitation to “come, see” encourages us to engage actively in our faith. We are invited to explore the depths of our belief and relationship with God. It is not enough to simply accept truths; we must invest in knowing Him deeply. When we study the Word, pray, and seek communion with Him, we grow in understanding and richness of faith. The invitation invites us to step into a personal relationship with Jesus, knowing Him as Savior and friend.
The empty tomb invites action. It calls us to share the good news with others. Just as the women were commissioned to go and tell the disciples of His resurrection, we, too, have a responsibility to spread the hope found in Christ. This cannot be contained within four walls; instead, we illustrate His love by sharing it freely in our communities and families.
Lastly, Matthew 28:6 reminds us of God’s unwavering faithfulness. The promises of God are true, and He fulfills every word spoken. The resurrection affirms that He is indeed faithful to His word. As we face trials in life, we can look back to this truth, reminding ourselves that what God has promised, He will accomplish. We don’t face challenges alone; He walks with us through every valley and every hill.
Final Thoughts
Matthew 28:6 is more than a simple verse; it is a celebration of victory, hope, and new beginnings. The resurrection of Jesus Christ fulfills the promises of God and assures us that we can have eternal life through Him. It is the foundation of our faith and points to a loving relationship with our Savior.
As we reflect on the truth of His resurrection, let us carry that hope into our daily lives. We are invited to experience the joys of salvation and the freedom it brings. Through faith, we can rise above our circumstances, with the assurance that Jesus is alive and present in our lives.
Let us encourage one another to come and see the wonders of our Lord. He is waiting for us to seek Him and to share the joy of the resurrection with others. As we live out the truth of this verse, we exemplify the transformative power of God in our lives. May we always remember to keep our eyes fixed on Him, the risen Lord, who has conquered the grave.
If you’re interested in exploring more topics related to biblical teachings, check out Bible verses about Easter for kids or read our Sisters book summary to gain fresh insights into the lessons of faith.