“So they went out quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to bring His disciples word.”– Matthew 28:8
Matthew 28:8 Meaning
This verse captures an intense moment following the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The women, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary, left the tomb not just with fear, but also with overwhelming joy. This combination of emotions showcases the profound impact of witnessing the miracle of resurrection. Fear could stem from the magnificent event they had just experienced; the stone being rolled away and the angelic appearance. On the other hand, the great joy they felt was due to the realization that Jesus had indeed risen from the dead, just as He promised He would. Their mission became clear – they were to convey this groundbreaking news to the disciples.
The phrase “went out quickly” illustrates their immediate response. They didn’t linger or hesitate; their faith and newfound understanding prompted urgency. In our lives, we too are called to respond quickly when we encounter our own divine revelations or moments of clarity. The act of running to bring word to the disciples is not just a physical running, but a metaphor for spreading good news, sharing hope, and acting upon our beliefs.
Matthew 28:8 Commentary and Explanation
In analyzing this powerful moment, we recognize that it is pivotal in Christian faith. The resurrection of Jesus is the cornerstone of Christianity. Without it, our belief would lack foundation. The women were the first to receive this incredible message. This reveals God’s choice to honor women in the early church. Their role illustrates how God often chooses the seemingly insignificant to confound the mighty. The women, who were marginalized in society at that time, played a crucial role in spreading the most important news of all time – the resurrection.
Additionally, their reaction of fear mixed with joy serves as a reminder of our human nature. We often feel fear when facing the unknown, even when there is great joy involved. This fear can be paralyzing, but the joy of knowing Jesus should compel us to act. It reminds us that our faith journey may also be filled with fear, but it is complemented by the joy and assurance we find in Christ. We can reflect on similar experiences in our own lives; how often is our fear challenged by the joy we have in knowing our Savior?
The joy and urgency to tell the disciples indicate that the women recognized the importance and significance of what they had just witnessed. It prompts us to ask ourselves how we respond to the good news of Jesus in our lives. Are we as eager to share our faith and the joy we receive from Christ? The act of running symbolizes our call to activate our faith and to share it generously.
Finally, the mentioning of “bringing the word” introduces the idea of testimony. As followers of Christ, we are all equipped to share our own testimonies of faith. Just as the women shared their experience, we too are encouraged to share our encounters with God. It promotes a culture of encouragement, hope, and inspiration among believers.
Context of Matthew 28:8
To better understand this verse, it is essential to examine its context. This verse is found at the conclusion of the Gospel of Matthew, which details Jesus’ life, ministry, crucifixion, and ultimately, His resurrection. The chapter begins with the women visiting Jesus’s tomb on the first day of the week following His crucifixion. They were expecting to find Jesus’ body and to anoint it. Their journey was one of despair, as they had witnessed Jesus’ brutal death.
As they arrived at the tomb, they encountered an earthquake, and an angel descended to roll away the stone. This event symbolized that the barrier of death had been conquered. The emptiness of the tomb began to speak volumes about the hope and life found in Christ. This explanation of the resurrection is foundational for our faith; it signifies that Jesus overcame death and provides a pathway to eternal life for all who believe in Him.
Following the angel’s message, which told them not to be afraid and to inform the disciples, the scene is filled with hope that shifts from sorrow to joy. This reinforces the biblical theme that God works through unexpected events. God’s love and grace are often revealed in moments of despair, reminding us that even when things seem hopeless, God is at work, bringing about joy and hope beyond our understanding.
This context sets the stage for understanding how important Matthew 28:8 is for the early followers of Christ and for us today. The women were called to share hope, and we are equally called to do the same. Their urgency brings relevance to our own lives as we consider how we spread hope and good news to those around us.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Matthew 28:8
Examining key phrases in this verse provides deeper insights. The word “quickly” reflects not only speed but also determination. This sense of urgency teaches us to share the gospel without hesitation. Our encounters with God should prompt immediate action. We must look for opportunities to express our faith and share the love of Christ, much like the women did on that pivotal morning.
Next, “with fear and great joy” invites us to reflect on our reactions. It is possible to hold conflicting emotions simultaneously. We may face uncertainties in life that incite fear while also experiencing the joy that comes from our relationship with Christ. Embracing both emotions is part of the human experience of faith; it provides balance and authentic worship.
“Ran to bring His disciples word” signifies the importance of community in faith. The message wasn’t meant for the women alone; it was to be shared with the disciples and, ultimately, to the whole world. In our spiritual journey, we are reminded not to carry our faith in isolation, but to share it within our communities, encouraging and uplifting one another.
Lessons From Matthew 28:8
Several key lessons arise from Matthew 28:8. First, we see the importance of witnessing and sharing our experiences. Just like the women who became the first evangelists of the resurrection, we too are called to testify about Jesus’ impact on our lives. It challenges us to reflect on how we share the good news of our faith.
Next, the combination of fear and joy illustrates that it is okay to have mixed emotions in our faith walk. Our relationship with Christ may involve uncertainties and challenges; however, the joy of His salvation can help push us through. We are encouraged to navigate our fears with an awareness of the joy that comes from Christ and the hope that is secured in Him.
The verse’s implications for community emphasize the results of sharing our testimonies. By actively sharing our faith journeys, we can reach others who are seeking hope and truth. Often, sharing our personal experiences can create connections that lead others to encounter Christ for themselves. The importance of fellowship in growth and encouragement is highlighted in this apostolic process of sharing and supporting one another in faith.
Finally, the urgency of action is critical. Once we receive the knowledge of Jesus’ love and grace, we should not keep it to ourselves. Just like the women who ran to tell the disciples, we too must be proactive in spreading the message of hope and love to those around us. We have a wonderful privilege to share the good news that transformed our lives, and we are called to act upon it accordingly.
Final Thoughts
Matthew 28:8 serves as a powerful reminder of the joy found in the resurrection of Christ. It challenges us to share our faith actively and to embrace both the fear and joy that comes with our relationship with our Savior. We see the profound impact of God choosing the marginalized and how it reflects His purpose for humankind. The women’s actions teach us about urgency in sharing the gospel and foster a culture of community.
As we consider our faith journey, let us remember to carry that same urgency to share the hope we have in Christ. We are encouraged to reflect on our own testimonies and to think about how we can spread the good news to those around us. In moments of fear and uncertainty, may we lean into Christ, knowing that He is the source of our joy and strength. Let’s take inspiration from the women at the tomb and run to share the resurrection truth that impacts lives across generations.
If you’re interested in learning more about the resurrection, explore our article on Bible verses about Easter for kids. It’s a wonderful way to share the message of hope with the younger generation. Let’s continue to grow and learn together in faith!