“And as they went to tell his disciples, Jesus met them, saying, ‘All hail.’ And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him.”– Matthew 28:9
Matthew 28:9 Meaning
This verse represents a significant moment in the resurrection account of Jesus. As the women who discovered the empty tomb began to go back to tell the disciples what they had witnessed, they encountered Jesus himself. “All hail” is a greeting that translates to joy and welcome. This invitation from Jesus to engage with him symbolizes a profound moment of victory over death and a reinstatement of faith. It is as if he is saying, “Rejoice! I am alive!”
This greeting reinforces the idea that Jesus’s resurrection was not just moments of history but a glorious reaffirmation of faith for all his followers. The act of the women holding his feet emphasizes their reverence, acknowledging his divine nature. This moment serves as a reminder that our risen Savior desires a personal relationship with us. It invites us to come forward, share in the communion of his presence, and respond to that presence with worship and love.
Matthew 28:9 Commentary and Explanation
In the wake of Jesus’ crucifixion, his followers were understandably heartbroken and confused. Their world had turned upside down. The women headed to the tomb, expecting to find it still sealed. However, they found it empty. In this dramatic shift, the arrival of Jesus becomes a beacon of hope. Their initial fear gradually transforms into joy. It is a powerful reminder that Jesus always meets us where we are, even in our moments of despair.
Jesus’s words, “All hail,” were not mere pleasantries but an invitation into a new reality. This greeting was filled with meaning and promise. It announced to the women that death was not the end; rather, life has triumphed. In a real sense, he was telling them to rejoice in the good news of salvation and renewal. This moment also sets the stage for the Great Commission that follows, illustrating the importance of spreading the message of Jesus’s resurrection. It highlights that we, too, are called to share this incredible news of hope and affirmation with others.
Furthermore, the act of worshiping at his feet signifies the rightful posture of every believer: recognizing Jesus as King and Savior. It’s an invitation for us as believers to approach him with reverence, humility, and adoration. Even today, we are called to worship him in our hearts and lives, reflecting his love in the world.
We may not encounter the physical presence of Jesus as the women did, but we can come to Him in prayer and worship, knowing that he is always present with us. This is the power and comfort of our faith. Whether through the Bible, prayer, or community, we are presented with many ways to connect with Him.
Context of Matthew 28:9
To grasp the full significance of this verse, it is essential to consider the context. Matthew 28 captures the moment after Jesus’ resurrection, a turning point in the New Testament narrative. This event addresses the hopes and fears of Jesus’ followers. It takes place immediately after the angel announces his resurrection to Mary Magdalene and the other Mary.
The resurrection was a culmination of Jesus’ mission on earth, affirming his identity as the Messiah and the Son of God. It redirected the course of human history. The encounter with these women is purposely set against the stark contrast of their mourning after the death of Jesus. His resurrection transforms their despair into joy.
Another important aspect is to appreciate the event through the lens of the Great Commission following this encounter. Jesus gives the women instruction to notify the disciples to meet him in Galilee. This event encapsulates God’s plan for salvation and commission for believers to share that good news with the world. It beckons us to recognize our role as proclaimers of hope based on the foundation of faith we stand upon.
The context surrounding Matthew 28:9 urges us to reflect on our own experiences of fear and doubt and encourages us to faithfully embrace the joy that comes from our relationship with Christ. It allows us to understand that we are part of a grand story, a collective calling to go forth and share his love.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Matthew 28:9
Every part of this verse is packed with significance. The action of the women going to tell the disciples showcases their obedience and loyalty. They were not deterred by fear or the cultural expectations of women of that time. They took the initiative, which speaks volumes about their character and commitment to Jesus.
Jesus’ greeting of “All hail” is profound. By addressing them first and emphasizing the relationship, he draws them closer. It’s a gentle reminder that they should not fear, for He is with them. It is an invitation to take hold of the joy he offers.
The act of holding his feet indicates both worship and submission. It shows the profound respect they had, acknowledging him as their Savior. This moment calls us to remember that our faith should be expressed externally in a willing posture – surrender, trust, and love. When we come to Jesus, we are encouraged to lay down our burdens and recognize his supreme authority in our lives.
Lessons From Matthew 28:9
One of the central lessons in this passage is the call to worship Jesus as our risen Savior. Recognizing his victory over sin and death is essential to our faith. This verse encourages us to remember the importance of approaching Jesus with reverence and worship in our daily lives.
Another lesson focuses on the significance of sharing the good news of the Gospel. Just as the women were instructed to tell the disciples, we are called to be ambassadors for Christ, sharing our personal testimonies and the hope of his resurrection with others. This is an essential part of living out our faith.
This passage also highlights the importance of obedience. The women did not hesitate to follow through with their mission even amid uncertainty. They acted upon their faith, showing that our responses to God’s call require action. We are reminded that stepping out in faith, even when unsure, can lead to powerful encounters with Jesus.
Lastly, embracing the joy that comes with our relationship with Jesus is a vital takeaway. We should be encouraged to share that joy and hope with those around us. We witness how grief is transformed into joy through a personal encounter with Jesus. This theme is universally applicable and relevant to our lives today.
Final Thoughts
Matthew 28:9 encapsulates a pivotal moment in history that resonates deeply with us today. It reminds us of the transformative power of Jesus’s resurrection and the importance of both worship and witness. Each encounter we have with Jesus invites us to deepen our relationship and share that love with others.
As we navigate our lives, let us remember the joy and hope found in Christ. Our responses to his presence should be filled with reverence and a desire to share that good news with a world in need of hope. He meets us in our darkest moments, bringing light and joy, urging us to come to his feet in worship. Let us take this message of resurrection and redemption to heart and allow it to guide our journey.
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