Matthew 28:4 - Verse Explanation
Verse Spotlight
Picture this: you’re standing guard at a tomb, just doing your job, when suddenly the ground shakes, and an angel appears like a flash of lightning! You feel your heart racing, and fear grips you so tightly that you freeze, becoming like a statue—totally paralyzed. This moment captures raw fear, the kind that makes your skin crawl and leaves you utterly speechless. The guards, who are supposed to be tough and in control, are reduced to trembling figures, completely overwhelmed by the supernatural. This verse highlights the power of divine presence and the fear it can instill, showing us how something beyond our understanding can shake us to our core.
Who Wrote It
Matthew, one of Jesus’s closest followers, wrote this account. He wanted to share the incredible story of Jesus's life, death, and resurrection with everyone, especially the Jewish people. By including this detail about the guards trembling in fear, Matthew highlights the reality of the resurrection—this wasn’t just a comforting tale; it was a life-altering event that even the strongest of men couldn’t ignore. Matthew’s perspective as a former tax collector turned disciple gives us an insider’s look at how transformative it was to witness these divine moments firsthand.
What It Means
Picture this: you’re standing guard at a tomb, just doing your job, when suddenly the ground shakes, and an angel appears like a flash of lightning! You feel your heart racing, and fear grips you so tightly that you freeze, becoming like a statue—totally paralyzed. This moment captures raw fear, the kind that makes your skin crawl and leaves you utterly speechless. The guards, who are supposed to be tough and in control, are reduced to trembling figures, completely overwhelmed by the supernatural. This verse highlights the power of divine presence and the fear it can instill, showing us how something beyond our understanding can shake us to our core.
Where and When
This was written in a time when the Roman Empire was in control, and people were living under heavy political and social pressure. The world was filled with different beliefs, cultures, and a yearning for hope. This moment in history matters because it shows the clash between earthly power (the guards) and divine power (the resurrection). It’s a time when people were looking for something greater than themselves, and the resurrection of Jesus was a game-changer that offered a new hope amid a world filled with fear and uncertainty.
Why It Matters
This verse matters to you today because it reminds you that fear is a natural response to the unknown. Just like those guards, you might face moments in your life that leave you feeling overwhelmed and powerless. But this verse also speaks to the power of transformation. The resurrection represents hope and new beginnings, showing you that fear can be confronted and overcome. When you feel paralyzed by your circumstances, remember that something greater is at work, just like it was on that day.
How to Apply
This week, when you feel fear or anxiety about something coming up—maybe a test, a big decision, or a relationship—take a moment to pause. Reflect on this verse and remember that fear doesn’t have to define you. Instead of allowing fear to freeze you in place, take one small step forward. It could be as simple as talking to someone about your worries, writing down your feelings, or taking a moment to breathe and pray for strength. Allow the truth of hope to push you past that fear.
Chapter Context
This verse comes at a pivotal moment in the story. Just before, Mary Magdalene and another Mary had approached the tomb where Jesus was laid, expecting to find his body. But instead, they encounter an angel who tells them that Jesus has risen! The guards, witnessing this miraculous event, are terrified, and their fear is palpable. This trembling moment emphasizes the reality of Jesus’s resurrection and serves as a stark contrast to the joy that Mary and Mary will soon feel. It’s a dramatic turning point that shifts the narrative from despair to hope, showing how even the strongest can be shaken by the truth of what’s just happened.