Matthew 28:5 - Verse Explanation
Verse Spotlight
Imagine standing there, your heart pounding, fear gripping you as you face the unknown. That’s exactly where these women were when they met the angel. He’s telling them, ‘Don’t be afraid!’ It’s a moment filled with compassion and understanding. The angel knows they’re looking for Jesus, the one who was killed, and he reassures them. This isn’t just a casual statement; it’s an invitation to replace their fear with hope. It’s like he’s saying, ‘I see your worry, and I’m here to guide you to something amazing!'
Who Wrote It
Matthew, one of Jesus' closest followers, wrote this down. He wanted to provide an account that showed how Jesus fulfilled the promises of the past and changed lives. By including this specific detail, Matthew highlights the emotional journey of the women. He captures that raw moment of fear and hope, reflecting his own experience of following Jesus through thick and thin. Matthew's perspective is all about connecting the dots between Jesus’ life, death, and the incredible miracle of resurrection.
What It Means
Imagine standing there, your heart pounding, fear gripping you as you face the unknown. That’s exactly where these women were when they met the angel. He’s telling them, ‘Don’t be afraid!’ It’s a moment filled with compassion and understanding. The angel knows they’re looking for Jesus, the one who was killed, and he reassures them. This isn’t just a casual statement; it’s an invitation to replace their fear with hope. It’s like he’s saying, ‘I see your worry, and I’m here to guide you to something amazing!'
Where and When
At the time this was written, the world was a mix of hope and despair. The Roman Empire ruled with an iron fist, and many people felt powerless. The Jewish people were longing for a savior, someone who would rescue them from oppression. This moment in history was charged with anticipation and uncertainty. The timing of this event—just after Jesus' death—makes it even more significant. It was a time when people needed to hear that their fears could be transformed into something powerful and life-changing.
Why It Matters
This verse speaks to you directly. We all have moments of fear and uncertainty, just like those women did. When the angel says, ‘Don’t be afraid,’ it’s a reminder that no matter how dark things seem, there’s hope around the corner. This ancient message is relevant today; it tells you that fear doesn’t have to control your life. Instead, you can look for the hope that’s waiting for you, even in the toughest times. It’s about embracing a new perspective and finding courage in the face of fear.