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Matthew 28:5 (BSB)
But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified.
THE HOLY BIBLE
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Scripture quotations (main text) are from the Berean Study Bible (BSB), © 2016, 2018 by Bible Hub. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), ©2001 by Crossway, is used for comparison and word study only.
Bible Copyright & Permissions“But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified.” — Matthew 28:5
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!'
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.
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.
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.
This week, try to identify a fear that’s been holding you back—maybe it’s fear of failure, rejection, or the unknown. Write it down and then flip it. Ask yourself, ‘What if I replaced this fear with hope?’ Start small: take one step towards what you’re afraid of, whether it’s reaching out to someone you’ve distanced from or trying something new. Remember, just like the women at the tomb, you can choose to move forward, embracing hope instead of fear.
This moment is electric! After all the turmoil of Jesus’ crucifixion and the confusion that followed, the women arrive at the tomb, expecting to find a body. What they encounter instead is an angel who flips the script on their fears. This verse is the pivot point in the story; it’s when despair starts to give way to hope. Right after this, they discover that Jesus has risen! This moment is crucial because it sets the stage for the whole resurrection narrative, showing that fear can be transformed into joy and purpose.
What fears are you holding onto that you could let go of, knowing that there’s hope waiting for you?
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