What does Matthew 28:1 mean?

Explanation

Matthew 28:1 speaks about the moment when Mary Magdalene and the other Mary (often identified as Mary, the mother of James and Joses) came to see Jesus' tomb after His crucifixion and burial.

According to Jewish tradition, the Sabbath day (Saturday) was a day of rest, and no work was to be done.

The women waited until the Sabbath was over to visit the tomb, which would have been at sundown on Saturday.

However, this verse indicates that they came to the tomb as it was beginning to dawn on the first day of the week, which is Sunday. This is significant because, according to Christian belief, Jesus rose from the dead on the first day of the week, marking the event of the resurrection.

The verse captures both a specific moment and a significant transition.

It bridges the sorrow of the Sabbath, a day when Jesus' followers mourned His death, to the joy of discovering His resurrection on the first day of the week.

The women's intent is implied to be one of mourning or perhaps to care for the body of Jesus in accordance with Jewish burial customs.

However, they were about to become the first witnesses to the empty tomb and the risen Christ.

Historical Context

The Gospel according to Matthew was written at a time when Christianity was transitioning from a sect of Judaism to a separate religion.

Written in the first century AD, this verse is situated against the backdrop of Roman rule over Judea, Jewish customs and laws, and the rise of early Christian communities.

The mention of "the end of the Sabbath" and the "first day of the week" shows Matthew's attention to the Jewish understanding of time and religious practice.

Matthew's account reflects an audience that would understand Jewish customs such as the observance of the Sabbath and the significance of visiting the tomb after this period.

Theological Insights

Different Christian theologies have found deep significance in this verse:

• Protestantism typically sees this as a literal event, with Matthew 28:1 serving as an important historical record of the Resurrection narrative.

The fulfillment of prophecy in Jesus' resurrection is also emphasized.

• Catholicism not only acknowledges the historicity but also incorporates the reverence of sacred spaces and relics, as reflected by the women visiting Jesus' tomb.
• Eastern Orthodox Christians might emphasize the role of women as the first evangelists, given that they were the first to witness the empty tomb.

This verse is pivotal for Christian theology as it sets the stage for the foundational Christian belief in the resurrection of Christ.

Practical Applications

For the modern-day reader, the verse offers several applications:

• It encourages believers to faithfully observe their religious practices and to seek Jesus earnestly, as the women did.
• It can inspire Christians to continue in their faith and duties, even in the face of loss or disappointment, trusting that God will reveal His power.
• It can serve as a reminder that important events and revelations can occur after periods of waiting or rest.

Cross-References

• Mark 16:1-2 - Similar account of the women visiting the tomb after the Sabbath.
• Luke 24:1 - Another account mentioning the women visiting the tomb at dawn.
• John 20:1 - Account of Mary Magdalene coming to the tomb while it was still dark.

Language Study

In the original Greek of Matthew 28:1, the phrase "In the end of the sabbath" is translated from "Οψε δε σαββατων," which literally means "after the Sabbath" or "at the close of the Sabbaths." The Greek word for "dawn" is "επιφωσκουσῃ," which also suggests the breaking of light or the beginning of the day.

The term "sepulchre" translates from the Greek "του μνημειου," referring to a tomb or burial place.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In other ancient cultures, visits to tombs and memorials were common, often with the intent of paying respects to the deceased or performing religious rites.

In the context of religious interpretations, the concept of visiting a tomb or sacred place can be found in various forms across different cultures.

However, Matthew 28:1 is unique in that it's the prelude to a claim of resurrection from the dead, which is central to Christianity and not widely found in most other ancient religious myths.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific point of view, the description in Matthew 28:1 is primarily concerned with the time of day, the transition from night to morning.

Modern astronomy can provide insight into the timing of dawn and the visual aspects of early morning light during that historical period in the region of Judea.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and theologians offer varying insights on this verse:

• Some focus on the historicity of the Resurrection event and the role of women as key witnesses.
• Others see the verse as a literary device that effectively transitions from the despair of the crucifixion to the hope of the resurrection.
• Conservative commentaries might emphasize the fulfillment of Scripture, whereas liberal scholars might explore the social or symbolic implications of the women's actions.