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Matthew 28

In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre.

And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it.

His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow:

And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men.

And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified.

He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.

And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you.

And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word.

And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him.

Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me.

Now when they were going, behold, some of the watch came into the city, and shewed unto the chief priests all the things that were done.

And when they were assembled with the elders, and had taken counsel, they gave large money unto the soldiers,

Saying, Say ye, His disciples came by night, and stole him away while we slept.

And if this come to the governor's ears, we will persuade him, and secure you.

So they took the money, and did as they were taught: and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day.

Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them.

And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted.

And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.

Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

What does Matthew 28:9 mean?

Explanation

Matthew 28:9 presents a profound moment in the Gospel narrative, occurring after the Resurrection of Jesus.

It describes the encounter between Jesus and the women who had come to His tomb.

Upon being greeted by Jesus with "All hail," which is a greeting of respect and honor, the women respond by holding Him by the feet and worshipping Him.

This act signifies both their recognition of His divinity and their submission to Him as their Lord.

The encounter underscores the tangible reality of the Resurrection, as the women are able to physically touch Jesus and it confirms to them that He is truly alive.

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Historical Context

This verse occurs shortly after the resurrection of Jesus, an event that is central to Christian faith and is celebrated during Easter. At the time, Jesus' followers were grieving and in confusion after His crucifixion.

Jewish customs of the period entailed visiting the graves of loved ones to anoint the body with spices, which the women were intending to do. The greeting by the resurrected Jesus would have been completely unexpected and would have upended the normal mourning practices of the time.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this passage is rich with significance. From the angle of Christology, the act of worship the women offer to Jesus attests to His divine nature.

Theologically conservative views interpret this as a clear indication of Jesus' deity and the proper response to His resurrection.

In contrast, more liberal interpretations might emphasize the human aspect of Jesus as an inspirational spiritual leader whose followers are responding to His presence with profound respect.

In both cases, the Resurrection is a pivotal event, signifying Jesus' victory over death and establishing Him as the central figure of Christian faith.

Practical Applications

In terms of practical applications, this verse serves as a model for Christian worship and devotion. It encourages believers to approach Christ with humility and reverence, acknowledging His divine nature and authority.

The verse can inspire individuals to greet each encounter with the divine presence in their lives with awe and worshipful submission.

Additionally, it can be seen as a reminder that Christ meets His followers in their daily journeys, inviting them to experience and recognize His living presence.

Cross-References

Matthew 28:6 - "He is not here: for he is risen, as he said.

Come, see the place where the Lord lay."

John 20:17 - "Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God."
Luke 24:52 - "And they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy:"

Language Study

The original Greek words used in this verse are significant.

The word translated as "All hail" can be the Greek "chairete," which is a common greeting that means "rejoice" or "be glad." The Greek word for "held" is "krateo," which means to seize or grasp strongly, indicating both the women's eagerness and the tangible reality of Jesus' resurrected body.

The word for "worshipped" is "proskuneo," which literally means to bow or prostrate oneself before, a term used in the New Testament to designate an act of reverence, especially toward God.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The act of touching or holding a deity's feet is not unique to Christianity; similar acts of reverence appear in other cultural and religious traditions. In Hinduism, for example, touching the feet of a guru or deity is a common sign of respect.

However, the worship of Jesus as a resurrected deity who physically interacts with his followers is distinctive to Christianity and underscores the belief in the Incarnation - God becoming flesh.

Scientific Perspectives

The concept of resurrection from a scientific standpoint is generally viewed as impossible, as it contradicts the understanding of biological death as final and irreversible.

Thus, the resurrection is considered a miracle in the Christian tradition, a supernatural event that defies ordinary natural laws. The objective reality of the Resurrection has been a subject of debate, with many seeing it as a matter of faith rather than scientific proof.

Commentaries

Numerous biblical scholars and theologians have provided commentary on Matthew 28:9.

Carson notes the appearance of Jesus to the women is a testament to the fact of His resurrection and their immediate response of worship underscores His divinity.

France emphasizes the importance of women as the first witnesses to the Resurrection, a countercultural element in the context of the society where women's testimonies were often undervalued.

William Barclay points out the blend of awe, joy, and worship in this encounter as an appropriate response to the realization of Jesus' triumph over death.

Matthew 28

Matthew 28

What does Matthew 28:9 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Matthew Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Matthew 28:9 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Matthew Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?