Matthew 28:5
But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The angel’s reassuring "Fear not ye" specifically contrasts the women's response with the soldiers', highlighting that while the guards were paralyzed by divine power, the women's fear was met with comfort because their hearts were seeking Jesus, even in His apparent defeat. This intimate knowledge the angel displays—that they seek the one who was crucified—validates their love and loyalty for Him, turning their sorrow into the precursor of joy.
The women, driven by love and grief, arrive at Jesus' tomb early Sunday morning, expecting to anoint his body, only to find the massive stone inexplicably rolled away. Their initial shock and fear at the empty tomb are met by an angel who, witnessing their distress and understanding their purpose, immediately reassures them. This encounter, happening right after the earthquake and the guards' terrified flight, is the start of the announcement of Christ's resurrection.
Imagine the scene: the women arrive at the tomb, hearts heavy, minds racing. Suddenly, a glorious being appears, radiating light. What's the first thing the angel says?
The angel's opening words, 'Do not be afraid,' aren't just a generic comfort; they're a specific acknowledgment of the women's mission. The angel doesn't say, 'I know you're here,' but 'I know that you seek Jesus.' This highlights a profound truth:
God Sees Your Seeking
God notices when we actively look for Him, especially when our search is driven by love and devotion, even amidst confusion and grief. The angel's knowledge isn't just observational; it's empathetic. He understands their purpose and affirms their quest.
The Cross as a Compass
By specifically mentioning 'Jesus who was crucified,' the angel grounds the women's search. In a moment of immense shock and upheaval, this detail anchors them to the known reality of Jesus’ sacrifice, a sacrifice that is the very reason for His current, miraculous absence. Their seeking of the crucified one is precisely why they will find the risen one.
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The angel's message is clear: 'Do not be afraid.' But why is fear so potent here, and how does the angel’s reassurance differ from the guards’ terror?
The appearance of the angel, the earthquake, and the empty tomb are all awe-inspiring events. However, the reaction to this divine power is starkly different for the women and the guards.
Terror for the Unbelieving
The guards, who were there to prevent any disturbance, are struck with terror and collapse as if dead. Their fear is a reaction to overwhelming power they cannot comprehend or control, a force that exposes their inadequacy and the futility of their mission. It’s a fear that paralyzes and incapacitates.
Reassurance for the Believers
For the women, the angel’s immediate command is 'Do not be afraid.' This isn't to dismiss their awe, but to redirect it. Their fear is tempered by the angel's knowledge of their seeking heart and the good news he's about to deliver. Theirs is a fear that can be overcome by faith and transformed into expectant wonder. God’s power, when revealed to those who seek Him, leads not to terror but to astonished hope.
Understand the original words
stauroō · Greek Verb (Passive Participle)
The historical act of Jesus Christ being executed by Roman crucifixion, fulfilling Old Testament prophecy and serving as the substitutionary atonement for the sins of humanity.
c. AD 30— this verse
Crucifixion of Jesus
Jesus of Nazareth is crucified in Jerusalem, marking the culmination of his ministry and the event central to Christian faith.
c. AD 30 (Day of Resurrection)
Discovery of the Empty Tomb
Women disciples, including Mary Magdalene and the other Mary, visit Jesus' tomb early on the first day of the week to anoint his body, finding the stone rolled away and the tomb empty.
c. AD 30 (Day of Resurrection)
Angelic Announcement of Resurrection
An angel (or angels) appears to the women at the tomb, announcing that Jesus has risen from the dead and instructing them to tell the disciples.
c. AD 30 (Day of Resurrection)
Post-Resurrection Appearances Begin
Jesus begins to appear to his followers, starting with the women and later to the disciples, confirming his resurrection and commissioning them.
This passage provides a parallel account of Mary Magdalene at the empty tomb, focusing on her encounter with Jesus and his commission to her, highlighting the personal nature of the resurrection's revelation.
Luke 24:1-8This account includes the women's discovery of the empty tomb and their remembrance of Jesus' words about his resurrection, showing how God's promises bring comfort even in moments of fear and confusion.
1 Corinthians 15:3-8This passage summarizes the core of the gospel message, emphasizing Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection as foundational truths, which directly validates the women's search for the crucified Christ.
Philippians 3:10This verse speaks of wanting to 'know Christ and the power of his resurrection,' mirroring the women's deep desire to find Jesus, even after his crucifixion, which is the very reason the angel addresses them.
Isaiah 53:3This prophecy describes the suffering servant as 'despised and rejected by men,' reflecting the 'crucified' status of Jesus that the women are still seeking, underscoring the divine plan behind his humiliation and resurrection.
calvinMatthew 28:1-7: "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."
- Now in the evening of the Sabbaths, [298] which began to dawn towards the first of the Sabbaths, came Mary Magdalene, and the other Mary, to see the sepulcher. 2. And lo, there was a great earthquake; for the angel of the Lord came down from heaven, and approached, and rolled away the stone from the door, and sat upon it. 3. And his c…
henryMatthew 28:1-8: "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."
28:1-8 Christ rose the third day after his death; that was the time he had often spoken of. On the first day of the first week God commanded the light to shine out of darkness. On this day did He who is the Light of the world, shine out of the darkness of the grave; and this day is from henceforward often mentioned in the New Testament,…
The angel’s reassuring "Fear not ye" specifically contrasts the women's response with the soldiers', highlighting that while the guards were paralyzed by divine power, the women's fear was met with comfort because their hearts were seeking Jesus, even in His apparent defeat. This intimate knowledge the angel displays—that they seek the one who was crucified—validates their love and loyalty for Him, turning their sorrow into the precursor of joy.
The women, driven by love and grief, arrive at Jesus' tomb early Sunday morning, expecting to anoint his body, only to find the massive stone inexplicably rolled away. Their initial shock and fear at the empty tomb are met by an angel who, witnessing their distress and understanding their purpose, immediately reassures them. This encounter, happening right after the earthquake and the guards' terrified flight, is the start of the announcement of Christ's resurrection.
The women, driven by love and grief, arrive at Jesus' tomb early Sunday morning, expecting to anoint his body, only to find the massive stone inexplicably rolled away. Their initial shock and fear at the empty tomb are met by an angel who, witnessing their distress and understanding their purpose, immediately reassures them. This encounter, happening right after the earthquake and the guards' terrified flight, is the start of the announcement of Christ's resurrection.
"But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified." — The angel’s reassuring "Fear not ye" specifically contrasts the women's response with the soldiers', highlighting that while the guards were paralyzed by divine power, the women's fear was met with c…
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