Matthew 28:6
He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The angel’s simple invitation, "Come, see the place where he lay," isn't just about showing an empty tomb; it's a profound, tangible proof offered to fragile faith. It invites them to witness the physical absence as the ultimate confirmation of his living presence, connecting the stark reality of the empty space to the unbelievable truth he had spoken.
Early on the first day of the week, just after the Sabbath, Mary Magdalene and another Mary arrive at Jesus' tomb, expecting to anoint his body. They find the stone rolled away and, upon entering, are met by an angel who announces that Jesus is not there because he has risen, as he predicted. This message is delivered to them amid the dramatic events of a great earthquake and the appearance of heavenly beings.
The angel's words are short, but they carry the weight of the world. What does it mean that Jesus is simply not there?
The angel's declaration, 'He is not here,' is the core message of Easter morning. It's not just a statement of absence; it's a proclamation of presence elsewhere – alive and victorious!
More Than Just Gone
This wasn't a case of the body being moved or stolen. The angel points to the place where Jesus lay, inviting the women to see its emptiness. This visual proof, combined with the angel's words, is meant to be absolutely convincing.
The Proof of the Empty Place
Imagine the scene: grief-stricken women approach a tomb, only to be met by a heavenly messenger. How does the angel's message transform their fear?
The women arrived at the tomb in deep sorrow, likely still expecting to perform funeral rites for a dead body. The angel's appearance and words immediately shift the atmosphere from despair to astonishment and, ultimately, to profound joy.
Addressing Their Fear
The angel's first words are often 'Fear not.' This wasn't just a polite greeting; it was a direct antidote to the terror the women felt, both from the earthquake and the angelic presence. He recognized their fright and offered immediate reassurance.
Understand the original words
ēgerthē · Greek Verb
To return to life after death, specifically referring to Christ's bodily resurrection as the foundation of the Christian faith. It signifies victory over sin, death, and the grave.
c. AD 30
Jesus Crucified and Buried
Jesus is crucified on Passover and buried in a borrowed tomb owned by Joseph of Arimathea before sunset, the start of the Sabbath.
c. AD 30, Sabbath Evening
Sabbath Observance
Jewish law mandated strict rest on the Sabbath (from Friday sunset to Saturday sunset). During this time, Jesus' body remained in the tomb, and followers observed the Sabbath.
c. AD 30, Dawn of Sunday— this verse
Resurrection Morning
As the first day of the week (Sunday) dawned, Mary Magdalene and other women came to the tomb, expecting to anoint Jesus' body. They found the stone rolled away and the tomb empty.
c. AD 30, Sunday Morning
Angel's Announcement
An angel or angels appeared to the women, announcing that Jesus was not there but had risen, just as He had predicted.
c. AD 30, Sunday Morning
Women Report to Disciples
This passage directly echoes the angel's declaration by stating that Christ died for our sins and was buried, but was raised on the third day, just as the Scriptures said. It highlights the foundational truth that the resurrection is central to our faith.
Luke 24:5-7Similar to Matthew's account, the angel here confronts the women's fear and points them to the empty tomb, reminding them of Jesus' own prophecies about His suffering and resurrection. This emphasizes that the resurrection was not a surprise but a fulfillment of His word.
John 20:5-6John's Gospel provides a more detailed description of the empty tomb, mentioning the linen cloths lying neatly folded, which further serves as evidence that Jesus had not been stolen but had indeed risen. This visually corroborates the angel's statement to the women.
Romans 8:11This verse speaks of the same power that raised Jesus from the dead dwelling within believers, which is the same Spirit that empowered the resurrection. It connects the historical event of the empty tomb to the ongoing spiritual reality for those who trust in Christ.
Philippians 3:10Paul expresses a deep desire to know Christ and the power of His resurrection, showing that understanding and experiencing the resurrection is a central pursuit for believers. The empty tomb is the tangible proof of that power.
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 simple invitation, "Come, see the place where he lay," isn't just about showing an empty tomb; it's a profound, tangible proof offered to fragile faith. It invites them to witness the physical absence as the ultimate confirmation of his living presence, connecting the stark reality of the empty space to the unbelievable truth he had spoken.
Early on the first day of the week, just after the Sabbath, Mary Magdalene and another Mary arrive at Jesus' tomb, expecting to anoint his body. They find the stone rolled away and, upon entering, are met by an angel who announces that Jesus is not there because he has risen, as he predicted. This message is delivered to them amid the dramatic events of a great earthquake and the appearance of heavenly beings.
Early on the first day of the week, just after the Sabbath, Mary Magdalene and another Mary arrive at Jesus' tomb, expecting to anoint his body. They find the stone rolled away and, upon entering, are met by an angel who announces that Jesus is not there because he has risen, as he predicted. This message is delivered to them amid the dramatic events of a great earthquake and the appearance of heavenly beings.
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The Gospel's First Proclamation
The women, filled with fear and joy, hurried to tell the disciples the news of the resurrection, and Jesus later appeared to them.
"He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay." — The angel’s simple invitation, "Come, see the place where he lay," isn't just about showing an empty tomb; it's a profound, tangible proof offered to fragile faith. It invites them to witness the phy…
