*Matthew 28:8-15
After finding the tomb empty, the women are told by Jesus to instruct the disciples to go to Galilee where they will see him.
- The Women’s Joyful Departure:
- After the angel tells the women about Jesus’ resurrection and instructs them to inform the disciples, they leave the tomb quickly, filled with joy and fear, eager to deliver the message.
- Jesus Appears to the Women:
- As they are on their way, Jesus meets them and greets them. The women approach, grasp His feet, and worship Him.
- Jesus reassures them, telling them not to be afraid and to go and tell His brothers to go to Galilee, where they will see Him.
- The Report of the Guard:
- Meanwhile, some of the guards who had been at the tomb go into the city and report to the chief priests all that had happened.
- The chief priests convene with the elders to devise a plan, deciding to bribe the soldiers with a large sum of money.
- The Bribery and Spread of False Information:
- They instruct the soldiers to say that Jesus’ disciples came during the night and stole His body while they were asleep.
- They assure the soldiers that if the governor hears about their failure to guard the tomb, they will satisfy him and keep the soldiers out of trouble.
- The soldiers take the money and spread the story as instructed, which continues to circulate among the Jews to the day of the writing.
Matthew 28:8-15 teaches us to share the good news of Jesus with joy and courage. The women who saw the empty tomb ran to tell the disciples, showing their excitement and faith. Meanwhile, others tried to cover up the truth. This reminds us that not everyone will believe in Jesus, but we should still be bold in sharing His message. We can apply this by telling others about Jesus through our words and actions, showing His love in our daily lives. Instead of keeping our faith to ourselves, we should joyfully share the hope and truth of His resurrection.
Matthew 28:8-15 (WEB)
28:8 They departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to bring his disciples word. 9 As they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, “Rejoice!”They came and took hold of his feet, and worshiped him.10 Then Jesus said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Go tell my brothers that they should go into Galilee, and there they will see me.”11 Now while they were going, behold, some of the guards came into the city and told the chief priests all the things that had happened. 12 When they were assembled with the elders and had taken counsel, they gave a large amount of silver to the soldiers, 13 saying, “Say that his disciples came by night and stole him away while we slept. 14 If this comes to the governor’s ears, we will persuade him and make you free of worry.” 15 So they took the money and did as they were told. This saying was spread abroad among the Jews, and continues until today.