Two Reactions to the Resurrection (Matthew 28:8–15)
The resurrection of Jesus is the greatest event in history—but not everyone responded to it the same way. In Matthew 28:8–15, we see two very different reactions: joy and worship from some, and fear and cover-up from others.
Let’s look at what happened.
Running with Joy
After the angel told the women at the tomb that Jesus had risen from the dead, they ran to tell the disciples. They were filled with a mix of fear and great joy—a powerful combination of emotions. What they had just seen was amazing and overwhelming.
But on their way, something even more incredible happened: Jesus Himself appeared to them.
He greeted them, and they fell at His feet and worshiped Him. He wasn’t a ghost. He wasn’t a vision. He was alive, and they could see Him and touch Him.
Then Jesus told them, “Don’t be afraid. Go tell my brothers to go to Galilee; they will see Me there.”
This is the heart of the resurrection story—Jesus is alive, and He meets people with comfort, love, and purpose.
Covering Up the Truth
While all this was happening, some of the guards who had been watching the tomb went into the city. They told the religious leaders everything that had happened—the earthquake, the angel, the empty tomb.
Instead of believing, the leaders came up with a plan to hide the truth.
They gave the soldiers a large amount of money and told them, “Say that Jesus’ disciples came during the night and stole His body while you were asleep.” They even promised to protect the soldiers if the Roman governor heard about it.
So the guards took the money and spread the lie.
And Matthew tells us that this story was still being told among the Jewish people when he wrote the Gospel.
What This Teaches Us
This short passage shows that people respond to Jesus in different ways. Some believe and worship—like the women who saw Him and ran to tell others. Others deny or cover up the truth—like the leaders who were more interested in protecting their power than in facing what really happened.
It also reminds us that the resurrection isn’t just a story—it demands a response. If Jesus really did rise from the dead (and He did!), then that changes everything.
We can either run toward Him with joy or turn away and pretend it didn’t happen.
Final Thought
Matthew 28:8–15 shows us both the beauty of faith and the tragedy of fear. Jesus rose from the dead not just to show His power—but to offer new life to everyone who believes.
The question is: What will you do with that news?
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.