MATTHEW 28:1–10, THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS
FROM FEAR TO JOY: LIFE TRIUMPHANT OVER DEATH
Introduction
The Resurrection is the heart of the Gospel and the foundation of Christian faith. What began in silence at the sealed tomb now explodes into divine action. God the Father vindicates His Son, overturns the verdict of human courts, and reveals that death has been definitively conquered. The women who came to mourn encounter instead the living Lord, and their journey from fear to joy becomes the pattern of Christian discipleship in every age.
Bible Passage (Matthew 28:1–10)
After the sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb.
And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, approached, rolled back the stone, and sat upon it. His appearance was like lightning and his clothing was white as snow. The guards were shaken with fear of him and became like dead men.
Then the angel said to the women in reply, “Do not be afraid! I know that you are seeking Jesus the crucified. He is not here, for he has been raised just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He has been raised from the dead, and he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him.’ Behold, I have told you.”
Then they went away quickly from the tomb, fearful yet overjoyed, and ran to announce this to his disciples.
And behold, Jesus met them on their way and greeted them. They approached, embraced his feet, and did him homage.
Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me.”
Background
Matthew presents the Resurrection as a decisive act of God that fulfills Jesus’ own predictions and the hopes of Israel. The first day of the week signals a new creation, surpassing the old Sabbath. Earthquake, angelic presence, and dazzling light recall theophanies of the Old Testament, showing that God Himself is acting. Women, who had remained faithful at the cross and tomb, are chosen as the first witnesses, entrusted with announcing the Resurrection to the apostles.
Opening Life Connection
Many people approach life’s tombs with grief, disappointment, or fear, expecting only finality. We return to places of loss, failure, or sin thinking nothing can change. Easter proclaims that God meets us precisely there. The stone we believe is immovable has already been rolled away by divine power. What we go to mourn, God transforms into a mission.
Verse-by-Verse / Phrase-by-Phrase Reflection
“After the sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning.”
The Sabbath ends and a new day begins. This is not just a change of calendar but the dawn of a new creation. Resurrection inaugurates a new order of life.
“Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb.”
They come out of love and fidelity, not expectation of resurrection. God rewards faithful perseverance even when faith is incomplete.
“There was a great earthquake.”
The same earth that shook at Jesus’ death now trembles at His victory. Resurrection is not private or symbolic; it is cosmic and decisive.
“An angel of the Lord descended… rolled back the stone.”
The stone is not rolled away to let Jesus out, but to let witnesses in. The Resurrection has already happened by God’s power.
“The guards were shaken with fear and became like dead men.”
Those assigned to guard death become paralyzed, while the women who came to mourn become bearers of life. Powerlessness exposes false authority.
“Do not be afraid.”
The first word of the Resurrection echoes God’s constant message. Fear has no place where God’s victory is revealed.
“He is not here, for he has been raised just as he said.”
The Resurrection confirms Jesus’ truthfulness. His promises are reliable even when they seem impossible.
“Come and see… then go quickly and tell.”
Christian faith is both encounter and mission. Those who see must go; those who believe must proclaim.
“Fearful yet overjoyed.”
This paradox captures authentic Easter faith. Awe and joy coexist when humans encounter divine mystery.
“Jesus met them on their way.”
Obedience leads to encounter. When the women move in mission, they meet the Risen Lord personally.
“They embraced his feet and did him homage.”
This confirms the bodily Resurrection. Jesus is not a ghost or memory, but truly alive and worthy of worship.
“Go tell my brothers.”
Despite betrayal and flight, Jesus restores the disciples with mercy. Resurrection brings reconciliation, not condemnation.
Jewish Historical and Religious Context
Resurrection hope existed in late Judaism, but individual resurrection before the end of time was unexpected. Earthquakes and angelic appearances signaled divine intervention. Women were not considered legal witnesses, making their role a powerful sign of divine initiative rather than human construction.
Catholic Tradition and Teaching
The Resurrection is a real, historical, and bodily event. It confirms Jesus’ divinity, validates His sacrifice, and guarantees our own resurrection. Sunday becomes the Lord’s Day, the weekly celebration of new creation. Christian morality, sacraments, and hope all flow from this victory over death.
Historical or Saintly Illustration
The courage of the martyrs, the joy of saints, and the endurance of persecuted Christians throughout history are rooted in certainty that Christ is risen and death is not the end.
Application to Christian Life Today
The Resurrection calls believers to live as people of hope, courage, and mission. Christians are sent to proclaim life where despair reigns, forgiveness where guilt dominates, and faith where fear controls. Easter demands movement: from tomb to mission, from fear to witness.
Eucharistic Connection
The Risen Christ encountered by the women is the same Lord encountered in the Eucharist. Each Mass is an Easter event where the living Christ meets His Church, strengthens faith, and sends believers forth as witnesses.
Messages / Call to Conversion
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Do not remain at the tombs of fear, sin, or despair.
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Believe that Jesus keeps His promises, even beyond death.
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Let the Resurrection move you from private faith to public witness.
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Accept Christ’s mercy and restoration, even after failure.
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Live daily as a person of the Resurrection.
Outline for Preachers
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The dawn of a new creation
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Faithful women as first witnesses
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Divine action: earthquake and angel
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Fear transformed into joy
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Resurrection as fulfillment of Jesus’ word
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Mission born from encounter
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Easter faith lived in daily life
