In this brief yet powerful verse, we find a message that brings comfort, reassurance, and hope at the moment of one of the most pivotal events in Christian history—the resurrection of Jesus. This verse is part of the narrative where the women arrive at the empty tomb, overwhelmed by grief and uncertainty, only to be met by an angelic messenger whose words radically change the tone of the situation.
When the angel tells them, "Do not be afraid," it is not just a casual greeting. In the midst of their sorrow and confusion, the angel’s command is a divine invitation to trust in God’s promises. The fear the women feel is natural given the unexpected and supernatural circumstances they are encountering. Yet, the angel’s assurance breaks through their terror, inviting them to experience the reality of God's power and love. This is a reminder to us that even in our darkest moments, God is present, ready to calm our fears and guide us toward hope.
The phrase "for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified" carries deep significance. It acknowledges the women’s deep longing for the truth about Jesus—a truth that was shrouded in despair following His crucifixion. Their quest for Jesus, even in the midst of mourning, demonstrates a faith that persists despite overwhelming loss. The angel’s words confirm that their search is not in vain and that the risen Christ is indeed the answer to their sorrow.
This encounter is transformative. In the context of the resurrection narrative, we see that the fear and mourning of the women are met with an announcement that changes the very foundation of their reality. It is a powerful reminder that God’s intervention can reverse even the most hopeless situations. When we face our own moments of despair or uncertainty, we can find comfort in the fact that God’s presence brings light to the darkness. His assurance, "Do not be afraid," is a call to trust in His plan, even when our circumstances suggest otherwise.
The angel’s mention of "Jesus who was crucified" is also a call to remember the sacrifice of Christ—a sacrifice that was necessary for our redemption. The resurrection is the ultimate victory over death and sin, and by highlighting Jesus' crucifixion, the angel connects the sorrow of the cross with the triumph of the resurrection. It is a reminder that our faith is built on the foundation of both sacrifice and victory. This duality is echoed in passages like Romans 5:8, where we are reminded that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us, and in 1 Corinthians 15, where the resurrection is presented as the cornerstone of our hope.
Moreover, this verse speaks to the inclusive nature of Christ’s mission. The fact that the angel addresses the women—who were among the first witnesses to the resurrection—is significant. It underscores that the message of hope and new life is for everyone, regardless of societal status or gender. In a time when women were often marginalized, this moment of divine revelation affirmed their important role in the unfolding story of salvation. It reminds us that God's love and truth are available to all, and that every person is invited to seek and experience the risen Christ.
For us today, Matthew 28:5 serves as a timeless reminder that fear is not the final word in our lives. When we are confronted with uncertainty, loss, or despair, God’s invitation to "not be afraid" calls us to shift our focus from our present troubles to His eternal promises. It encourages us to pursue Jesus with the same determination as those early witnesses, confident that our search will lead to life-changing encounters with His power and grace.
In our own journey of faith, we might face moments that seem insurmountable. But just as the angel’s words dispelled the fear of the women at the tomb, so too does God’s presence dispel our anxieties. As we remember that Jesus conquered death and rose again, we are reminded that nothing can separate us from His love and salvation. Let us hold fast to that promise, trusting that in every situation, God’s invitation to "not be afraid" is there for us—guiding us toward the hope and victory found in the risen Christ.
Matthew 28:5. The angel answered the women, “Don’t be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus, who has been crucified."