What is the significance of Matthew 28:6 in the context of Easter?

Matthew 28:6 is a pivotal verse in the Gospel of Matthew, and it holds profound significance in the context of Easter. The verse states, "He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay." This declaration by the angel at the empty tomb of Jesus is a cornerstone of Christian faith, encapsulating the essence of the resurrection, which is celebrated during Easter.

Easter, the most important feast in the Christian calendar, commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, an event that is foundational to Christian theology and belief. The resurrection is not merely an isolated miracle but the fulfillment of Jesus' own predictions and the prophecies of the Old Testament. It is a testament to His divine nature and the ultimate victory over sin and death.

The Fulfillment of Prophecy

The angel's words, "just as he said," are crucial as they remind us that Jesus had foretold His own resurrection. Throughout the Gospels, Jesus spoke of His death and resurrection. In Matthew 16:21, Jesus began to explain to His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things, be killed, and on the third day be raised to life. This prediction was not understood by His followers at the time, but it was a promise that He fulfilled, demonstrating His sovereignty and the reliability of His word.

The resurrection also fulfills the Old Testament prophecies. For example, Psalm 16:10 says, "because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead, nor will you let your faithful one see decay." This verse is interpreted in the New Testament as a prophecy of the Messiah's resurrection (Acts 2:27, 13:35). Thus, Matthew 28:6 is a confirmation that Jesus is the promised Messiah who has conquered death.

The Victory Over Death

The resurrection signifies the defeat of death and sin. In 1 Corinthians 15:55-57, Paul exclaims, "Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting? The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." This victory is not merely a metaphorical or spiritual triumph but a literal conquering of death itself. By rising from the dead, Jesus demonstrated that death does not have the final say, offering hope of eternal life to all who believe in Him.

The Foundation of Christian Hope

The resurrection is the foundation of Christian hope. It assures believers that just as Christ was raised from the dead, they too will experience resurrection and eternal life. In John 11:25-26, Jesus declares, "I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die." This promise of eternal life is central to Christian doctrine and offers comfort and hope in the face of mortality.

Furthermore, the resurrection validates Jesus' identity as the Son of God. Romans 1:4 states that Jesus was "declared to be the Son of God with power according to the spirit of holiness by the resurrection from the dead." The resurrection is the divine seal of approval on Jesus' life and work, affirming His teachings and His identity as the Savior of the world.

The Commission to Spread the Gospel

Matthew 28:6 is part of the larger narrative that leads to the Great Commission, where Jesus instructs His disciples to "go and make disciples of all nations" (Matthew 28:19). The resurrection is the catalyst for this mission. The empty tomb is not just a sign of Jesus' victory over death but also a call to action for His followers. The angel's invitation to "come and see the place where he lay" is an invitation to witness and then to testify to the world about the risen Christ.

The resurrection empowers believers to spread the Gospel with boldness and confidence. The early church was fueled by the conviction that Jesus had risen, and this message turned the world upside down. In Acts 4:33, it is recorded that "with great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and God's grace was so powerfully at work in them all." The resurrection is the driving force behind the evangelistic zeal of the early church and continues to inspire Christians today.

Personal Transformation

On a personal level, the resurrection signifies transformation and new life. In Romans 6:4, Paul writes, "We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life." The resurrection is not only about life after death but also about the new life believers experience here and now. It is the power that enables Christians to overcome sin and live in righteousness.

This transformation is evident in the lives of Jesus' disciples. Before the resurrection, they were fearful and in hiding. After encountering the risen Christ, they became bold witnesses, willing to face persecution and even death for the sake of the Gospel. The resurrection is the source of their courage and conviction, and it continues to transform lives today.

The Hope of Future Resurrection

Finally, Matthew 28:6 points to the hope of a future resurrection for all believers. In 1 Thessalonians 4:14, Paul assures the church that "we believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him." The resurrection of Jesus is the firstfruits of the resurrection that all believers will experience. It is a promise that death is not the end but the beginning of eternal life with God.

This hope of resurrection is a comfort to those who mourn and a motivation to live faithfully in anticipation of Christ's return. It is a reminder that our lives have eternal significance and that our faith is not in vain.

Conclusion

In summary, Matthew 28:6 is a verse rich with significance in the context of Easter. It marks the fulfillment of prophecy, the victory over death, and the foundation of Christian hope. It commissions believers to spread the Gospel and signifies personal transformation and the hope of future resurrection. As Christians celebrate Easter, they are reminded of the profound implications of the resurrection and the enduring hope it provides. The empty tomb is a testament to the reality of the risen Christ and the transformative power of His resurrection in the lives of believers and the world.