Matthew 28:8

“And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word.”

Context:Matthew 28 is the concluding chapter of the Gospel of Matthew and describes the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The chapter begins with the women, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary, going to the tomb early in the morning to see the place where Jesus was buried.

The Discovery of the Empty Tomb:In verses 1-7, an earthquake occurs as an angel descends from heaven, rolls back the stone covering the tomb entrance, and sits on it. The guards are struck with fear and become like dead men. The angel speaks to the women, assuring them that Jesus has risen from the dead just as He said. He instructs them to go and tell the disciples.

The Women’s Response:In verse 8, we read that the women departed quickly from the sepulchre with a mixture of fear and great joy. The realisation of Jesus’ resurrection would have been astonishing and overwhelming for them. Their fear may have been a result of encountering the angel and witnessing the supernatural events at the tomb. At the same time, their great joy stemmed from the realisation that Jesus was alive, just as He had foretold.

Running to Bring the News:The women, moved by their fear and great joy, ran to bring the news to the disciples. Their urgency to share the incredible news reflects their devotion to Jesus and their desire to make sure His disciples are aware of the resurrection. They understood the significance of this event and felt compelled to share it immediately.

• Fear and Joy:The women’s response to the resurrection of Jesus shows the paradoxical emotions that can accompany a profound encounter with God. Fear and awe can coexist with joy and excitement. When we encounter God’s power and grace, it can be overwhelming, but it also brings tremendous joy and gladness.
• Proclaiming the Good News:The women’s immediate response to the resurrection was to share the news with others. As followers of Christ, we are also called to share the good news of His resurrection and the salvation He offers. We should be eager to proclaim the gospel and testify to the reality of the risen Christ.
• The Faithfulness of God:The resurrection of Jesus is a powerful demonstration of God’s faithfulness. Jesus fulfilled His promise to rise again on the third day, just as He said. This assures us that God is trustworthy and fulfils His Word. It gives us confidence in His promises and encourages us to trust Him in every area of our lives.

In conclusion, Matthew 28:8 portrays the women’s response to the empty tomb and the news of Jesus’ resurrection. Their mixture of fear and great joy led them to quickly share the good news with the disciples, demonstrating their devotion and the transformative impact of encountering the risen Christ.