Matthew 28:4

“And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men.”

Context:Matthew 28 records the resurrection of Jesus Christ. After His crucifixion and burial, Jesus rose from the dead on the third day. In the preceding verses, an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, rolled back the stone from the tomb, and sat upon it. The keepers, Roman soldiers assigned to guard the tomb, witnessed these extraordinary events.

Fear and trembling:When the keepers saw the angel and the stone rolled away, they were filled with fear and began to shake. This response is understandable because they were ordinary men who witnessed supernatural phenomena. The presence of the angel and the realization that Jesus had risen from the dead must have been overwhelming for them.

Becoming as dead men:The fear and shaking of the keepers reached such an extreme that they became like dead men. This phrase suggests that they were immobilized, possibly in a state of shock or awe. It signifies the profound impact of encountering the divine presence and the miraculous event of Jesus’ resurrection.

Spiritual significance:The response of the keepers in this verse reveals the power and majesty of God. It highlights the stark contrast between humanity’s weakness and the supernatural might of the heavenly realm. The keepers’ trembling and becoming as dead men illustrate the undeniable truth of Jesus’ resurrection, validating His victory over sin and death.

Application:Matthew 28:4 invites us to reflect on our own response to encountering God’s presence and His work in our lives. While we may not witness angels or physically see the risen Christ, we can experience His power, grace, and love through faith. It reminds us to approach God with reverence, acknowledging His supremacy and submitting to His authority.

• In summary, Matthew 28:4 portrays the fear and trembling of the Roman keepers when they witnessed the angel and discovered the empty tomb. Their response signifies the awe-inspiring reality of Jesus’ resurrection and the undeniable power of God. This verse encourages us to approach God with reverence and humility, recognizing His sovereignty and the transformative impact of encountering His presence in our lives.