Matthew 28:5 - The angel answered the women, “Don’t be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus, who has been crucified.

Generated Verse: Matthew 28:5

What does "Matthew 28:5" mean?


This verse, Matthew 28:5, is a crucial part of the Easter story. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:

"The angel answered the women...": This establishes that the speaker is an angel, a heavenly being. This immediately signifies the divine importance of the event. Angels are often messengers of God, signifying that what follows is a message of great significance.

"...“Don’t be afraid...": The angel recognizes the women's fear upon finding the empty tomb. Angels frequently begin their messages with "Do not be afraid" (or similar phrases) in the Bible. This is because their appearance is often awe-inspiring or even terrifying, and the message they carry can be overwhelming. The angel needs to reassure them so they can receive the message.

"...for I know that you seek Jesus...": This acknowledges the women's motive for being at the tomb. They are not there out of curiosity or malice, but out of devotion and love for Jesus. They came to mourn and likely to anoint his body. The angel understands their grief and their relationship with Jesus.

"...who has been crucified.": The angel confirms that he knows they are looking for the same Jesus who was recently executed. This is a stark reminder of the recent, traumatic events. It explicitly connects the risen Jesus to the crucified Jesus, establishing that the resurrection is his resurrection. It's not just a* Jesus who has risen, but the very same Jesus who was crucified. This is vital for the message's credibility.

In essence, the verse means:

The angel, a messenger of God, reassures the women who are understandably frightened. He acknowledges their love and devotion for Jesus, making it clear that he knows they are seeking the same Jesus who was recently crucified. This sets the stage for the most important part of the message: the announcement of Jesus' resurrection, which follows in the subsequent verses. The verse is a bridge between the tragedy of the crucifixion and the triumph of the resurrection. It emphasizes the continuity between the dead Jesus and the risen Jesus, solidifying the foundation of the Christian faith.

What categories does "Matthew 28:5" have?