The Resurrection Of Jesus Christ: A Closer Look At Matthew 28:5-7 Nkjv

The Background

The Gospel of Matthew is the first book of the New Testament and is believed to have been written by the apostle Matthew around 70 AD. It primarily focuses on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, and is considered one of the four canonical gospels. Matthew 28:5-7 NKJV is part of the final chapter of the book, which describes the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

The Passage

The passage in question reads as follows: “But the angel answered and said to the women, ‘Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead, and indeed He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him. Behold, I have told you.'”

The Importance of the Resurrection

The resurrection of Jesus Christ is a cornerstone of the Christian faith. It is believed that through His death and resurrection, Jesus atoned for the sins of humanity and opened the gates of heaven. The resurrection is also seen as a symbol of hope and new life – just as Jesus rose from the dead, so too can believers be reborn in the spirit.

The Women at the Tomb

In the passage, an angel appears to a group of women who have come to visit the tomb of Jesus. The angel tells them not to be afraid and reassures them that Jesus has risen from the dead. The women are then instructed to go and tell the disciples the good news.

The Significance of the Women

It is worth noting that in the patriarchal society of ancient Israel, women were not typically seen as reliable witnesses. However, the fact that the women are the first to witness the resurrection and are entrusted with spreading the news is significant. It shows that God values all people equally, regardless of gender or social status.

The Importance of the Galilee Appearance

The angel instructs the women to tell the disciples to go to Galilee, where they will see Jesus. This appearance in Galilee is significant because it shows that Jesus’ resurrection was not just a one-time event, but an ongoing reality. It also emphasizes the importance of community and fellowship – the disciples are instructed to gather together in a specific place to see Jesus.

The Veracity of the Resurrection

Some skeptics have questioned the veracity of the resurrection, arguing that it was either a hoax or a myth. However, there are several reasons to believe that it really happened. Firstly, the fact that the women were the first to witness the resurrection makes the story more credible, as they would not have been expected to make up such a story. Secondly, the fact that the disciples were willing to die for their belief in the resurrection suggests that they truly believed it had happened. Finally, there are several historical sources outside of the Bible that attest to the reality of Jesus’ death and resurrection.

The Resurrection Today

The resurrection of Jesus Christ continues to be a source of inspiration and hope for Christians all over the world. It reminds us that death is not the end, and that there is always the possibility of new life and new beginnings. It also reminds us of the power of faith and the importance of community – just as the disciples gathered together in Galilee, so too do Christians gather together to worship and support each other.

Conclusion

Matthew 28:5-7 NKJV is a powerful passage that describes the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It emphasizes the importance of the women who witnessed the resurrection, the significance of the Galilee appearance, and the veracity of the resurrection itself. Today, the resurrection continues to be a symbol of hope and new life, reminding us that anything is possible with faith and community.