The resurrection of Jesus Christ is one of the most important events in Christian history. It signifies the triumph of good over evil and the promise of eternal life.
According to the Bible, when Jesus rose from the dead, an angel appeared to the women who had come to his tomb. But what did the angel say? Let’s explore this question in detail.
The Context
Before we delve into what the angel said, let’s set the context. Jesus was crucified on a Friday and buried in a tomb owned by Joseph of Arimathea.
On Sunday morning, Mary Magdalene and some other women went to the tomb to anoint Jesus’ body with spices. However, when they arrived at the tomb, they found that the stone covering its entrance had been rolled away.
The Appearance of the Angel
As per Matthew 28:5-6, “But the angel said to the women, ‘Do not be afraid; I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for he has been raised, as he said.'”
At this point, an angel appeared before them and said, “Do not be afraid; I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified.” The women were naturally terrified at this sight but were comforted by the angel’s words.
Breaking Down What The Angel Said
Let’s break down what exactly did this message from angel meant:
“Do not be afraid” – The first thing that the angel says is “do not be afraid”. This is a common expression used by angels throughout Bible scripture when appearing before mortals.
“I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified” – The second part of his message acknowledges why they have come to the tomb and who they are seeking.
“He is not here” – The third part of the message is the most important. The angel tells them that Jesus is no longer in the tomb. This confirms that Jesus has indeed risen from the dead, as was prophesied.
“for he has been raised, as he said.” – The fourth and final part of the message confirms that Jesus’ prediction of his resurrection has come true.
The Significance
The angel’s words have a profound significance for Christians. They confirm that Jesus is indeed the son of God, and his resurrection signifies his victory over death. It also means that death is not the end, but rather a transition to eternal life in heaven.
In Conclusion
In conclusion, when the women arrived at Jesus’ tomb on Easter Sunday, they found an empty tomb and an angel who told them that Jesus had risen from the dead. The angel’s message of “Do not be afraid” acknowledged their fear and comforted them with news of Christ’s resurrection. This event remains one of the most significant moments in Christian history and holds immense importance for believers all over the world.