Matthew · New Testament · Matthew 28:1–10
The Resurrection of Jesus
The Story
At dawn on the first day of the week — the third day after the crucifixion — Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to the tomb, and suddenly a violent earthquake shook the ground as an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, rolled back the massive stone from the entrance, and sat upon it with an appearance like lightning and clothing as white as snow. The guards who had been posted to prevent any tampering with the tomb were so terrified by the sight that they shook uncontrollably and became like dead men — the very soldiers sent to guard against a resurrection were rendered completely helpless at the moment it occurred. The angel spoke directly and tenderly to the two women, telling them not to be afraid and delivering the most world-changing announcement in all of human history — that Jesus who was crucified was not here, that He had risen exactly as He said He would, and inviting them to come and see the empty place where He had been lying. The angel then commissioned them with urgency — to go quickly and tell the disciples that Jesus had risen from the dead and was going ahead of them to Galilee where they would see Him. The women left the tomb with a mixture of fear and great joy and ran to carry the news to the disciples — and as they went Jesus Himself met them on the road, greeted them, and they fell at His feet and worshiped Him, and He repeated the angel's instructions to go and tell His brothers to meet Him in Galilee.
The Message
The resurrection is the cornerstone of the entire Christian faith — Jesus did not merely survive or appear symbolically, He rose bodily from the dead exactly as He had promised, vindicating everything He claimed about Himself and guaranteeing the eternal life He promised to all who believe in Him.