Resurrection Revelation – Matthew 28:1-10

As the gospel arc of revelatory fulness comes to fruition in Matthew's account, we see the ministry of Christ gloriously showcased in manifold ways. One example in the bigger picture of the book is apparent in angelic visitations which introduce and reprise the earthly ministry of Christ. In Mat 1:18-25 an angel of the Lord enlightens and consoles Joseph as to his role in the life of the Messiah. “Do not fear” he reassures, “to take Mary as your wife for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.” (Luke 1:26-38) The angel Gabriel is deployed to Mary revealing to her the significance of her role in the birth of our Lord. In our text today angels are prominently featured again to enlighten and console...”do not be afraid” he says to Mary Magdalene and the other Mary, “for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified.” Upon Jesus' ascension (Acts 1:6-11) men in white robes appear reassuring the first wave of eyewitness disciples: “This Jesus... will come in the same way you see Him go into heaven.” These events attending the resurrection are examples of how the Bible highlights the glories of the gospel. The resurrection account spans just 10 verses by word count in the text, yet the glory of the event is illuminated across the entirety of scripture. Learning to appreciate the significance of Biblical revelation involves appreciating the weight of the text in greater Biblical and theological context – not merely counting the words.