Matthew 28:9- “Suddenly Jesus met them. ‘Greetings,’ he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
In this verse, the women who had left the tomb with fear and joy encounter the risen Jesus. His appearance is both sudden and personal, showing that He is alive and present with them. The word “greetings” is simple yet profound, marking the first words Jesus speaks after His resurrection.
The women’s response is immediate and heartfelt. They fall at His feet, a gesture of worship, reverence, and submission. Clasping His feet emphasizes the physical reality of His resurrection—this is not a vision or a spirit, but Jesus in bodily form. Their act of worship reflects their recognition that Jesus is Lord, risen from the dead.
Historical Context
In Jewish culture, feet were often associated with humility and service, as seen in foot washing (John 13:5). By clasping Jesus’ feet, the women show both their devotion and their recognition of His authority.
This event also challenges cultural norms of the time. Women were not typically given significant roles in religious or societal events, yet here they are the first to see and worship the risen Christ. Their experience confirms the importance of their role in sharing the Gospel message.
Theological Implications
This verse demonstrates the reality of Jesus’ resurrection. By allowing the women to touch His feet, Jesus confirms that He is truly alive, not just spiritually but physically. This is crucial for the Christian faith, as it affirms the hope of a bodily resurrection for all believers (1 Corinthians 15:20-23).
The women’s act of worship underscores Jesus’ divine nature. Worship is reserved for God alone, and their response affirms that Jesus is not only their teacher and friend but also their Savior and Lord.
Literary Analysis
Matthew 28:9 is rich in its simplicity and directness. The word “suddenly” emphasizes the unexpected and transformative nature of Jesus’ appearance. His greeting, “Greetings,” is ordinary yet filled with extraordinary significance in the context of the resurrection.
The physicality of the women’s actions—clasping His feet—contrasts with the earlier fear and doubt. It conveys a shift to certainty and joy. This moment of worship is a pivotal point in the narrative, highlighting the transition from sorrow to celebration.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- John 20:14-18: Jesus also appears to Mary Magdalene, confirming His resurrection.
- Luke 24:36-43: Jesus shows His physical body to the disciples, affirming that He is not a ghost.
- Philippians 2:10-11: Every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.
- Psalm 95:6: “Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker,” reflecting the women’s worshipful response.
- Hebrews 1:6: Jesus is worthy of worship, as the angels and all creation recognize His divinity.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse is a powerful reminder that Jesus is alive and present with His followers. It calls believers to respond to Him with worship and surrender, recognizing His authority and love.
The women’s encounter with Jesus also reminds us that God often meets us unexpectedly, in moments of fear or joy, to reveal His presence and purpose. Their experience encourages believers to seek Jesus with faith, knowing that He is near.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse reflects God’s love in the personal way Jesus reveals Himself to the women. He doesn’t remain distant but chooses to meet them where they are, comforting and reassuring them with His presence.
Jesus’ first post-resurrection appearance to these women shows that God values all people, regardless of their status or role in society. His love extends to everyone, inviting all to experience the joy of His resurrection and the hope it brings.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Matthew 28:9 centers on Jesus as the risen Savior. His appearance confirms His victory over death and the fulfillment of His promise to rise again (Matthew 16:21).
The women’s worship highlights Jesus’ divine identity and His worthiness to be praised. By physically appearing to them, Jesus shows that His resurrection is real and that He is both Lord and Redeemer. This moment points forward to His commission for His followers to share the Gospel with the world (Matthew 28:19-20).
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does Jesus’ personal appearance to the women encourage you to trust in His presence in your life?
- What does the women’s act of clasping His feet and worshiping Him teach us about responding to Jesus?
- Why is it significant that Jesus first appeared to the women after His resurrection?
- How can we worship Jesus in our daily lives, as the women did in this moment?
- How does this verse deepen your understanding of the reality and significance of the resurrection?
This verse invites us to experience the joy of the resurrection and to respond with worship and faith in the risen Jesus. It assures us that He is near, victorious, and worthy of all praise.