Matthew 28:2

"Now after the Sabbath, as it began to dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb."

Key Reflection

After the Sabbath, when the dawn was just breaking on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and another Mary traveled to the tomb where Jesus had been laid. This timing would have been significant for the original audience, as the Sabbath ended at sunset, marking the beginning of a new workday; thus, the women’s visit just after dawn symbolized the start of a new chapter in their lives and in history, reflecting the resurrection's timely nature. The specific day is crucial because it aligns with Jewish traditions and highlights the early morning moment when the first witnesses appeared to confirm Jesus’ empty tomb.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verse 2. There was a great earthquake. Rather, there had been. It does not mean that this was while they were there, or while they were going, but that there had been so violent a commotion as to remove the stone. The word here rendered earthquake does not of necessity mean that the convulsion extended to the earth, but only that there had been such a concussion as to remove the stone. And sat upon it. Sat upon it when the keepers saw him. It is not said that he was sitting when he appeared to the women: from Luke it would rather appear that he was standing.

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