Matthew 28:10

Analysis

Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me. Jesus's first words to the women are 'Be not afraid' (Μὴ φοβεῖσθε/Mē phobeisthe)—the same comfort the angel offered (verse 5). Christ calms their fears, assuring them of His favor and kindness. Though they worship Him rightly, they need not cower in terror. The risen Christ is still the gentle Shepherd who knows His sheep and speaks tenderly to them.

Jesus commissions them: 'go tell' (ὑπάγετε ἀπαγγείλατε/hypagete apangeilate)—double imperative emphasizing the command. The resurrection must be proclaimed. Christianity is inherently evangelistic; good news demands sharing. These women become the first preachers of resurrection, though cultural norms deemed women's testimony unreliable. God's kingdom overthrows worldly hierarchies.

'My brethren' (τοῖς ἀδελφοῖς μου/tois adelphois mou)—remarkable designation! Despite the disciples' abandonment, denial, and cowardice during Jesus's arrest and trial, He calls them 'brethren.' This demonstrates Christ's unfailing love and the restoration He offers to failing followers. He does not disown them but affirms relationship. Having 'tasted death for every man' (Hebrews 2:9), He is 'not ashamed to call them brethren' (Hebrews 2:11).

The instruction to meet in Galilee (repeated from the angel's message) ensures the disciples will gather in a specific place at a specific time for Jesus's post-resurrection teaching and the Great Commission (Matthew 28:16-20). God's sovereign plan unfolds precisely; nothing is random or accidental. The risen Christ orchestrates events according to His eternal purpose.

Historical Context

Jesus's reference to the disciples as 'my brethren' after their spectacular failures illustrates the gospel of grace. Peter had denied Jesus three times (Matthew 26:69-75); all had fled (Matthew 26:56). By worldly logic, Jesus should have recruited new, more faithful followers. Instead, He restores the fallen, demonstrating that His kingdom is built not on human merit but on divine grace and calling.

Galilee's selection as meeting place fulfilled Jesus's prediction in Matthew 26:32: 'After I am risen again, I will go before you into Galilee.' Every detail of redemptive history unfolds according to divine foreknowledge and plan. God's word never fails.

The disciples' journey from Jerusalem to Galilee (about 80-100 miles, requiring several days' travel) would allow time for the resurrection news to spread and for them to process these astounding events. During this period, Jesus appeared multiple times (Luke 24:13-49, John 20:19-29), progressively convincing them of His resurrection and preparing them for their apostolic mission.

Early church tradition holds that all the apostles except Judas Iscariot (who had committed suicide, Matthew 27:5) received restoration and commissioning. Even 'doubting Thomas' who initially refused to believe became a missionary tradition places in India, dying as a martyr. Christ's restoration is complete and effective.

Reflection

• How does Jesus calling the failed disciples 'my brethren' encourage us when we have sinned, failed, or denied Christ through our words or actions?
• What does the recurring theme of 'go tell' throughout this passage teach us about the church's evangelistic mission and individual believers' responsibility to testify to Christ?
• Why is it significant that Jesus personally appeared to the women rather than only sending angelic messengers—what does this reveal about His care for His people?