Matthew 28:4
And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men.
Matthew 28:4
The guards’ fear and “shaking” demonstrate the overwhelming reality of divine encounter. They “became as dead men,” a phrase signaling paralysis and awe. The text emphasizes that human institutions and efforts crumble before the presence of God. The guards’ fear contrasts with the women’s courage and hope, highlighting different responses to revelation—terror vs. trust.
This verse underscores the sovereignty of God over human power and fear. Fear is a natural human response to encountering the holy, yet faith can replace fear. It also foreshadows the universal call to witness: fear often accompanies revelation, but it is not final. The resurrection redefines fear’s meaning—from danger to invitation into new life.
If fear holds you back from speaking truth, serving others, or stepping into a new phase of life, bring that fear to God. Name what makes you feel “paralyzed,” and invite God to replace it with courage grounded in the risen Christ. Practical step: identify one fear this week and take a small, doable action that moves you toward faith—share a burden with a friend, volunteer briefly, or start a journal of prayers tracking fear and faith.
Cross-References: Psalm 56:3–4; 2 Timothy 1:7; Isaiah 41:10; Luke 8:50