Matthew Henry Commentary Matthew 28:9-10

"And behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and took hold of his feet, and worshipped him. Then saith Jesus unto them, Fear not: go tell my brethren that they depart into Galilee, and there shall they see me." — Matthew 28:9-10 (ASV)

God's gracious visits usually meet us in the way of duty; and to those who use what they have for others' benefit, more shall be given. This encounter with Christ was unexpected; but Christ was near them, and still is near us in the word.

The salutation expresses Christ's goodwill toward humanity, even since he entered upon his state of exaltation. It is Christ's will that his people should be a cheerful, joyful people, and his resurrection furnishes abundant reason for joy.

Be not afraid. Christ rose from the dead to silence his people's fears, and there is enough in that to silence them.

The disciples had just before shamefully deserted him in his sufferings; but to show that he could forgive, and to teach us to do so, he calls them brethren. Despite his majesty and purity, and our lowliness and unworthiness, he still condescends to call believers his brethren.