“He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said.” — Matthew 28:6 (NASB)
Easter Sunday is the cornerstone of Christian hope. It is the day when the greatest miracle in history shattered the power of sin and death. On this day, Christ rose from the grave, just as He promised, fulfilling centuries of prophecy and inaugurating a new creation.
Among the many powerful Scriptures that capture the meaning of Easter, Matthew 28:6 stands out with divine clarity and force. It is more than a verse — it is a proclamation of eternal victory.
In this in-depth article, we will explore why Matthew 28:6 is the best Bible verse for Easter Sunday, how it encapsulates the entire gospel message, and what it means for believers today. We will also reflect on how this verse can transform our perspective, ignite our faith, and anchor our lives in the hope of the resurrection.
The Full Context of Matthew 28:6
Matthew 28 opens with Mary Magdalene and the other Mary arriving at Jesus’ tomb. They had come expecting to anoint His dead body — but instead, they encountered an angel sitting on the stone that had been rolled away. The angel says to them:
“Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus who has been crucified. He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said. Come, see the place where He was lying.” (Matthew 28:5–6)
This moment is the pivot point of redemptive history. In these few words, the entire story of salvation reaches its crescendo:
- Jesus was crucified.
- He is no longer in the tomb.
- He has risen from the dead.
- Everything He foretold has come true.
The resurrection is not a fable, not a religious sentiment — it is the defining event of all time, backed by eyewitnesses, angelic announcement, and the eternal Word of God.
This verse reminds us that our faith rests on historical reality. It is not wishful thinking. The resurrection of Jesus is not merely a doctrine; it is a divine disruption of death itself — a supernatural event that confirms Jesus’ divine identity and mission.
Why Matthew 28:6 Is the Best Easter Verse
1. It Declares the Resurrection in Plain Terms
Unlike prophetic verses or theological summaries, Matthew 28:6 delivers a direct announcement. It’s not symbolic or allegorical. It’s a fact: Jesus is alive. There is no ambiguity, no mystical language. It is the plain truth delivered from heaven to earth.
The gospel does not begin with our striving toward God but with God’s definitive act in history — the resurrection. This verse is a divine declaration: sin is defeated, Satan is crushed, death is undone.
2. It Fulfills Jesus’ Own Prophecy
Jesus repeatedly told His disciples that He would suffer, die, and rise again (see Matthew 16:21, 17:23, 20:19). When the angel says, “just as He said,” it affirms not only Christ’s resurrection but also His perfect truthfulness and authority.
This reminder is vital. If Jesus kept His word about His death and resurrection, He will also keep His word about everything else — His return, His judgment, His reward. The trustworthiness of Christ is cemented in the empty tomb.
3. It Invites Us to Witness the Empty Tomb
“Come, see the place where He was lying.” This is not just a statement — it is an invitation. God wants us to examine the evidence, to step into the empty tomb by faith, and to believe.
It is an invitation to move from mourning to marveling, from confusion to conviction. Easter is not a passive observance — it is a call to encounter the risen Christ.
The Resurrection in the Life of the Believer
Matthew 28:6 is not just about what happened to Jesus — it is about what happens to us. The resurrection of Christ is the foundation of every believer’s hope, identity, and future.
1. The Resurrection Confirms Justification
“He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification.” – Romans 4:25
Because Jesus rose, we are declared righteous in God’s eyes. The resurrection is the receipt of our redemption, proof that the payment was accepted. Without the resurrection, the cross would be incomplete.
2. The Resurrection Grants New Life
“If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.” – 2 Corinthians 5:17
The empty tomb signifies more than forgiveness — it declares transformation. We are not merely sinners saved by grace; we are raised with Christ to walk in newness of life (Romans 6:4).
This new life is not theoretical; it is experiential. Believers are empowered by the same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead (Romans 8:11), and we now live in resurrection power.
3. The Resurrection Guarantees Our Future
“Because I live, you also will live.” – John 14:19
Matthew 28:6 points to the future resurrection of the saints. Just as Christ rose in a glorified body, we too will rise — free from sickness, sin, and death. The resurrection is not the end of the gospel; it is the beginning of eternity.
This assurance is a powerful comfort in times of grief. For the believer, death is not the end — it is the beginning of glory.
The Empty Tomb as a Divine Reversal
Matthew 28:6 reveals the ultimate reversal of human expectations. The women came expecting to mourn — but left rejoicing. The disciples thought it was over — but it had only just begun. Satan believed he had won — but he was crushed.
This verse reminds us that God is never defeated. Even in the darkest moment, His plan is moving forward. The cross looked like loss — but it was victory in disguise. The tomb seemed final — but it became a gateway to glory.
“Weeping may last for the night, but a shout of joy comes in the morning.” – Psalm 30:5
The resurrection is proof that God always has the final word, and that word is life. Our present struggles are temporary, but our future in Christ is eternal.
How to Reflect on Matthew 28:6 This Easter
This Easter, allow Matthew 28:6 to penetrate your heart and reshape your worship. Let it become the center of your celebration and the confession of your faith. Here are ways to engage deeply with this verse:
1. Meditate on It Daily During Holy Week
Repeat the verse aloud. Pray it. Reflect on each phrase: He is not here. He has risen. Just as He said. Allow the Spirit to fill your heart with resurrection hope. Write it in your journal. Declare it in your prayers.
2. Use It in Family Worship or Church Services
Let Matthew 28:6 guide your Easter liturgy, Scripture readings, and even your greeting: “He is risen!” — “He is risen indeed!” This verse is a communal anthem. It unites believers across centuries and cultures in one declaration of victory.
3. Share It With Others
Text it. Post it. Print it. Let this verse be your witness to others. In a world full of fear and death, the resurrection is the message the world desperately needs.
4. Let It Anchor Your Hope in Times of Trial
Life brings tomb-like moments — grief, illness, betrayal, loss. But the truth of Matthew 28:6 reminds us: The story isn’t over. God still raises the dead.
This verse is a weapon in spiritual warfare — a reminder that Christ has overcome, and so shall we.
Other Verses That Echo the Easter Victory
While Matthew 28:6 is the banner of Easter, other verses powerfully echo its truth:
- 1 Corinthians 15:20 – “But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.”
- Philippians 3:10–11 – “That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection… if somehow I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.”
- Revelation 1:18 – “I am the living One; I was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore.”
- Acts 2:24 – “God raised Him up again, putting an end to the agony of death, since it was impossible for Him to be held in its power.”
These verses add depth and glory to the resurrection theme, but Matthew 28:6 still remains the crown jewel — concise, complete, and climactic.
Final Encouragement: Live in the Power of the Risen Christ
Matthew 28:6 is not just meant to be read — it is meant to be lived. The resurrection changes everything:
- Your past is forgiven.
- Your present is empowered.
- Your future is secured.
Jesus is not in the tomb. He is alive — and because He lives, you can face today, tomorrow, and eternity.
Let Easter be more than a celebration. Let it be a resurrection of your faith, your courage, and your purpose. Let it mark a turning point, where fear gives way to faith and despair gives way to divine hope.
He is not here. He has risen. Just as He said.
Christ is risen — and that changes everything.
