Bible moment
The Bible moment
Matthew 28:2-4 says that a great earthquake occurred as an angel of the Lord came from heaven. The angel rolled back the stone from the tomb entrance and sat on it. Matthew describes the angel’s appearance as being like lightning and the clothing as white as snow. The guards trembled and became like dead men because of fear. This scene prepares for the angel’s message to the women: Jesus, who had been crucified, had risen, and the tomb was empty. The account focuses on God’s powerful action and the guards’ fearful response, without describing violence.
Look closely
What children can notice
An angel of the Lord comes from heaven, rolls back the stone, and sits upon it while the guards tremble nearby. Represent the angel’s lightning-like appearance with bright, non-frightening rays and show the guards’ fear without violence.
Talk together
Talk about it
- What did the angel do at the tomb?
- How might the women feel when they heard the good news?
For families, church, and class
Use this page
Use this page when teaching Matthew 28:1-20 in Sunday school, church, classroom, or homeschool settings. Invite children to notice the large stone, the angel’s bright appearance, and the guards’ fear. Explain that the picture shows one moment in Matthew’s account, before the angel gives the women his message.
Source note
From this passage
Matthew 28:2-4 · The Resurrection in Matthew
An angel of the Lord comes from heaven, rolls back the stone, and sits upon it while the guards tremble nearby. Represent the angel’s lightning-like appearance with bright, non-frightening rays and show the guards’ fear without violence.
