The instruction Jesus gives in Matthew 28:10 to tell the disciples to go to Galilee, where they will meet him, is laden with significance both practically and symbolically. Here's a breakdown of the key points:
1. Fulfillment of Prophecy:
* Jesus's Promise: Jesus himself had predicted that he would meet them in Galilee after his resurrection. For example, in Matthew 26:32, "But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee." This command to the women and their subsequent instruction to the disciples confirms that he is keeping his promise and demonstrates his power over death.
2. Return to the Familiar:
* Safe Haven: Galilee was the disciples' home territory. Jerusalem was volatile and dangerous, especially after the crucifixion. Galilee offered a place of relative safety and familiarity. Returning to Galilee provided a space where they could process the overwhelming events they had just witnessed without the constant fear of persecution.
* Resetting and Re-grounding: After the trauma and confusion of the past week, going back to their roots in Galilee would have allowed them to regather themselves, reflect on what had happened, and reconnect with their core identity as fishermen and ordinary people.
3. Renewing Their Mission:
* The Beginning of the Mission: Galilee was the region where Jesus first called most of his disciples (Matthew 4:18-22). Going back there symbolically brought them back to the starting point of their ministry, emphasizing the continuation and expansion of their mission. It signifies a return to the foundational principles of their calling.
* Mission to the Gentiles: Galilee was a region with a significant Gentile (non-Jewish) population. By directing them there, Jesus was subtly hinting at the broader scope of their mission - to reach not just the Jews but also the Gentiles with the Gospel. It prepared them for the "Great Commission" in Matthew 28:19-20, where they are instructed to make disciples of "all nations."
4. A Symbolic Restart:
* Opportunity for Redemption: The disciples, particularly Peter, had denied Jesus. Returning to Galilee provided an opportunity for restoration and a fresh start. The Sea of Galilee held memories of their calling, their failures, and the miracles they had witnessed. This location became the setting where Jesus later restores Peter in John 21, reaffirming his love and leadership.
* New Chapter: The resurrection marked a new chapter in salvation history. By meeting them in Galilee, Jesus signified that their journey with him was not over but was entering a new and powerful phase. It was a departure from the old and a move toward the new reality established by his resurrection.
In summary, Jesus's direction to meet him in Galilee was not just a logistical instruction. It was a strategic, symbolic, and prophetic act that reinforced his identity as the risen Lord, comforted his disciples, reaffirmed their mission, and pointed towards the expansion of the Gospel to all nations.