Mary Magdalene and "the other Mary" went to the tomb on the Sunday. This is further evidence for the authenticity of the gospels. If they were making it up they would not have women as the first witnesses of the resurrection, as in the culture of the time female witnesses were very much second-rate. Matthew is reporting what happened.
They went to the tomb just to pay their respects. The gospels put a great emphasis on the role of women in the life of Jesus. He had a great influence on them because He put value on their lives.
An angel of the Lord appeared to them. He rolled back the stone and sat there waiting. Often angels appear as normal men, but this angle appears clothed in light. Not surprisingly, the guards were terrified. The angel's message to the women was not to be afraid, and that Jesus was no longer dead but was risen.
The angel asked them to view the empty tomb. Then they were to go and tell the disciples.
They were afraid, but this was also mixed with joy. On the way, Jesus met them. They can touch His feet. The risen Christ is no mere "spiritual" resurrection, but a bodily resurrection. He reiterates the message of the angel that He will appear to the disciples in Galilee.
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