the upper room
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the upper room
the impact of ressurection
... (v. 8); the women “came up and took hold of his feet and worshiped him” (v. 9); the elders bribed the soldiers and told them to “tell people, ‘His disciples came by night and stole him away while we were asleep’ ” (v. 13); the soldiers “took the money and did as they were directed” (v. 15); the eleven “when they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted” (v. 17).
These responses range across a spectrum that includes terror, lying, bribery, reverent fear, doubt, great joy, and worship. Not one of them is trivial. The resurrection did not produce the same thing in everyone present, but no one was unaffected by it. It made a profound impact on everyone in the vicinity.
Matthew gives about equal space to each response. Yet he holds up one above the others: worship. The women in verse 9 and the eleven in verse 17 respond by worshiping. The lying and bribery responses of the elders and soldiers are sandwiched between these and provide a contrast that sets them off even more clearly. Worship, says Matthew, is the most appropriate response that can be made to the resurrection.
The Upper Room holds a unique place of reverence and significance. It is an iconic setting where pivotal events in early Christianity unfolded, shaping theological understandings and practices for generations. This space, often identified with a room in Jerusalem, is traditionally believed to be the site where Jesus shared his final meal with his disciples. The Upper Room thus becomes a symbol of fellowship, sacrifice, and divine instruction. It represents a place where divine presence and human experience intersect, fostering a sense of unity and purpose among the followers.