The Resurrection of Jesus (Matthew 28:1-10)
The Empty Tomb
As the first day of the week dawns, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary go to see the tomb where Jesus was laid. They experience a violent earthquake, and an angel of the Lord descends from heaven, rolls back the stone, and sits on it. The guards are so afraid that they become like dead men (Matthew 28:1-4).
The Angel’s Message
The angel addresses the women, telling them not to be afraid and informing them that Jesus has risen from the dead, just as He said. He invites them to see the place where Jesus lay and then instructs them to go quickly and tell His disciples that He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of them into Galilee (Matthew 28:5-7).
Jesus Appears to the Women
As they leave to deliver the message, Jesus meets them. They fall at His feet in worship. Jesus echoes the angel’s message, telling them not to be afraid and to inform His brothers to go to Galilee, where they will see Him (Matthew 28:8-10).
The Report of the Guard (Matthew 28:11-15)
The Bribery of the Guards
While the women are on their way, some of the guards go into the city and report to the chief priests all that had happened. After the priests consult with the elders, they give the soldiers a large sum of money, instructing them to say that Jesus’ disciples came during the night and stole His body while they were asleep. This story is spread among the Jews and persists to the day of the author’s writing (Matthew 28:11-15).
The Great Commission (Matthew 28:16-20)
Jesus’ Final Instructions
The eleven disciples go to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they see Him, they worship Him, though some still doubt. Jesus approaches and declares that all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Him (Matthew 28:16-18).
Command to Make Disciples
Jesus commissions His disciples to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything He has commanded them. He assures them of His presence, “I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:19-20).
Theological Significance
Connection to Jesus Christ
Matthew 28 underscores the divine authority and victory of Jesus Christ over death, confirming His identity as the Son of God and the fulfillment of His own prophecies about His resurrection. The Great Commission establishes His ongoing mission and presence in the world through His disciples.
God’s Love for the World
This chapter demonstrates God’s profound love by showcasing the victory of Jesus over death, offering hope of eternal life to all who believe. The commissioning of the disciples highlights God’s desire for all nations to know and experience this love and redemption.
Contemporary Relevance
Matthew 28 remains crucial for Christian faith as it forms the foundational belief in the resurrection of Jesus, a cornerstone of Christian doctrine. The Great Commission continues to guide Christian outreach, emphasizing evangelism, discipleship, and the global scope of the gospel mission.
Conclusion
Matthew 28 provides a triumphant conclusion to the Gospel, moving from despair to joy with the resurrection of Jesus. It calls believers to a life of worship, obedience, and mission, empowered by the presence of the risen Christ. This chapter challenges Christians to embrace their role in sharing the gospel and making disciples, fortified by the assurance of Jesus’ authority and continual presence.