1 In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre.
2 And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it.
3 His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow:
4 And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men.
5 And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified.
6 He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.
7 And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you.
8 And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word.
9 And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him.
10 Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me.
11 Now when they were going, behold, some of the watch came into the city, and shewed unto the chief priests all the things that were done.
12 And when they were assembled with the elders, and had taken counsel, they gave large money unto the soldiers,
13 Saying, Say ye, His disciples came by night, and stole him away while we slept.
14 And if this come to the governor's ears, we will persuade him, and secure you.
15 So they took the money, and did as they were taught: and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day.
16 Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them.
17 And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted.
18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
The twenty-eighth chapter of Matthew, the final chapter of the book, is a powerful conclusion to the narrative of Jesus Christ's life, death, and resurrection. This chapter provides an account of the resurrection and post-resurrection appearances of Jesus Christ, followed by the Great Commission. These events are pivotal in the Christian faith, representing hope, salvation, and the call to discipleship.
Matthew 28 opens with the description of the first day of the week, when Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb of Jesus. This poignant moment is disrupted by a powerful earthquake caused by an angel of the Lord descending from heaven, rolling back the stone, and sitting on it. The guards are struck with fear and become like dead men.
The angel then announces to the women that Jesus, whom they seek, is not in the tomb. He has risen, just as he said he would. The empty tomb stands as a testament to the fulfillment of Jesus' prophecy and the power of God over death. The angel invites the women to see the place where Jesus lay and then instructs them to go and tell the disciples that Jesus has risen from the dead and is going ahead of them to Galilee.
The women, filled with fear and great joy, run to deliver the message to the disciples. On their way, they encounter Jesus himself. He greets them and repeats the angel's message, instructing them to tell his brothers to go to Galilee, where they will see him. This encounter with the risen Jesus reinforces the truth of the resurrection and underscores the importance of the disciples' meeting in Galilee.
While the women are on their mission, the guards at the tomb report the events to the chief priests. Instead of acknowledging the miraculous event, the chief priests, together with the elders, devise a plan to deny the resurrection. They bribe the soldiers to spread the false story that the disciples stole Jesus' body while they were asleep.
This plot demonstrates the lengths to which the religious leaders are willing to go to suppress the truth of Jesus' resurrection. Their actions reflect their refusal to accept the reality of Jesus' lordship and their determination to maintain their own power and authority. This subplot serves as a stark contrast to the faith and obedience of the women and the disciples.
The chapter concludes with the Great Commission, where Jesus, having gathered his disciples in Galilee, gives them their mission. He begins by declaring his authority in heaven and on earth, grounding the commission in his divine power and sovereignty.
Jesus then commands his disciples to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything he has commanded them. This command extends the scope of Jesus' ministry beyond the Jewish community to include all people, encapsulating the universal nature of the gospel and the inclusive vision of the kingdom of God.
The Great Commission also underscores the importance of discipleship in the Christian faith. It calls for a commitment to follow Jesus, to be transformed by his teachings, and to participate in his mission. It emphasizes the communal aspect of faith, urging believers to form and nurture faith communities where the teachings of Jesus are lived out.
Finally, Jesus assures his disciples of his ongoing presence, promising them that he will be with them always, to the very end of the age. This promise brings comfort and courage, reminding believers of the constant companionship and guidance of Jesus, even in the face of challenges and uncertainties.
The resurrection of Jesus Christ, as described in Matthew 28, holds profound significance for Christians. It affirms the divinity of Jesus, his victory over sin and death, and the hope of eternal life for those who believe in him. The empty tomb and the encounters with the risen Jesus provide powerful evidence for the resurrection, challenging skepticism and inviting faith.
The actions of the women and the disciples in this chapter highlight the characteristics of discipleship, including faith, obedience, courage, and commitment to the mission of Jesus. Their willingness to witness and testify to the resurrection, despite the risks and challenges, serves as a model for believers.
The Great Commission encapsulates the mission of the church, calling believers to extend the reach of the gospel, cultivate discipleship, and foster faith communities. It also emphasizes the centrality of the teachings of Jesus in the life of the believer and the community of faith.
The promise of Jesus' presence underscores the relational nature of the Christian faith and provides reassurance in the midst of trials. It affirms the belief in the active and ongoing presence of Jesus in the life of the believer and the community of faith.
In conclusion, Matthew 28 presents a compelling account of the resurrection and post-resurrection appearances of Jesus Christ, and the Great Commission. It invites reflection on the significance of these events for the Christian faith and challenges believers to live out the implications of these truths in their lives and communities.
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