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.
Summary of Matthew Chapter 28
Matthew Chapter 28 is the final chapter of the Gospel of Matthew and focuses on the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the reaction of the disciples, and the Great Commission. The chapter can be divided into several key sections that highlight the significance of the resurrection and the mission entrusted to the disciples.
The Resurrection of Jesus (Verses 1-10)
This section describes the events that took place on the morning of the resurrection. Key points include:
- The arrival of Mary Magdalene and the other Mary at the tomb.
- The earthquake and the appearance of an angel who rolls back the stone from the tomb.
- The angel’s message of Jesus’ resurrection and instruction to inform the disciples.
- The encounter between the women and the risen Jesus, who reassures them and commands them to spread the news of His resurrection.
The Guards’ Report (Verses 11-15)
This section details the reaction of the guards who were stationed at the tomb:
- The guards report to the chief priests about the events they witnessed, including the angel and the empty tomb.
- The religious leaders conspire to bribe the guards to spread a false story that the disciples stole Jesus’ body.
- This act reflects the ongoing conflict between the religious authorities and the message of Jesus’ resurrection.
The Great Commission (Verses 16-20)
The final verses of Matthew 28 present the Great Commission, which is a pivotal moment for the early Christian church:
- The eleven disciples go to Galilee, where they meet Jesus on a mountain as instructed.
- Jesus declares His authority over heaven and earth.
- He commands the disciples to make disciples of all nations, baptizing them and teaching them to obey His commands.
- Jesus promises His presence with them until the end of the age, emphasizing the ongoing nature of their mission.
Theological Themes
Several key theological themes emerge from Matthew Chapter 28:
- Resurrection: The resurrection of Jesus is central to Christian faith, symbolizing victory over sin and death.
- Authority: Jesus’ declaration of authority underscores His divine nature and the legitimacy of the mission He entrusts to His followers.
- Mission: The Great Commission emphasizes the responsibility of believers to spread the gospel and make disciples, highlighting the universal scope of Jesus’ message.
- Presence of Christ: The promise of Jesus’ continual presence reassures believers of divine support in their mission.
Conclusion
Matthew Chapter 28 encapsulates the essence of the Christian faith through the resurrection of Jesus and the commission given to His followers. It serves as a powerful reminder of the hope and responsibility that comes with being a disciple of Christ, encouraging believers to share the message of salvation with the world.
