Matthew 28 – The Resurrection and Great Commission
Matthew 28 declares Jesus’ victory over death, His resurrection, and His final command to His disciples. This chapter solidifies the foundation of Christian faith—Christ is risen, and His mission continues through His followers.
The Triumph of the Risen King
Matthew 28 brings the greatest news in history—the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This chapter also includes His post-resurrection appearances and the Great Commission, charging His disciples to spread the Gospel to all nations.
✔ The empty tomb is discovered by the women.
✔ Jesus appears to His followers, confirming His resurrection.
✔ The chief priests bribe the guards to spread false reports.
✔ Jesus gives the Great Commission, sending His disciples to make more disciples.
📖 Key Verse: “He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.” – Matthew 28:6
🔎 The resurrection is the foundation of faith—without it, there is no salvation.
Matthew Chapter 28 - Overview
Matthew 28:1-10 – The Empty Tomb and Christ’s Appearance
📖 Matthew 28:2-3 – “And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven… His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow.”
🔎 The earthquake and angelic presence signify divine intervention—God Himself raised Jesus from the dead.
📖 Matthew 28:5-6 – “Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is not here: for he is risen, as he said.”
🔎 Jesus’ resurrection was foretold, yet His followers struggled to believe. The angel’s words confirm His victory.
📖 Matthew 28:9-10 – “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.”
🔎 Jesus’ first appearance is to the faithful women—a powerful affirmation of their devotion.
Matthew 28:11-15 – The Chief Priests’ Deception
📖 Matthew 28:12-13 – “And when they were assembled with the elders, and had taken counsel, they gave large money unto the soldiers, Saying, Say ye, His disciples came by night, and stole him away while we slept.”
🔎 Even after witnessing divine power, the religious leaders choose deception. The bribing of the guards proves their refusal to accept the truth.
📖 Matthew 28:15 – “So they took the money, and did as they were taught: and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day.”
🔎 The false report spread, attempting to undermine the resurrection, yet history and testimony prove otherwise.
Matthew 28:16-20 – The Great Commission
📖 Matthew 28:18 – “And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.”
🔎 Jesus declares His absolute authority over all creation—no one else holds such power.
📖 Matthew 28:19 – “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.”
🔎 The Great Commission is a command—not a suggestion. It calls believers to evangelize, disciple, and baptize in the Trinity’s name.
📖 Matthew 28:20 – “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.”
🔎 Jesus’ final words offer assurance—His presence remains with His followers until the very end.
Matthew Chapter 28 - Deeper Study
Overview: The Risen Christ and the Mission of the Church
🔹 Timeframe: Three days after Jesus’ crucifixion.
🔹 Setting: Jerusalem and Galilee, as Jesus appears to His disciples.
🔹 Theme: Victory over death, the truth of the resurrection, and the call to spread the Gospel.
Key Takeaways
🔑 The resurrection is the ultimate proof of Jesus’ divine identity.
🔑 Even in the face of truth, deception persists—but it cannot prevail.
🔑 The Great Commission is a call for all believers to make disciples.
🔑 Jesus’ presence remains with His followers until the end of time.
Prophetic Patterns & Dual Fulfillment
🔮 The Third Day Resurrection – Foreshadowed in Hosea 6:2 and confirmed by Jesus in Matthew 12:40.
🔮 Angelic Announcement – Similar to the angelic announcement at Jesus’ birth (Luke 2:9-14).
🔮 The Spread of the Gospel – Foretold in Isaiah 49:6, as the message of salvation reaches all nations.
Historical & Cultural Context
📜 Roman Guarding of the Tomb – A sealed and guarded tomb was meant to prevent tampering, yet it could not stop divine power.
📜 Jewish Burial Customs – Women returning to the tomb early show devotion, unaware that Jesus has already risen.
📜 The Role of Women in Witnessing – In a male-dominated society, Jesus first appears to women, affirming their importance in God’s kingdom.
💡 Final Reflection: The Victory and the Mission
Matthew 28 is the climax of the Gospel—Christ has conquered death, and His followers are sent to proclaim it. The resurrection changes everything, proving that sin and death are defeated.
📌 Do we live in the power of the resurrection, or do we still fear death?
📌 Are we fulfilling the Great Commission, or have we become complacent?
📌 Jesus is alive—are we walking in that truth daily?
🚀 He is risen—our mission begins!
The Resurrection
Mat 28:1 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.
Mat 28:2 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.
Mat 28:3 His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow:
Mat 28:4 And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men.
Mat 28:5 And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified.
Mat 28:6 He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.
Mat 28:7 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.
Mat 28:8 And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word.
Mat 28:9 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.
Mat 28:10 Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me.
The Report of the Guard
Mat 28:11 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.
Mat 28:12 And when they were assembled with the elders, and had taken counsel, they gave large money unto the soldiers,
Mat 28:13 Saying, Say ye, His disciples came by night, and stole him away while we slept.
Mat 28:14 And if this come to the governor’s ears, we will persuade him, and secure you.
Mat 28:15 So they took the money, and did as they were taught: and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day.
The Great Commission
Mat 28:16 Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them.
Mat 28:17 And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted.
Mat 28:18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
Mat 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
Mat 28:20 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.
Date Written
Approximately 50-60 AD
Written By
The Apostle Matthew (Levi)
Language
Originally written in Greek (with strong Hebraic influence)
Verses
20