Reading time: 4 min
Key Takeaways
- The Resurrection: Jesus’ resurrection confirms his identity and mission.
- Faithful Witnesses: Women are the first to witness the empty tomb.
- Opposition: Authorities attempt to suppress the truth of the resurrection.
- Commission: Jesus sends his disciples to make disciples of all nations.
- Enduring Presence: Jesus promises to be with his followers always.
The Empty Tomb: God’s Vindication
After the Sabbath, Mary Magdalene and “the other Mary” visit Jesus’ tomb, demonstrating their courageous faithfulness. As they arrive, a great earthquake occurs, and an angel of the Lord rolls back the stone, revealing the empty tomb. The angel tells them:
“Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for he has risen, as he said.”
The women are invited to see where Jesus lay, affirming the physical reality of the resurrection. Filled with awe and joy, they encounter the risen Jesus, who accepts their worship and instructs them to tell his disciples.
This moment is pivotal, as it marks the transition from death to life, from despair to hope. The women’s role as the first witnesses underscores the transformative power of the resurrection and the breaking of societal norms.
The Counter-Story: Suppressing the Resurrection
Meanwhile, the guards report the events to the chief priests, who devise a plan to spread a false story that the disciples stole Jesus’ body. This scene highlights the persistence of unbelief and hard-heartedness among the religious leaders, who choose to suppress the truth rather than investigate the miraculous event.
The contrast between the women’s joyful proclamation and the leaders’ deceitful plot emphasizes the struggle between truth and falsehood, light and darkness.
The Great Commission: Jesus’ Final Instructions
The disciples meet Jesus on a mountain in Galilee, a significant location for divine revelation. Despite their mixed emotions of worship and doubt, Jesus declares:
“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.”
He commissions them:
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.”
This command underscores the universality of Jesus’ mission and the call for disciples to carry the Gospel to all nations, baptizing and teaching them in the name of the triune God. The mountain setting recalls other significant biblical events, reinforcing the importance of this mandate.
Jesus’ Enduring Presence
Jesus assures his disciples of his continuous presence:
“And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
This promise of “God with us” empowers his followers to fulfill the Great Commission, despite challenges and doubts. It is a reassurance that they are not alone in their mission, as Jesus’ presence provides strength and guidance.
The Significance of Matthew 28
Matthew 28 highlights Jesus’ vindication through the resurrection, the universal scope of his kingdom, and the persistent opposition from human authorities. It concludes with the commissioning of the church, rooted in the assurance of Jesus’ enduring presence. For believers today, this chapter offers comfort and a challenge to live out their faith as part of Jesus’ ongoing mission to the world.
The chapter serves as a powerful reminder of the victory of life over death, truth over falsehood, and the enduring promise of Jesus’ presence with his followers as they carry out his mission. It calls believers to embrace the transformative power of the resurrection and actively participate in spreading the Gospel, confident in the knowledge that Jesus is always with them.
The resurrection is not just a past event but a present reality that continues to inspire and empower the faithful. As the disciples were called to make disciples of all nations, so too are believers today invited to share in this mission, assured of Jesus’ authority and presence. The chapter ends with the hope and assurance that, despite opposition, the truth of the resurrection will prevail, and Jesus’ kingdom will continue to grow.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were women the first witnesses to the resurrection?
The women, who remained faithful at the cross and the tomb, were honored as the first witnesses, highlighting their courageous faithfulness and the transformative nature of the resurrection.
What is the significance of Jesus’ Great Commission?
The Great Commission is Jesus’ mandate for his disciples to spread the Gospel to all nations, baptizing and teaching them, reflecting the universal scope of his kingdom.
Summary
Matthew 28 begins with Mary Magdalene and “the other Mary” visiting Jesus’ tomb after the Sabbath. An earthquake occurs as an angel of the Lord descends, rolls away the stone, and announces that Jesus has risen, inviting the women to witness the empty tomb. They leave in fear and joy, encountering Jesus himself, who confirms their mission to inform the disciples.
Simultaneously, the guards report the miraculous events to the chief priests, who devise a plan to spread a false narrative that Jesus’ body was stolen by his disciples. This highlights the persistent unbelief and hard-heartedness of the religious leaders, who choose to suppress the truth rather than acknowledge it.
The disciples meet Jesus on a mountain in Galilee, where he declares that all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to him. He commissions them to make disciples of all nations, baptizing and teaching them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This command underscores the universality of Jesus’ mission and the call for disciples to carry the Gospel to all nations.
Jesus assures his followers of his enduring presence, promising to be with them always, to the end of the age. This assurance empowers them to fulfill the Great Commission despite challenges and doubts.
Matthew 28 concludes the Gospel by affirming Jesus’ vindication through the resurrection, the universal scope of his kingdom, and the persistent opposition from human authorities. It ends with the commissioning of the church, rooted in the promise of Jesus’ enduring presence, offering comfort and a challenge to believers today to live out their faith as part of Jesus’ ongoing mission to the world. The chapter serves as a reminder of the victory of life over death and the enduring promise of Jesus’ presence with his followers. It invites believers to embrace the transformative power of the resurrection and to actively participate in spreading the Gospel, confident in the knowledge that Jesus is always with them. The resurrection is not just a past event but a present reality that continues to inspire and empower the faithful.