Matthew 28 Explained – Verse by Verse Commentary

The True Meaning of Matthew 28

The Gospel of Matthew was written by the apostle Matthew, also known as Levi, who was one of the twelve disciples of Jesus. Matthew, a former tax collector, had a unique perspective on the life and teachings of Jesus. We witness the culmination of Jesus’ earthly ministry and the beginning of a new era for his followers in this final chapter of the Gospel of Matthew. The chapter recounts the resurrection of Jesus, his final instructions to his disciples, and the promise of his continued presence with them. These events would have a profound impact on the early Christian community and shape the course of their mission to spread the good news of salvation.

The chapter opens with the discovery of the empty tomb by Mary Magdalene and the other Mary, setting the stage for the miraculous resurrection of Jesus. This event is a fulfillment of Jesus’ own prophecies, as recorded in Matthew 16:21 and 20:19, where he foretold his death and resurrection. The chapter then describes Jesus’ appearances to his disciples, during which he commissions them to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19). This command echoes the Great Commission found in the Gospel of Mark, where Jesus instructs his followers to “go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation” (Mark 16:15).

Matthew 28:1-10

1. **Verse 1: “After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. Mary Magdalene and the other Mary visit the tomb of Jesus in this opening verse. It’s important to note that the Sabbath had just ended, and they were coming to the tomb at the earliest opportunity. The use of the phrase “Mary Magdalene and the other Mary” is significant as it highlights the important role of women in the events surrounding the resurrection of Jesus. This challenges societal norms of the time, where women were often marginalized. This emphasizes that Jesus came to bring liberation and equality to all, regardless of gender, race, or social status.

2. Verses 2-4: “There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.”
   The arrival of the angel of the Lord at the tomb is a powerful and dramatic event. The earthquake and the appearance of the angel with dazzling brightness signify the divine power and glory associated with the resurrection of Jesus. The fear that struck the guards, causing them to shake and become like dead men, underscores the overwhelming presence of God. This event demonstrates that no earthly power can resist the will of God or hinder His plans. It also highlights the supernatural nature of Jesus’ resurrection, affirming His divinity.

3. Verses 5-7: “The angel said to the women, ‘Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.’”
   The angel’s message to the women is one of reassurance and confirmation of Jesus’ resurrection. The angel addresses their fear, echoing the words of Jesus Himself in moments of divine encounter, “Do not be afraid.” The angel then declares the central message of Christianity – that Jesus has risen from the dead, just as He promised. The instruction to go quickly and tell the disciples not only confirms the resurrection but also commissions the women as the first bearers of the Good News. This shows the trust that God places in His followers to spread the message of salvation. The mention of Galilee as the meeting place reminds us of Jesus’ ministry and teachings in that region, emphasizing the continuity of His mission even after His resurrection.

4. Verses 8-10: “So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them. ‘Greetings,’ he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.’”
   The response of the women to the resurrection of Jesus is a mix of fear and joy. This emotional reaction is understandable, given the miraculous nature of the event they witnessed. The encounter with Jesus Himself further magnifies their joy and reinforces the reality of His resurrection. The act of the women clasping Jesus’ feet and worshiping Him signifies their reverence and acknowledgment of His divine status. Jesus’ words, “Do not be afraid,” serve as a constant reassurance from God to His people, reminding them of His presence and protection. Jesus instructs them to go and tell His brothers, emphasizing the familial relationship that exists among believers and with Him. The mention of Galilee once again points to the continuity of Jesus’ ministry and His desire to meet His followers and continue to guide them. Matthew 28:1-10 captures the pivotal moment of the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the subsequent events that followed. It highlights the faithfulness of God in fulfilling His promises, the central role of women in spreading the Gospel, the divine power at work in the resurrection, and the commissioning of believers to proclaim the Good News. This passage serves as a foundational element in Christianity, affirming the core beliefs of the faith and inspiring followers to live in the light of Christ’s resurrection.

Matthew 28:11-15

The verses in Matthew 28:11-15 narrate events that occurred after the resurrection of Jesus. To break down the verse:

1. Verse 11: This verse describes how some of the guards who had been stationed at Jesus’ tomb went into the city and reported to the chief priests all that had taken place. These guards had been placed there by the chief priests and Pharisees out of fear that Jesus’ disciples might steal His body and claim He had risen from the dead.

2. Verses 12-14: The chief priests and elders, upon hearing the account of the guards, met with the elders and devised a plan. They gave a large sum of money to the soldiers and instructed them to say, “His disciples came by night and stole Him away while we were asleep.” They assured the guards that if this story reached the governor’s ears, they would protect them. The soldiers, therefore, took the money and did as they had been instructed, spreading the false story that Jesus’ body had been stolen by His disciples. The religious leaders of the time went to great lengths to discredit Jesus and His resurrection as we interpret these verses. Despite the guards witnessing the miraculous events surrounding Christ’s resurrection, the religious authorities chose to cover up the truth to maintain their power and authority over the people. Their actions reflect the hardness of heart and refusal to acknowledge Jesus as the Messiah, as foretold in the Scriptures.

This account serves as a powerful reminder of the spiritual blindness that can accompany a hardened heart. It also highlights the contrast between the scheming of these religious leaders and the faithfulness of those who witnessed the resurrected Christ and went on to spread the Gospel message. The passage underscores the theme of truth and deception, showcasing how those in power may attempt to suppress the truth to maintain control.

The actions of the guards and the religious leaders also echo the theme of betrayal, as Judas betrayed Jesus for thirty pieces of silver, and now the guards accept a bribe to spread a lie about the resurrection. This narrative emphasizes the idea of moral responsibility and the consequences of aligning oneself with falsehood rather than truth. This passage aligns with the overarching theme of redemption and the fulfillment of prophecies concerning the Messiah in the broader context of the Bible. Despite the attempts to suppress the truth of Jesus’ resurrection, His victory over death cannot be hidden or extinguished. The resurrection stands as the cornerstone of the Christian faith, demonstrating God’s power over sin and death and offering hope and salvation to all who believe. This passage in Matthew 28 serves as a stark reminder of the spiritual battles that exist between truth and deception, faithfulness and betrayal, and the enduring power of Christ’s resurrection in the face of opposition and disbelief.

Matthew 28:16-20

Several important sections in Matthew 28:16-20 provide profound insights into the mission and purpose of the disciples after Jesus’ resurrection.

1. “Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go.” This verse sets the scene for the disciples’ encounter with Jesus following his resurrection. After the women at the tomb had received the message from the angel to go and tell the disciples to meet Jesus in Galilee, the disciples obediently gathered at the designated mountain. This act of obedience is significant as it shows their faith and trust in Jesus’ instructions, even in the midst of uncertainty and confusion.

2. “When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted.” This verse highlights the mixed response of the disciples upon seeing Jesus. While some worshipped him, others doubted. This doubt could have stemmed from the overwhelming nature of the situation – encountering their resurrected teacher must have been a surreal experience. Despite the doubts that some may have had, Jesus’ response was not one of condemnation but of commissioning them with a divine purpose.

3. “Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.’” Here, Jesus asserts his authority, emphasizing that he has complete sovereignty over all realms – heaven and earth. This proclamation is crucial as it underlines Jesus’ divinity and power, a theme that runs throughout the gospel of Matthew. This divine authority serves as the foundation for the disciples’ commission, empowering them to go forth with confidence and boldness in spreading the Good News.

4. “Therefore 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 I have commanded you.” This is known as the Great Commission, where Jesus instructs the disciples to spread the message of salvation to all nations. Here, Jesus expands the scope of their ministry beyond just the Jewish community to encompass people from every nation. The act of baptism symbolizes initiation into the Christian faith and reflects a commitment to follow Jesus. Teaching obedience to Jesus’ commands is essential for nurturing and maturing new believers in their faith journey.

5. “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Jesus concludes the Great Commission with a powerful promise of his eternal presence with his disciples. This assurance of Jesus’ continual presence provides comfort, strength, and encouragement to the disciples as they embark on their mission. It serves as a reminder that they are not alone in their ministry but supported by the divine presence of Christ himself. Jesus commissions his disciples to carry out the Great Commission in Matthew 28:16-20, encapsulating a pivotal moment. The passage underscores themes of obedience, faith, divine authority, evangelism, discipleship, and the promise of Christ’s eternal presence. It challenges believers to be obedient to Christ’s commands, to share the Gospel boldly, and to rely on the empowering presence of Jesus in fulfilling their mission. This passage continues to inspire and guide Christians in their efforts to proclaim the message of salvation and make disciples of all nations, reminding them of the enduring promise of Jesus’ presence in their lives.

After Matthew 28

We witness the glorious resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ in the final chapter of Matthew. The women who had come to the tomb were met by an angel who declared that Jesus had risen, just as He said. Overjoyed and filled with awe, they hurried to tell the disciples the good news. Jesus Himself appeared to them as they were on their way, reassuring them of His victory over death.

The chapter concludes with Jesus commissioning His disciples to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. He promises to be with them always, even to the end of the age. Let us reflect on the faith and courage of the women in this powerful chapter and spread the good news of Jesus Christ to all corners of the earth, inspired by their example.