Matthew 28:1-20 is about the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the fulfillment of prophecy, the authority and power of Jesus, the Great Commission to spread the gospel to all nations, and the promise of Jesus to be with his disciples always.
1 Now after the Sabbath, toward the dawn of the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb.
2 And behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone and sat on it.
3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow.
4 And for fear of him the guards trembled and became like dead men.
5 But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified.
6 He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay.
7 Then go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and behold, he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him. See, I have told you.”
8 So they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples.
9 And behold, Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” And they came up and took hold of his feet and worshiped him.
10 Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me.”
11 While they were going, behold, some of the guard went into the city and told the chief priests all that had taken place.
12 And when they had assembled with the elders and taken counsel, they gave a sufficient sum of money to the soldiers
13 and said, “Tell people, ‘His disciples came by night and stole him away while we were asleep.’
14 And if this comes to the governor’s ears, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.”
15 So they took the money and did as they were directed. And this story has been spread among the Jews to this day.
16 Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them.
17 And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted.
18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.
19 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,
20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.
Setting the Scene for Matthew 28:1-20
The scene in Matthew 28 opens with Mary Magdalene and the other Mary arriving at the tomb of Jesus early in the morning. They had come to the tomb to anoint Jesus’ body with spices, as was the custom in Jewish burial practices. The atmosphere is heavy with grief and sorrow as they make their way to the burial site, still reeling from the events of Jesus’ crucifixion and death.
As they approach the tomb, they are met with a sudden earthquake, and an angel of the Lord descends from heaven, rolling back the stone that sealed the entrance to the tomb. The guards stationed at the tomb are struck with fear and become like dead men. The angel then delivers the astonishing news that Jesus has risen from the dead, just as He said He would. The women are filled with a mixture of fear, amazement, and joy at this miraculous revelation.
In the midst of this divine encounter, Jesus Himself appears to the women, reassuring them and instructing them to go and tell the disciples that He has risen and will meet them in Galilee. The scene is one of profound awe and wonder as the women, trembling with a mixture of fear and joy, rush to carry out Jesus’ command, becoming the first bearers of the good news of the resurrection.
What is Matthew 28:1-20 about?
Here, in this verse, we find the powerful culmination of Jesus’ teachings and ministry on Earth. The resurrection of Jesus symbolizes hope, renewal, and the victory of life over death. It serves as a profound testament to the divine power of God and the fulfillment of His promises. We, as believers, are reminded of the eternal significance of Jesus’ sacrifice and the assurance of life everlasting. The Great Commission underscores the call to action for all followers of Christ. It is a charge to spread the message of Jesus’ love, salvation, and grace to people from all walks of life, across all nations. This mission highlights the universal nature of Christianity and the importance of sharing the Good News with others. We believers are entrusted with the responsibility to be ambassadors of Christ and to actively participate in the advancement of His kingdom on Earth.
Reflecting on this verse prompts us to consider our role in the grand narrative of God’s redemptive plan. How are we responding to the call to make disciples of all nations? Are we wholeheartedly embracing the mission to share the transformative message of Jesus with those around us? The resurrection of Jesus and the Great Commission serve as a clarion call for us to align our lives with the purpose of God and to walk in obedience to His will. Let us inspire by the magnitude of these truths and strive to live out our faith with boldness, compassion, and unwavering commitment.
Understanding what Matthew 28:1-20 really means
In Matthew 28:1-20, we witness the pivotal moment of Jesus’ resurrection and the subsequent commission He gives to His disciples. This chapter serves as the culmination of the Gospel of Matthew, highlighting the triumph of Christ over death and sin, and setting the stage for the spread of the Gospel to all nations.
As we delve into verses 1-10, we encounter the profound truth proclaimed by the angels to the women at the empty tomb: “He is not here; he has risen, just as he said.” This declaration not only fulfills Jesus’ prophecy of His resurrection but also underscores the foundational belief of Christianity in the victory of Christ over the grave. The women are entrusted with the task of spreading this life-changing news, emphasizing the inclusive nature of Jesus’ message and the vital role of sharing the good news with others.
Moving on to verses 11-15, we confront the attempt by the chief priests to suppress the truth of the resurrection by bribing the guards. This act of deceit highlights the ongoing battle between truth and falsehood, echoing the apostles’ resolve in Acts 4:18-20 to prioritize obedience to God over human authority. The narrative underscores the importance of standing firm in faith despite opposition, trusting in the enduring power of God’s truth.
In verses 16-20, Jesus imparts the Great Commission to His disciples, declaring His authority over heaven and earth and commissioning them to make disciples of all nations. This universal mandate transcends cultural and geographical boundaries, echoing the promise in Acts 1:8 that believers will be witnesses to the ends of the earth. Jesus’ assurance of His continual presence underscores the comfort and courage that believers can find in fulfilling this mission, knowing that He is with them always.
The relevance of Matthew 28:1-20 extends to us today in profound ways. The faith in Christ’s resurrection offers hope and assurance of eternal life, transforming lives and instilling a sense of purpose. The call to evangelism remains a timeless mandate for all Christians, urging us to share our faith boldly and impactfully. The promise of Jesus’ presence provides solace and strength in the midst of life’s challenges, reminding us that we are never alone in our journey of faith.
In conclusion, let us reflect on the profound truths encapsulated in Matthew 28:1-20. May we embrace the reality of Christ’s resurrection, actively engage in sharing the Gospel with others, and find deep comfort in the abiding presence of Jesus in our lives. As we ponder these timeless teachings, may we be inspired to live out our faith with boldness and conviction, knowing that the risen Christ goes before us, empowering us to fulfill His mission in the world.
How can we go and make disciples faithfully?
We can go and make disciples faithfully by first recognizing the authority and power that Jesus has given us. This authority comes from Him, and it empowers us to go out and share the good news of salvation with others. It is important to approach disciple-making with confidence in the Lord’s ability to work through us and trusting in His leading every step of the way.
Additionally, it is crucial to prioritize teaching and making disciples of all nations. This involves actively seeking out opportunities to share the gospel message and to make intentional efforts to grow and nurture new believers. We fulfill the Great Commission that Jesus has given us and participate in God’s redemptive work in the world by faithfully engaging in disciple-making.
Lastly, we should be committed to teaching new disciples everything that Jesus commanded. This includes helping them grow in their understanding of Scripture, nurturing them in their faith, and equipping them to go and make more disciples themselves. We contribute to a cycle of disciple-making that continues to multiply and spread the message of Jesus Christ throughout the world by investing in the spiritual growth and development of others.
Application
Unlock the potential within you – just like balancing your work and family life, spreading His word is your calling. Let’s be the change-makers of today, weaving the threads of the Gospel into our daily conversations. Embrace the responsibility entrusted upon us; let’s shine the light of Christ in every corner of our lives. Will you step up to the challenge and become a beacon of hope for those around you?
Reverend Michael Johnson is an experienced Church Minister with a profound expertise in spirituality and guidance. With a serene presence and a compassionate heart, he has faithfully served his congregation for over 20 years, leading them on a spiritual journey towards inner peace and enlightenment. Reverend Johnson’s extensive knowledge of religious philosophies and profound understanding of human nature have made him a trusted confidant and mentor to many, as he seamlessly weaves his profound wisdom into life teachings. Reverend Johnson’s calming demeanor and empathetic nature continue to uplift and heal souls, nurturing a sense of unity and tranquility within his community.