Chapter Summary
Core Passages from Matthew 28
Matthew 28:6He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay.
This is the heart of the Christian faith, proving Jesus is who He said He was by showing the tomb is empty.Matthew 28:18And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.
This shows that Jesus is the supreme King over everything in existence, giving Him the right to lead us.Matthew 28:20teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.
This is a beautiful promise that we do not have to live the Christian life or share our faith by our own strength alone.
Historical & Cultural Context
The Morning of Hope and the Empty Tomb
After the dark events of the crucifixion in the previous chapter, the women arrive at the tomb at dawn. An earthquake and a shining angel signal that God is moving in a powerful way. This scene shifts the narrative from mourning to a miraculous discovery that changes everything for the followers of Jesus.
The Mission Begins on the Mountain
The scene moves from the empty tomb in Jerusalem to a mountain in Galilee. Here, Jesus meets His remaining followers one last time to give them their life's mission. This transition marks the beginning of the global spread of the message of Jesus to all people.
The Resurrection and the Commission
In Matthew 28:1-7, the scene opens at the break of dawn as two women visit the tomb of Jesus. The quiet morning is suddenly interrupted by a powerful earthquake and the appearance of a heavenly messenger. This setting marks the transition from the sorrow of the crucifixion to the triumph of the resurrection.
The Angel's Announcement (Matthew 28:1-7)
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."
Commentary:
An angel announces that Jesus has risen from the dead as He promised.
Related Verse Analysis
Meeting the Risen Jesus (Matthew 28:8-10)
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."
Commentary:
The women meet the risen Jesus and worship Him with joy.
The Cover-Up (Matthew 28:11-15)
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.
Commentary:
Religious leaders try to hide the truth of the resurrection with a bribe.
Related Verse Analysis
The Great Commission (Matthew 28:16-20)
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.
Commentary:
Jesus gives His followers the mission to share His teachings with the whole world.
The Triumph of the King and the Mission of the Church
Victory over Death
The resurrection proves that Jesus has the power to overcome the greatest enemy of humanity. It gives us hope that death is not the end of our story.
The Power of Truth
The contrast between the women's testimony and the leaders' lie shows that the truth of God cannot be silenced by money or politics.
A Global Mission
Jesus doesn't want only a small group of followers. He wants the whole world to know Him. He calls us to reach out to every nation and culture.
Living in the Light of the Resurrection
Because Jesus rose from the dead in Matthew 28:6, we can face the end of life with hope instead of terror. It reminds us that God has the final word and that a new, eternal life awaits those who follow Him.
It is encouraging to see that even some of the disciples who saw the risen Jesus had doubts in Matthew 28:17. You can be honest with God about your questions, knowing He still accepts you and has a purpose for your life.
Making disciples is about helping others learn to follow Jesus as described in Matthew 28:19-20. You can do this by living out His commands of love and grace in your workplace, school, or home, and being ready to explain why you have hope.
Jesus Reigns Over All Creation
Matthew concludes his Gospel with the powerful declaration that Jesus is the living King of the universe. Through the resurrection, God has shown that His love is stronger than death and His kingdom is for everyone. The message is a call to action: because Jesus has all authority and is always with us, we can confidently share His grace with the world.
What This Means for Us Today
The empty tomb is an invitation to start a new life with Jesus. He calls us to move from fear to joy and from being spectators to being messengers of His peace.
- Who can you invite to come and see the truth of Jesus this week?
- How can you respond with grace to your own doubts or the doubts of others?
- Where do you need the light of Christ to shine in your life today?
Further Reading
Immediate Context
This chapter records the death and burial of Jesus, providing the necessary background for the resurrection.
The story continues as Jesus prepares His disciples for His departure and the coming of the Holy Spirit.
Connections Across Scripture
A parallel account of the resurrection that emphasizes the urgency of the message.
A deep theological explanation of why the resurrection of Jesus is essential for our own future hope.
Discussion Questions
- Why do you think the women were chosen to be the first witnesses of the resurrection?
- How does the fact that some disciples doubted in verse 17 make the story feel more relatable to you?
- What are some practical ways we can fulfill the command to make disciples in our own neighborhoods today?