Matthew 28: The Great Commission and the Risen Lord
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.
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.
His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow:
And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men.
And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified.
He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.
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.
And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word.
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.
Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me.
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.
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.
And if this come to the governor’s ears, we will persuade him, and secure you.
So they took the money, and did as they were taught: and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day.
Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them.
And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted.
And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
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.
Matthew 28, following the somber events of the crucifixion in the previous chapter, concludes Matthew's account of Jesus' life with a powerful message of resurrection, authority, and mission. It's a chapter filled with both awe and commission, setting the stage for the birth of the church and its ongoing mission to the world. This chapter reveals not only the empty tomb but also the profound implications of a risen Savior for all humanity. Let's delve into the heart of Matthew 28 and explore its meaning for us today.
The Resurrection Unveiled (Matthew 28:1-4)
Early on Sunday morning, the first day of the week, as Matthew 28:1 tells us, some of the women who had faithfully followed Jesus came to the tomb. Mark 16:1 adds that their intention was to anoint His body with spices, a final act of devotion. What they found was far beyond their expectations. A dramatic scene unfolded: an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, accompanied by an earthquake. This was no ordinary angel; his appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were as white as snow. He rolled back the massive stone from the tomb's entrance and sat upon it (Matthew 28:2-3). The guards, Roman soldiers tasked with preventing anyone from stealing the body (Matthew 27:62-66), were overcome with terror. The angel was so astonishing and fearsome that they shook and fainted (Matthew 28:4).
"He is Risen!" (Matthew 28:5-10)
The angel addressed the women with words of comfort and astonishing news. "Do not be afraid," he said, "for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said" (Matthew 28:5-6). The angel reminded them that Jesus had promised to rise from the dead (see Matthew 12:40; 16:21; 17:9, 22; 20:19). Even Jesus' enemies remembered this claim, which is why they requested the guard in the first place. The angel invited them to come and see the place where Jesus had lain, a glorious sight of the empty tomb.
The angel then commissioned the women to proclaim the good news of Jesus' resurrection to the disciples (Matthew 28:7). Overwhelmed with a mixture of fear and great joy, they hurried away to deliver the message (Matthew 28:8). On their way, they encountered Jesus Himself! The proper response to this miraculous sight was to fall down and worship Him (Matthew 28:9). Jesus calmed their fears and reiterated the message: they were to tell His brothers (the disciples) to go to Galilee, where they would see Him (Matthew 28:10).
The Conspiracy of Lies (Matthew 28:11-15)
Meanwhile, the guards who had been guarding the tomb reported to the chief priests what had happened (Matthew 28:11). Knowing they had to come up with an explanation to quell the growing excitement, the chief priests devised a plan. They bribed the soldiers with a large sum of money to spread a lie: that Jesus' disciples came by night and stole the body while they were asleep (Matthew 28:12-13). They also promised to protect the guards from Pilate's punishment for dereliction of duty (Matthew 28:14).
The flaw in this story is glaring: how could the guards know what happened if they were asleep? And even if they were awake, how could a small group of civilians overpower armed and trained Roman soldiers? This account is a desperate attempt to deny a supernatural event by offering a natural, albeit unbelievable, explanation. The truth, however, remained: Jesus really rose from the dead! The resurrection is the cornerstone of Christianity, the ultimate proof of Jesus' divinity and the foundation of our hope (see 1 Corinthians 15:12-19).
The Great Commission (Matthew 28:16-20)
The eleven remaining disciples (Judas having betrayed Jesus and taken his own life) traveled to Galilee to meet Jesus, as instructed (Matthew 28:16; see Matthew 28:10). When they saw Him, they worshiped, but some doubted (Matthew 28:17). Even in the face of such overwhelming evidence, some still struggled with disbelief. This serves as a reminder that doubt doesn't disqualify us from encountering God. God is not afraid of our questions; He invites us to bring them to Him.
Jesus then delivered what has become known as the Great Commission. He declared, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me" (Matthew 28:18). In other words, He is in charge. The Father has given the Son all authority, both in the spiritual realm and in the earthly realm. Christianity is not just another religion tied to a generic god; it is rooted in the authority of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
With this authority, Jesus commands His disciples to "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" (Matthew 28:19-20). This is not a suggestion; it is a command. A disciple is a learner who strives to become like their teacher. The goal of discipleship is to help people become progressively more like Christ in character, conduct, attitude, and actions.
- Go: Leave your comfort zone and share the gospel with the world.
- Baptize: Publicly identify new believers with the triune God. The presence of the three titles with the singular "name" affirms the Trinity.
- Teach: Help disciples apply knowledge and obey God's Word.
Jesus concludes with a powerful promise: "And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age" (Matthew 28:20). This promise of Jesus' constant presence empowers us to fulfill the Great Commission. The church's mission is possible because of Jesus' heavenly presence. He, the one called Immanuel—"God with us" (Matthew 1:23)—will be with us until the end.
Therefore, we are called to live our lives as disciples and equip others to do the same. The effectiveness of a church is measured not by its membership numbers but by its disciple-making efforts. It's the absence of discipleship that keeps a church weak and ineffective because without embracing Christ's mission of discipleship, its people cannot draw on Christ's authority.
Matthew 28 is a call to action, a reminder of the authority of Jesus, and a promise of His unwavering presence as we embark on the mission of making disciples. It is a chapter of hope, power, and purpose for all who follow Christ. Let us embrace the Great Commission and live as disciples, empowered by the risen Lord, until He comes again.
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.
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.
His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow:
And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men.
And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified.
He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.
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.
And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word.
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.
Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me.
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.
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.
And if this come to the governor’s ears, we will persuade him, and secure you.
So they took the money, and did as they were taught: and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day.
Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them.
And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted.
And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
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.
Matthew 28, following the somber events of the crucifixion in the previous chapter, concludes Matthew's account of Jesus' life with a powerful message of resurrection, authority, and mission. It's a chapter filled with both awe and commission, setting the stage for the birth of the church and its ongoing mission to the world. This chapter reveals not only the empty tomb but also the profound implications of a risen Savior for all humanity. Let's delve into the heart of Matthew 28 and explore its meaning for us today.
The Resurrection Unveiled (Matthew 28:1-4)
Early on Sunday morning, the first day of the week, as Matthew 28:1 tells us, some of the women who had faithfully followed Jesus came to the tomb. Mark 16:1 adds that their intention was to anoint His body with spices, a final act of devotion. What they found was far beyond their expectations. A dramatic scene unfolded: an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, accompanied by an earthquake. This was no ordinary angel; his appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were as white as snow. He rolled back the massive stone from the tomb's entrance and sat upon it (Matthew 28:2-3). The guards, Roman soldiers tasked with preventing anyone from stealing the body (Matthew 27:62-66), were overcome with terror. The angel was so astonishing and fearsome that they shook and fainted (Matthew 28:4).
"He is Risen!" (Matthew 28:5-10)
The angel addressed the women with words of comfort and astonishing news. "Do not be afraid," he said, "for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said" (Matthew 28:5-6). The angel reminded them that Jesus had promised to rise from the dead (see Matthew 12:40; 16:21; 17:9, 22; 20:19). Even Jesus' enemies remembered this claim, which is why they requested the guard in the first place. The angel invited them to come and see the place where Jesus had lain, a glorious sight of the empty tomb.
The angel then commissioned the women to proclaim the good news of Jesus' resurrection to the disciples (Matthew 28:7). Overwhelmed with a mixture of fear and great joy, they hurried away to deliver the message (Matthew 28:8). On their way, they encountered Jesus Himself! The proper response to this miraculous sight was to fall down and worship Him (Matthew 28:9). Jesus calmed their fears and reiterated the message: they were to tell His brothers (the disciples) to go to Galilee, where they would see Him (Matthew 28:10).
The Conspiracy of Lies (Matthew 28:11-15)
Meanwhile, the guards who had been guarding the tomb reported to the chief priests what had happened (Matthew 28:11). Knowing they had to come up with an explanation to quell the growing excitement, the chief priests devised a plan. They bribed the soldiers with a large sum of money to spread a lie: that Jesus' disciples came by night and stole the body while they were asleep (Matthew 28:12-13). They also promised to protect the guards from Pilate's punishment for dereliction of duty (Matthew 28:14).
The flaw in this story is glaring: how could the guards know what happened if they were asleep? And even if they were awake, how could a small group of civilians overpower armed and trained Roman soldiers? This account is a desperate attempt to deny a supernatural event by offering a natural, albeit unbelievable, explanation. The truth, however, remained: Jesus really rose from the dead! The resurrection is the cornerstone of Christianity, the ultimate proof of Jesus' divinity and the foundation of our hope (see 1 Corinthians 15:12-19).
The Great Commission (Matthew 28:16-20)
The eleven remaining disciples (Judas having betrayed Jesus and taken his own life) traveled to Galilee to meet Jesus, as instructed (Matthew 28:16; see Matthew 28:10). When they saw Him, they worshiped, but some doubted (Matthew 28:17). Even in the face of such overwhelming evidence, some still struggled with disbelief. This serves as a reminder that doubt doesn't disqualify us from encountering God. God is not afraid of our questions; He invites us to bring them to Him.
Jesus then delivered what has become known as the Great Commission. He declared, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me" (Matthew 28:18). In other words, He is in charge. The Father has given the Son all authority, both in the spiritual realm and in the earthly realm. Christianity is not just another religion tied to a generic god; it is rooted in the authority of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
With this authority, Jesus commands His disciples to "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" (Matthew 28:19-20). This is not a suggestion; it is a command. A disciple is a learner who strives to become like their teacher. The goal of discipleship is to help people become progressively more like Christ in character, conduct, attitude, and actions.
- Go: Leave your comfort zone and share the gospel with the world.
- Baptize: Publicly identify new believers with the triune God. The presence of the three titles with the singular "name" affirms the Trinity.
- Teach: Help disciples apply knowledge and obey God's Word.
Jesus concludes with a powerful promise: "And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age" (Matthew 28:20). This promise of Jesus' constant presence empowers us to fulfill the Great Commission. The church's mission is possible because of Jesus' heavenly presence. He, the one called Immanuel—"God with us" (Matthew 1:23)—will be with us until the end.
Therefore, we are called to live our lives as disciples and equip others to do the same. The effectiveness of a church is measured not by its membership numbers but by its disciple-making efforts. It's the absence of discipleship that keeps a church weak and ineffective because without embracing Christ's mission of discipleship, its people cannot draw on Christ's authority.
Matthew 28 is a call to action, a reminder of the authority of Jesus, and a promise of His unwavering presence as we embark on the mission of making disciples. It is a chapter of hope, power, and purpose for all who follow Christ. Let us embrace the Great Commission and live as disciples, empowered by the risen Lord, until He comes again.