Matthew 28: Resurrection and the Great Commission
Matthew 28 details the pivotal event of Jesus' resurrection, the immediate reactions to it, and the commissioning of his disciples. The chapter transitions from a scene of grief and fear to one of triumph and instruction, ending with the foundational "Great Commission" given to the disciples. Key themes include the resurrection of Jesus, the reactions of those who encounter the risen Christ and his messengers, the attempt to suppress the truth, and the command to spread the gospel.
II. Key Events and Ideas:
- The Empty Tomb (Verses 1-7):Mary Magdalene and another Mary visit the tomb and find it empty.
- A powerful earthquake occurs, and an angel descends, rolling back the stone.
- The angel's appearance is described as "like lightning" with clothes "white as snow."
- The Roman guards are terrified and become "like dead men."
- The angel declares that Jesus has risen, just as he had predicted, and instructs the women to tell the disciples.
- Quote: "He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay." (v.6)
- The Women's Encounter with the Risen Jesus (Verses 8-10):The women, initially fearful yet joyful, run to tell the disciples.
- Jesus meets them on the way, greeting them.
- They worship him by clasping his feet.
- Jesus instructs them to tell his "brothers" (the disciples) to go to Galilee where they will see him.
- Quote: "“Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.”" (v.10)
- The Guards' False Report (Verses 11-15):Some of the guards report the events to the chief priests.
- The chief priests and elders devise a plan to suppress the truth, paying the guards to lie, saying the disciples stole the body while they slept.
- Quote: “You are to say, ‘His disciples came during the night and stole him away while we were asleep.’” (v. 13)
- This fabricated story spreads widely among the Jews.
- The Great Commission (Verses 16-20):The eleven disciples go to Galilee, to the mountain designated by Jesus.
- They worship Jesus, though some still have doubts.
- Jesus declares he has "all authority in heaven and on earth."
- Quote: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” (v.18)
- Jesus then 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"
- "Teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you."
- He promises to be with them always, "to the very end of the age."
- Quote: “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. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (v.19-20)
III. Main Themes:
- Resurrection: The central event of the chapter is the resurrection of Jesus, proving his divinity and victory over death. This act is the foundation of the Christian faith.
- Witness and Testimony: The women, the angel, and later the disciples, all serve as witnesses to the resurrection. This establishes the importance of spreading the message and truth about Jesus.
- Suppression of Truth: The attempt by the chief priests to cover up the resurrection underscores the resistance the message faced and the lengths some would go to deny it.
- Divine Authority: Jesus declares his absolute authority over heaven and earth, emphasizing his divine nature and the power behind the Great Commission.
- The Great Commission: This is Jesus' core mandate to his followers. It emphasizes making disciples, baptizing, and teaching, all of which are fundamental practices in Christianity.
- Promise of Presence: Jesus promises his continued presence and support for his disciples, highlighting the ongoing work and responsibility they have to share the Gospel.
IV. Important Takeaways:
- Certainty of Resurrection: The empty tomb, the angel's announcement, and the personal encounter with Jesus solidify the reality of his resurrection.
- The Role of the Disciples: They are given a specific and important role, which is to spread the teachings and the story of Christ to all nations.
- The Great Commission as a Direct Mandate: This commission is not optional, but a direct command that extends to all believers.
- Enduring Presence: Jesus assures his followers of his presence until the end of time.
