Matthew 28 narrates the climactic resurrection of Jesus Christ, marking the fulfillment of His prophecy and the cornerstone of Christian faith. The chapter begins with the discovery of the empty tomb ...
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Matthew (Levi)
Author
c. AD 30-33 - The Resurrection and Early Church Commissioning
Timeline
Timeline
c. AD 30-33 - The Resurrection and Early Church Commissioning
Matthew 28 narrates the climactic resurrection of Jesus Christ, marking the fulfillment of His prophecy and the cornerstone of Christian faith. The chapter begins with the discovery of the empty tomb by Mary Magdalene and the other Mary, followed by an angelic announcement of Jesus’ resurrection. Jesus then appears to the women and later to His disciples in Galilee, affirming His victory over death. The chapter concludes with the Great Commission, where Jesus commands His followers to make disciples of all nations, baptizing and teaching them. This chapter is pivotal as it confirms the divine authority of Christ and establishes the mission of the Church, bridging the Gospel narrative to the ongoing work of spreading the Good News.
Verses 1-10: The Resurrection Event. The chapter opens with the women visiting Jesus’ tomb at dawn, witnessing a supernatural earthquake and an angel who announces that Jesus has risen. Jesus then appears to the women, affirming His resurrection and instructing them to inform the disciples.
Verses 11-15: The Guard’s Report and the Chief Priests’ Conspiracy. Some guards report the events to the chief priests, who bribe the soldiers to spread a false story that Jesus’ body was stolen, illustrating human opposition to the resurrection truth.
Verses 16-20: The Great Commission. The eleven disciples meet Jesus in Galilee, worship Him though some doubt, and receive His authoritative command to disciple all nations, baptizing and teaching them, with the promise of His continual presence.
Devoted women followers of Jesus who first witness the empty tomb and receive the angelic message of resurrection. They play a crucial role as the first evangelists of the risen Christ.
A heavenly messenger who announces Jesus’ resurrection, demonstrating divine power by rolling away the stone and comforting the women with the news of Christ’s victory over death.
The risen Lord who appears to His followers, affirms His authority over heaven and earth, and commissions His disciples to spread the Gospel, fulfilling His redemptive mission.
Religious leaders who conspire to suppress the truth of the resurrection by bribing the guards to spread a false narrative, representing opposition to God’s redemptive plan.
Jesus’ closest followers who receive the Great Commission, worship the risen Christ, and are entrusted with the mission to disciple all nations.
Mary Magdalene and the other Mary visit the tomb at dawn, encounter an angel who announces Jesus’ resurrection, and are reassured not to fear.
The angel instructs the women to inform the disciples, and Jesus Himself appears, greeting them and reiterating the message to go to Galilee.
The guards report the resurrection events; the chief priests bribe them to spread a false story to counter the resurrection claim.
The eleven disciples go to the appointed mountain in Galilee, worship Jesus, though some harbor doubts.
Jesus declares His universal authority and commands His disciples to make disciples of all nations, baptizing and teaching them, promising His presence always.
“He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.”
“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.”
How well do you know Matthew 28?
Take the QuizTrust in the resurrection power of Christ to overcome personal doubts and fears.
Embrace the Great Commission by actively sharing the Gospel and discipling others.
Baptize and teach new believers to root them firmly in Christian doctrine and practice.
Rejoice in Jesus’ promise of His continual presence, especially in times of challenge.
Reject falsehoods and stand firm in the truth of Christ’s resurrection.
Worship the risen Lord with reverence and obedience, even amid uncertainty.
This chapter centers on Jesus’ resurrection, affirming His triumph over death and sin, which is the cornerstone of Christian faith and hope for eternal life.
Jesus’ declaration of all authority in heaven and earth establishes His divine sovereignty, empowering the Church’s mission and affirming His lordship over all creation.
The Great Commission emphasizes the Church’s responsibility to evangelize, baptize, and teach all nations, continuing Jesus’ work until His return.
The disciples’ mixed response of worship and doubt reflects the human struggle with faith, encouraging believers to trust in the risen Christ despite uncertainties.
Jesus’ promise to be with His followers always provides comfort and strength, assuring believers of His continual guidance and support in their mission.
Matthew 28 is set in first-century Judea under Roman occupation, shortly after the crucifixion of Jesus. The Jewish religious leaders held significant influence but operated under Roman political authority. Burial customs involved placing bodies in tombs sealed with large stones, and guards were stationed to prevent tampering. The resurrection event challenged both Jewish and Roman worldviews, provoking attempts to suppress the truth. The early Church emerged in this context, tasked with spreading the message of Jesus’ resurrection amid opposition and skepticism.
Geographically, the events occur near Jerusalem and Galilee, key regions in Jesus’ ministry. The Sabbath and Jewish festivals shaped the timing and significance of the resurrection, as the first day of the week symbolized new beginnings. Understanding these cultural and political realities illuminates the profound impact of the resurrection and the boldness of the disciples’ mission.
Reformed theology emphasizes the sovereignty of Christ as declared in verse 18, viewing the resurrection as God’s definitive act of salvation. The Great Commission is understood as a covenantal mandate to disciple nations, grounded in God’s sovereign plan.
Dispensationalists highlight the literal fulfillment of Jesus’ promise to appear in Galilee and the distinct roles of Israel and the Church. The Great Commission is seen as the Church’s current age mission before Christ’s future millennial reign.
Early Church Fathers interpreted the angelic announcement and resurrection appearances as proof of Christ’s divinity and the defeat of death. They emphasized the importance of baptism and teaching as means of grace initiated by the risen Lord.
Affirms Christ’s resurrection and victory over death, paralleling Matthew 28’s proclamation that He is risen.
Echoes the Great Commission’s call to witness to all nations empowered by the Holy Spirit.
Provides a parallel account of Jesus’ post-resurrection appearances to His disciples, including their doubts and worship.
Paul’s summary of the resurrection appearances underscores the foundational truth celebrated in Matthew 28.
Contains a similar Great Commission emphasizing preaching, baptism, and signs following believers.
Matthew 28 stands as the triumphant climax of the Gospel, declaring Jesus’ resurrection and commissioning His followers to continue His redemptive work. It assures believers of Christ’s sovereign authority and abiding presence, inspiring faith, obedience, and bold witness. This chapter not only confirms the truth of the resurrection but also establishes the Church’s mission to disciple all nations, making it foundational for Christian identity and purpose throughout history.
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