The Gospels · Chapter 28 of 28

Matthew 28

At dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary come to the tomb. An earthquake, an angel, and the rolled-back stone greet them; the angel announces Jesus is risen. They run with fear and joy, and Jesus meets them on the way. The guards are bribed to lie. In Galilee Jesus commissions the eleven to make disciples of all nations, promising His presence to the end of the age.

What happens in Matthew 28

As the sabbath ends and the first day dawns, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary come to see the tomb. A great earthquake occurs as an angel descends, rolls back the stone, and sits on it, his appearance like lightning. The terrified guards become as dead men. The angel tells the women not to fear, for Jesus is risen as He said, and shows them the empty place. He sends them to tell the disciples and to meet Him in Galilee. As they run with fear and great joy, Jesus Himself meets them, greets them, and they worship at His feet; He repeats the instruction to go to Galilee.

Meanwhile the guards report to the priests, who bribe them to say the body was stolen. In Galilee the eleven meet Jesus on a mountain; they worship, though some doubt. He declares that all authority in heaven and earth is His, commissions them to disciple all nations, baptizing and teaching, and promises, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.

Matthew 28 in context

This is the climactic chapter of Matthew's Gospel, following the crucifixion and burial. The tomb had been sealed and guarded at the leaders' request precisely to prevent claims of resurrection, making the empty tomb and the guards' testimony significant.

Women, whose testimony was undervalued in that culture, are the first witnesses. The Great Commission sends a Jewish movement out to all nations.

Main themes of Matthew 28

Matthew 28 (KJV)

1In 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. 2And, 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. 3His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow: 4And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men. 5And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. 6He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. 7And 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. 8And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word. 9And 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. 10Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me. 11Now 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. 12And when they were assembled with the elders, and had taken counsel, they gave large money unto the soldiers, 13Saying, Say ye, His disciples came by night, and stole him away while we slept. 14And if this come to the governor’s ears, we will persuade him, and secure you. 15So they took the money, and did as they were taught: and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day. 16Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them. 17And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted. 18And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 19Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20Teaching 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.

Verses to carry from Matthew 28

“He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.”Matthew 28:6

“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:”Matthew 28:19

“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 28:20

Reflection

The disciples who met the risen Jesus on the mountain worshiped Him, but some doubted, and He commissioned them anyway. He does not wait for perfect faith. He meets us with our fears and questions still unsettled, and sends us out with the promise that He is with us.

A prayer from Matthew 28