The Risen King and His Commission

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Matthew 28 follows the crucifixion and burial of Jesus, concluding the Gospel narrative with His resurrection. The previous chapters detail Jesus' passion, death, and the sealing of His tomb, setting the stage for the miraculous event that validates His identity as the Son of God. Understanding the Jewish Sabbath and the significance of the first day of the week helps grasp the timing of the resurrection. This chapter transitions from Jesus' suffering to His triumph, emphasizing the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy and the inauguration of the new covenant mission.

What You'll Learn

• The resurrection of Jesus fulfills His promises and confirms His divine authority over life and death.
• God’s power is displayed through the angel’s descent and the earthquake, affirming the supernatural nature of the resurrection.
• The women’s role as the first witnesses highlights God’s use of unexpected people to proclaim the gospel.
• The Great Commission commands believers to disciple all nations, baptizing and teaching obedience to Christ’s commands.
• Jesus’ promise to be with His followers always assures His ongoing presence and support in the mission.
• The chapter addresses early opposition and falsehoods, showing the reality of the resurrection despite attempts to deny it.

Jesus’ resurrection empowers His followers to fulfill the Great Commission with His authority and presence.

Bible Translation Note: All Scripture on this page is quoted from the King James Version (KJV) and presented in full without alteration.

Matthew 28:1 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.

Matthew 28:2 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.

Matthew 28:3 His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow:

Matthew 28:4 And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men.

Matthew 28:5 And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified.

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

Matthew 28:7 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.

Matthew 28:8 And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word.

Matthew 28:9 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.

Matthew 28:10 Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me.

Matthew 28:11 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.

Matthew 28:12 And when they were assembled with the elders, and had taken counsel, they gave large money unto the soldiers,

Matthew 28:13 Saying, Say ye, His disciples came by night, and stole him away while we slept.

Matthew 28:14 And if this come to the governor’s ears, we will persuade him, and secure you.

Matthew 28:15 So they took the money, and did as they were taught: and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day.

Matthew 28:16 Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them.

Matthew 28:17 And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted.

Matthew 28:18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.

Matthew 28:19 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 28:20 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 28:1

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.

Study: This verse sets the scene at the very end of the Sabbath, marking the transition to the first day of the week, which becomes significant as the day of Jesus’ resurrection. Mary Magdalene and the other Mary come to the tomb, demonstrating devotion and courage despite the recent trauma of Jesus’ crucifixion. Their visit fulfills the cultural practice of anointing the dead and highlights their role as the first witnesses to the resurrection, emphasizing God’s choice of faithful women to reveal this pivotal event.

Matthew 28:2

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.

Study: The great earthquake and the angel’s descent from heaven reveal God’s direct intervention in history to accomplish resurrection. The rolling back of the stone, a heavy barrier, symbolizes the removal of death’s finality and the opening of new life. The angel’s action confirms the supernatural nature of the event, showing that this is not a human rescue but a divine act fulfilling God’s redemptive plan.

Matthew 28:3

His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow:

Study: The angel’s appearance, described as lightning-like and clothed in white, conveys purity, holiness, and divine glory. This imagery connects to Old Testament descriptions of heavenly beings and God’s presence, underscoring the authority and power behind the resurrection event. It also contrasts starkly with the darkness and despair of the crucifixion, highlighting the triumph of light over darkness.

Matthew 28:4

And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men.

Study: The guards’ reaction—trembling and becoming like dead men—illustrates the overwhelming power of God’s presence and the spiritual reality behind the resurrection. Their fear and paralysis contrast with the life-giving power displayed, emphasizing that human strength and authority are powerless before God’s sovereign acts. This detail also authenticates the event’s reality, as the guards were witnesses who could not prevent or explain what happened.

Matthew 28:5

And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified.

Study: The angel’s reassurance to the women not to fear addresses their natural terror and confusion, showing God’s compassion and care. By identifying Jesus as the crucified one they seek, the angel connects the resurrection directly to the suffering Messiah, fulfilling prophecy and God’s redemptive promises. This moment bridges the sorrow of the cross with the hope of resurrection, inviting the women into the joy of the new covenant.

Matthew 28:6

He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.

Study: The angel’s declaration that Jesus is not in the tomb but has risen as He said confirms the fulfillment of Jesus’ own predictions about His death and resurrection. Inviting the women to see the empty place serves as tangible proof, strengthening their faith and preparing them to be credible witnesses. This verse underscores the resurrection as a historical and physical reality, foundational to Christian belief.

Matthew 28:7

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.

Study: The command to quickly tell the disciples emphasizes the urgency and importance of spreading the resurrection news. The angel’s message that Jesus will meet them in Galilee points to the continuation of Jesus’ ministry and the gathering of His followers for commissioning. This instruction highlights God’s sovereign plan to restore and empower His people for the mission ahead.

Matthew 28:8

And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word.

Study: The women’s departure with both fear and great joy captures the complex emotions involved in encountering the risen Christ. Their running to share the news reflects the transformative power of the resurrection, turning mourning into mission. This response models the appropriate reaction to God’s work: reverent awe coupled with eager proclamation.

Matthew 28:9

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.

Study: Jesus’ personal appearance to the women affirms the reality of His resurrection and His desire for relationship with His followers. Their worship by holding His feet shows recognition of His divine lordship and humanity. This encounter bridges the gap between the miraculous and the personal, encouraging believers to respond to Jesus with faith and devotion.

Matthew 28:10

Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me.

Study: Jesus’ reassurance not to fear and His instruction to tell His brethren to go to Galilee reinforce His ongoing presence and leadership. Calling His disciples 'brethren' emphasizes the new family formed through faith, united by the resurrection. This verse highlights Jesus’ care and the continuity of His mission through His followers.

Matthew 28:11

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.

Study: The report of the guards to the chief priests introduces the human opposition to the resurrection truth. This detail reveals the political and religious tensions surrounding Jesus’ identity and mission. It also sets the stage for the spread of falsehoods, showing the challenges the early church faced in proclaiming the resurrection.

Matthew 28:12

And when they were assembled with the elders, and had taken counsel, they gave large money unto the soldiers,

Study: The chief priests’ counsel and payment to the soldiers to spread a false story demonstrate the lengths to which religious leaders went to suppress the resurrection message. This act of bribery contrasts with the truth and power of the resurrection, highlighting human resistance to God’s kingdom. It also fulfills Jesus’ prediction that His resurrection would provoke opposition.

Matthew 28:13

Saying, Say ye, His disciples came by night, and stole him away while we slept.

Study: The fabricated claim that the disciples stole Jesus’ body while the guards slept attempts to explain away the empty tomb. This falsehood underscores the reality of the resurrection, as opponents felt compelled to invent stories rather than confront the truth. Recognizing this helps believers appreciate the historical reliability of the resurrection accounts.

Matthew 28:14

And if this come to the governor’s ears, we will persuade him, and secure you.

Study: The promise to persuade the governor and protect the soldiers reveals the political influence of the chief priests and their determination to maintain control. This detail shows the intersection of religious authority and political power in opposing Jesus’ resurrection. It also reminds readers that the gospel often faces worldly opposition but God’s truth prevails.

Matthew 28:15

So they took the money, and did as they were taught: and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day.

Study: The continued circulation of the false report among the Jews highlights the enduring conflict over Jesus’ identity. This verse acknowledges the reality of skepticism and opposition in the early church’s context, encouraging believers to stand firm in faith despite criticism. It also serves as a historical note on the challenges of gospel witness.

Matthew 28:16

Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them.

Study: The eleven disciples’ journey to Galilee to meet Jesus fulfills His earlier instructions and symbolizes obedience and faith. The appointed mountain serves as a sacred meeting place, reminiscent of significant biblical encounters with God. This gathering marks the transition from Jesus’ earthly ministry to the commissioning of His followers for global mission.

Matthew 28:17

And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted.

Study: The disciples’ worship mixed with doubt reveals the honest and human response to the resurrection. Their worship acknowledges Jesus’ divine authority, while doubt reflects the struggle to fully grasp the miraculous. This tension encourages believers to bring their questions and faith together, trusting God’s promises even amid uncertainty.

Matthew 28:18

And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.

Study: Jesus’ declaration of all power in heaven and earth asserts His sovereign authority over all creation, legitimizing His commands to the disciples. This universal authority fulfills Old Testament expectations of the Messiah and establishes the foundation for the church’s mission. Recognizing Jesus’ lordship empowers believers to confidently carry out His Great Commission.

Matthew 28:19

Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

Study: The command to teach all nations and baptize in the triune name reveals the inclusive scope of the gospel and the establishment of Christian identity. This directive marks a significant expansion from Israel to the entire world, fulfilling God’s promise to bless all nations through Abraham’s seed. Baptism symbolizes entrance into the new covenant community and union with Christ.

Matthew 28:20

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.

Study: Teaching obedience to Jesus’ commands emphasizes discipleship as ongoing growth, not just initial conversion. Jesus’ promise to be with His followers always assures divine presence and support, encouraging perseverance in mission. Ending with 'Amen' affirms the certainty and authority of His words, inviting trust and obedience.

Matthew 28 narrates the resurrection of Jesus, a cornerstone event that validates His identity as the Son of God and fulfills His promises. The chapter highlights God’s power through the angel’s miraculous actions and Jesus’ appearances, affirming the reality of the resurrection. It also records the Great Commission, where Jesus commands His disciples to make disciples of all nations, baptizing and teaching them. Despite opposition and false claims, the resurrection message spreads, empowering believers with Jesus’ authority and presence to carry out His mission.

Lord Jesus, thank You for conquering death and rising victorious, giving us hope and new life. Help us to trust Your authority and obey Your commands as we share Your gospel with the world. Strengthen our faith when doubts arise and fill us with joy and courage to proclaim Your resurrection power every day. May Your presence guide and sustain us until You come again. Amen.

• Read Matthew 28 daily, focusing on Jesus’ resurrection and commands.
• Memorize Matthew 28:18 to remind yourself of Jesus’ authority.
• Pray for boldness to share the gospel with someone this week.
• Reflect in your journal on how Jesus’ resurrection impacts your hope and faith.
• Discuss with a friend or small group the meaning of the Great Commission.
• Identify one practical way to obey Jesus’ commands in your community.
• Worship God through song or prayer, celebrating the risen Christ.

Matthew 28 powerfully concludes the Gospel by revealing Jesus’ resurrection, confirming His divine authority, and commissioning His followers to disciple all nations. This chapter invites believers into a living faith marked by worship, obedience, and confident witness empowered by Christ’s presence.

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