Matthew 28
Matthew 28 is the final chapter of Matthew’s Gospel, carrying the meaning of the Resurrection, the command given, and a new beginning. Overall, it can be divided into three parts: 1) Jesus’ resurrection (verses 1–10), 2) the guards’ report (verses 11–15), and 3) Jesus’ earthly commission (verses 16–20).
- The dawn of the Resurrection (verses 1–10): When Mary Magdalene and the other Mary go to the tomb, an angel appears and announces Jesus’ resurrection. The disciples are given the task of delivering this news.
- The guards’ report (verses 11–15): The scene shows the guards reporting to the chief priests that Jesus’ body is gone and, in return for money, agreeing to tell a lie.
- Earthly commission (verses 16–20): Jesus gives the disciples the mission to make disciples of all nations and promises to be with them until the end of the age.
1verseNow after the Sabbath, as it began to dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb.
2verseBehold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from the sky and came and rolled away the stone from the door and sat on it.
3verseHis appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow.
4verseFor fear of him, the guards shook, and became like dead men.
5verseThe angel answered the women, “Don’t be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus, who has been crucified.
6verseHe is not here, for he has risen, just like he said. Come, see the place where the Lord was lying.
7verseGo quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He has risen from the dead, and behold, he goes before you into Galilee; there you will see him.’ Behold, I have told you.”
8verseThey departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to bring his disciples word.
9verseAs they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, “Rejoice!” They came and took hold of his feet, and worshiped him.
10verseThen Jesus said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Go tell my brothers that they should go into Galilee, and there they will see me.”
11verseNow while they were going, behold, some of the guards came into the city and told the chief priests all the things that had happened.
12verseWhen they were assembled with the elders and had taken counsel, they gave a large amount of silver to the soldiers,
13versesaying, “Say that his disciples came by night and stole him away while we slept.
14verseIf this comes to the governor’s ears, we will persuade him and make you free of worry.”
15verseSo they took the money and did as they were told. This saying was spread abroad among the Jews, and continues until today.
16verseBut the eleven disciples went into Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had sent them.
17verseWhen they saw him, they bowed down to him; but some doubted.
18verseJesus came to them and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth.
19verseGo and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
20verseteaching them to observe all things that I commanded you. Behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.
Overall Meaning and Message
Matthew 28 unfolds around the power of Jesus who overcame death, the command to spread the news of the Resurrection to the world, and God’s eternal presence. Jesus’ resurrection is not just a miracle—it becomes a turning point where the disciples (and all believers) are freed from fear and receive a new life mission. The final commission is completed through the message of Jesus’ authority, the life of making disciples, and the promise of accompanying them (Immanuel).
Points for Reflection
- In the face of the news of Jesus’ resurrection, we reflect on what kind of faith and attitude we should have.
- Through the contrast between false reports and truth, we meditate on truthfulness and courage in our lives.
- Thinking of Jesus’ “earthly commission” as the calling given to me, I reflect on a life of obedience and practice.
Applying It to My Life
- Even in the face of fear and uncertainty, I can live by trusting the promise that Jesus will be with me.
- In the place where I am, I can think through and carry out concrete ways to “live as a disciple” and “share the gospel.”
This is the last chapter of Matthew.