Matthew 28 -

Matthew 28 stands as a pivotal chapter in the New Testament, encapsulating the resurrection of Jesus Christ and His final instructions to His disciples. This chapter, often referred to as the foundation of the Great Commission, marks a transformative moment in Christian theology, emphasizing the triumph of life over death and the universal call to discipleship. We explore the historical, theological, and practical dimensions of Matthew 28, offering a comprehensive analysis of its verses, their significance, and their enduring relevance for believers today.

Table of Contents

The Resurrection Narrative: Matthew 28:1–10

The Dawn of a New Era

As the Sabbath ended and the first day of the week dawned, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary approached Jesus’ tomb (Matthew 28:1). This moment, described with vivid imagery, sets the stage for the miraculous. A violent earthquake accompanied an angel of the Lord descending from heaven, rolling back the stone sealing the tomb, and sitting upon it (Matthew 28:2). The angel’s appearance, likened to lightning with garments white as snow, struck fear into the Roman guards, rendering them like “dead men” (Matthew 28:3–4). This divine intervention underscores God’s power over earthly authorities and death itself.

The Angel’s Proclamation

The angel addressed the women, calming their fears with the transformative message: “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for he has risen, as he said” (Matthew 28:5–6). The instruction to “come, see the place where he lay” invited the women to witness the empty tomb, a tangible sign of the resurrection. The angel further commissioned them to inform the disciples, promising that Jesus would meet them in Galilee (Matthew 28:7). This command highlights the women’s role as the first evangelists, entrusted with spreading the good news.

Encounter with the Risen Christ

As the women departed with fear and joy, Jesus Himself appeared, greeting them with “Rejoice!” (Matthew 28:9). Their immediate response—falling at His feet in worship—reflects a profound acknowledgment of His divine authority. Jesus reaffirmed the angel’s message, directing them to tell His disciples to meet Him in Galilee (Matthew 28:10). This encounter emphasizes Jesus’ continued presence and guidance, reinforcing the resurrection’s reality and its call to action.

The Guards’ Report and the Cover-Up: Matthew 28:11–15

A Conspiracy to Deny the Truth

While the women carried the resurrection message, some guards reported the events to the chief priests (Matthew 28:11). The religious leaders, unwilling to accept the resurrection, devised a plan to suppress the truth. They bribed the guards with a “sufficient sum of money” to spread a false narrative: that Jesus’ disciples stole His body while they slept (Matthew 28:12–13). The priests promised protection from Governor Pilate’s wrath, ensuring the guards’ compliance (Matthew 28:14). This fabricated story, as Matthew notes, persisted among some Jewish communities “to this day” (Matthew 28:15), illustrating the ongoing tension between belief and skepticism.

Theological Implications of the Cover-Up

The priests’ actions reflect a deliberate rejection of divine evidence, prioritizing human authority over God’s revelation. This narrative underscores a broader theme in Matthew’s Gospel: the conflict between faith and unbelief. The cover-up attempt, though futile in light of the resurrection’s truth, highlights the human tendency to resist transformative realities. For modern readers, this serves as a reminder to examine personal biases and embrace the evidence of Christ’s victory over death.

The Great Commission: Matthew 28:16–20

The Setting: A Mountain in Galilee

The eleven disciples, now without Judas, journeyed to a designated mountain in Galilee as Jesus instructed (Matthew 28:16). Mountains in Matthew’s Gospel often signify moments of divine revelation, such as the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:1) and the Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1). This setting underscores the weight of Jesus’ final commission. When the disciples saw Him, they worshiped, though “some doubted” (Matthew 28:17), reflecting the human struggle to fully grasp the resurrection’s magnitude.

Jesus’ Declaration of Authority

Jesus declared, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me” (Matthew 28:18). This statement, rooted in divine empowerment from God the Father, establishes Jesus as the sovereign Lord over all creation. Unlike earthly rulers who wield power through coercion, Jesus’ authority is grounded in His sacrificial love and victory over death. This declaration forms the foundation for the Great Commission, empowering disciples to act under His divine mandate.

The Command to Make Disciples

The core of the Great Commission lies in Jesus’ command: “Go therefore 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 observe all that I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19–20). This directive expands the mission beyond Israel to all nations, reflecting the universal scope of God’s redemptive plan. Baptism, a symbolic act of initiation, aligns new believers with the Triune God, while teaching ensures ongoing spiritual growth through adherence to Jesus’ teachings.

The Promise of Presence

Jesus concluded with a profound assurance: “And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20). This promise of His enduring presence offers comfort and empowerment, ensuring that disciples are never alone in their mission. It echoes God’s covenantal promises in the Old Testament, such as “I will be with you” (Exodus 3:12), and extends to all believers across time.

Theological Significance of Matthew 28

The Resurrection as the Cornerstone of Faith

The resurrection is the linchpin of Christian theology, validating Jesus’ identity as the Messiah and Son of God. It fulfills His predictions (Matthew 16:21, 17:23) and Old Testament prophecies (Psalm 16:10). The empty tomb and Jesus’ appearances provide irrefutable evidence of God’s power over death, offering hope for eternal life to all who believe.

The Universal Mission of the Church

The Great Commission redefines the mission of God’s people, shifting from an exclusive focus on Israel to a global outreach. This mandate reflects God’s desire for all people to know Him (Isaiah 49:6). It calls believers to active participation in evangelism, discipleship, and teaching, fostering communities rooted in faith, obedience, and love.

The Role of Baptism and Teaching

Baptism and teaching are integral to discipleship. Baptism signifies entry into the covenant community, while teaching equips believers to live out Jesus’ commands. This dual emphasis ensures that faith is both declarative and transformative, shaping individuals and communities to reflect Christ’s character.

Practical Applications for Today’s Believers

Living Out the Great Commission

For contemporary Christians, Matthew 28 serves as a call to action. Making disciples involves sharing the gospel, mentoring new believers, and living as examples of Christ’s love. This mission transcends cultural and geographic boundaries, requiring sensitivity to diverse contexts while remaining anchored in biblical truth.

Overcoming Doubt and Fear

The disciples’ initial doubt (Matthew 28:17) mirrors the struggles of modern believers. Yet, Jesus’ presence and authority provide assurance to move forward despite uncertainties. Engaging in prayer, studying Scripture, and fostering community can strengthen faith and embolden outreach efforts.

Confronting Modern Cover-Ups

The priests’ attempt to suppress the resurrection parallels contemporary efforts to dismiss or distort Christian truths. Believers are called to proclaim the gospel boldly, countering skepticism with the transformative power of Christ’s resurrection and teachings.

Historical Context and Manuscript Evidence

Matthew’s Gospel and Its Audience

Written primarily for a Jewish-Christian audience, Matthew’s Gospel emphasizes Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. The resurrection narrative and Great Commission align with this purpose, presenting Jesus as the Messiah who ushers in a new covenant for all nations.

Textual Integrity of Matthew 28:19–20

Some scholars, such as F.C. Conybeare, have questioned the Trinitarian formula in Matthew 28:19, suggesting it may be a later addition. However, early church writings, including the Didache (circa 100 AD) and Tertullian’s works (early 3rd century), consistently quote the full formula, supporting its originality. The Shem Tob Hebrew Matthew, which omits baptism, dates to the 14th century and lacks textual authority. The consensus among scholars, including Bart Ehrman, affirms the traditional reading, reinforcing the Trinitarian foundation of Christian baptism.

Conclusion: The Enduring Call of Matthew 28

Matthew 28 encapsulates the triumph of Jesus’ resurrection and the universal mission entrusted to His followers. The empty tomb, the angelic proclamation, and the Great Commission collectively affirm Christ’s authority and presence. For believers, this chapter is both a historical anchor and a living mandate, calling us to proclaim the gospel, make disciples, and trust in Jesus’ promise to be with us always. By embracing this mission, we participate in God’s redemptive work, transforming lives and communities until the end of the age.