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Summary

Matthew 28:1–10 – Resurrection and First Appearances

What happens:
At dawn on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene and the other Mary go to the tomb. A violent earthquake opens the burial site’s entrance and an angel, shining like lightning, rolls back the stone and sits on it. Guards tremble and become like dead men. The angel tells the women that Jesus has risen and invites them to see the empty tomb and then go quickly to tell the disciples. As they hurry away, Jesus meets them, greets them, and instructs them not to fear but to tell his brothers to go to Galilee, where they will see him.

What it means:
God’s power over death is confirmed in the risen Christ. The angel’s message and Jesus’ personal greeting transform fear into mission. The resurrection inaugurates a new reality and commissions the first witnesses to proclaim the good news.

Matthew 28:11–15 – The Guards’ Report

What happens:
Some of the guards report the events to the chief priests, who bribe them to spread a story that Jesus’ disciples stole his body while the guards slept. The priests assure the soldiers of protection if the governor hears about it, and the fabricated account circulates among the Jews.

What it means:
Attempts to suppress the resurrection truth through deception underline human resistance to God’s revelation. The persistence of the real testimony despite falsehoods attests to the resurrection’s authenticity.

Matthew 28:16–20 – The Great Commission

What happens:
The eleven disciples go to Galilee, to the mountain Jesus designated. When they see him, they worship, though some doubt. Jesus approaches and declares that all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to him. He commissions them to make disciples of all nations by baptizing in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit and teaching obedience to his commands. He concludes with his promise, “I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

What it means:
Christ’s universal authority empowers the church’s global mission. Baptism and teaching bind believers into Christ’s family and shape a community obedient to him. His enduring presence assures confidence and perseverance in fulfilling the commission.

Application

  • Live in the reality of the resurrection, letting Christ’s victory over death shape your hope and courage
  • Proclaim the risen Lord boldly, knowing false narratives cannot extinguish the truth you bear
  • Engage in the Great Commission by baptizing and teaching others, embodying Jesus’ commands in your community
  • Rely on Jesus’ promise of presence to guide and strengthen you as you participate in God’s mission
  • Worship Christ continually, even amid doubt, and step forward in faith to obey his authority and call

Bible

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.

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