Matthew 28:1โ20 โ The Resurrection of Jesus and the Great Commission
๐ Passage
Matthew 28:1โ20
Read Matthew 28:1โ20 (NKJV)
๐ง Context & Background
Matthew 28 records the greatest event in human history โ the bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ. After His death and burial under Roman guard, the disciples were scattered and fearful. The resurrection fulfills Jesus' repeated predictions (Matthew 16:21; 17:23; 20:19) and Old Testament prophecy (Psalm 16:10; Isaiah 53:11). The angel's announcement to the women shifts the narrative from mourning to mission. The resurrection not only vindicates Christ's identity as the Son of God (Romans 1:4) but also guarantees the believer's justification (Romans 4:25). The Great Commission at the end of the chapter is the risen Lord's authoritative command to take the Gospel to all nations, empowered by His presence.
๐ฟ Key Themes
- Victory over Death โ The resurrection confirms Jesus as the conquering Messiah.
- Fulfillment of Prophecy โ Old Testament predictions come to full realization in Christ.
- Witness & Testimony โ Women are the first to see and proclaim the risen Lord.
- Mission to the Nations โ The Great Commission extends God's covenant blessings globally.
- Ongoing Presence of Christ โ "I am with you always" assures believers of His continual aid.
๐ Verse-by-Verse Commentary
Matthew 28:1โ7 โ The Empty Tomb and the Angel's Message
"He is not here, for He has risen, as He said."
- Women as First Witnesses โ Mary Magdalene and the other Mary receive the news first, elevating their role in salvation history.
- Heavenly Confirmation โ An angel rolls away the stone not to let Jesus out, but to reveal that He is already gone.
- Fear and Joy โ The women experience both awe at the divine event and joy at the Lord's victory.
- Faithful Word โ The angel points back to Jesus' own predictions, confirming His truthfulness.
Matthew 28:8โ10 โ Jesus Appears to the Women
"They came up and took hold of His feet and worshiped Him."
- Physical Encounter โ The women touch Jesus, affirming a bodily resurrection.
- Immediate Worship โ Recognition of His divine nature prompts adoration.
- Commission to Tell โ They are sent to share the news with the disciples, making them the first evangelists of the resurrection.
Matthew 28:11โ15 โ The Guards' Report and the Cover-Up
"Tell people, 'His disciples came by night and stole Him away.'"
- Corruption of Truth โ Religious leaders bribe soldiers to spread a false account.
- Providence in Opposition โ Even lies become indirect evidence of the resurrection, since they confirm the tomb was empty.
Matthew 28:16โ20 โ The Great Commission
"Go therefore and make disciples of all nationsโฆ"
- Universal Scope โ The Gospel is for every people group, fulfilling the Abrahamic promise of blessing to the nations (Genesis 12:3).
- Baptism and Teaching โ Discipleship involves identification with Christ and instruction in obedience.
- Authority of Christ โ "All authority" grounds the mission in His sovereign kingship.
- Enduring Presence โ Jesus promises His ongoing presence until the end of the age.
๐ Trusted Insight
"Spurgeon said, 'The risen Lord did not linger in the tomb, nor confine His blessings to one nation; He went forth in resurrection life to send His disciples to all nations.'" This underscores that resurrection power fuels the mission of the Church.
Summary: The resurrection secures salvation, validates Jesus' claims, and launches the Church's worldwide mission under the risen King's authority.
๐งฉ Review Questions
- Why is it significant that women were the first witnesses to the resurrection?
- How does the resurrection confirm the truth of Jesus' words in Matthew 16:21?
- In what ways does the Great Commission fulfill Old Testament promises?
- How does Jesus' promise of His presence affect our obedience to His mission?
๐ Definitions
- Resurrection โ The bodily rising of Jesus from the dead, never to die again.
- Great Commission โ Jesus' command to make disciples of all nations through evangelism, baptism, and teaching.
- Authority โ The right and power to command, belonging fully to the risen Christ.
๐ Application Questions
- How does the resurrection shape your confidence in the promises of God?
- What role do you play in making disciples locally and globally?
- How can you live daily in light of Jesus' continual presence?
๐ค Greek Keywords
- แผฮณฮฎฮณฮตฯฯฮฑฮน (egฤgertai) โ "Has been raised," perfect tense, indicating an accomplished event with lasting results.
- ฮผฮฑฮธฮทฯฮตฯฯฮฑฯฮต (mathฤteusate) โ "Make disciples," calling for active teaching and mentoring in the faith.
- แผฮพฮฟฯ ฯฮฏฮฑ (exousia) โ "Authority," absolute right and power inherent in Christ.
๐ Cross References
- Psalm 16:10 โ God will not let His Holy One see decay.
- Isaiah 53:11 โ The Servant will see the fruit of His suffering.
- Romans 1:4 โ Declared to be the Son of God by the resurrection.
- Genesis 12:3 โ Blessing to all nations through Abraham's seed.
- Acts 1:8 โ The Spirit empowers witnesses to the ends of the earth.