📖 Passage

Matthew 28:1–20 Read Matthew 28:1–20 (NKJV)

🧠 Context & Background

Matthew 28 records the greatest event in human history — 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.

🌿 Key Themes

• Victory over Death – The resurrection confirms Jesus as the conquering Messiah.
• Fulfillment of Prophecy – Old Testament predictions come to full realization in Christ.
• Witness & Testimony – Women are the first to see and proclaim the risen Lord.
• Mission to the Nations – The Great Commission extends God's covenant blessings globally.
• Ongoing Presence of Christ – "I am with you always" assures believers of His continual aid.

📖 Verse-by-Verse Commentary

Matthew 28:1–7 – The Empty Tomb and the Angel's Message

"He is not here, for He has risen, as He said."

• Women as First Witnesses – Mary Magdalene and the other Mary receive the news first, elevating their role in salvation history.
• Heavenly Confirmation – An angel rolls away the stone not to let Jesus out, but to reveal that He is already gone.
• Fear and Joy – The women experience both awe at the divine event and joy at the Lord's victory.
• Faithful Word – The angel points back to Jesus' own predictions, confirming His truthfulness.

Matthew 28:8–10 – Jesus Appears to the Women

"They came up and took hold of His feet and worshiped Him."

• Physical Encounter – The women touch Jesus, affirming a bodily resurrection.
• Immediate Worship – Recognition of His divine nature prompts adoration.
• Commission to Tell – They are sent to share the news with the disciples, making them the first evangelists of the resurrection.

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

"Tell people, 'His disciples came by night and stole Him away.'"

• Corruption of Truth – Religious leaders bribe soldiers to spread a false account.
• Providence in Opposition – Even lies become indirect evidence of the resurrection, since they confirm the tomb was empty.

Matthew 28:16–20 – The Great Commission

"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…"

• Universal Scope – The Gospel is for every people group, fulfilling the Abrahamic promise of blessing to the nations (Genesis 12:3).
• Baptism and Teaching – Discipleship involves identification with Christ and instruction in obedience.
• Authority of Christ – "All authority" grounds the mission in His sovereign kingship.
• Enduring Presence – Jesus promises His ongoing presence until the end of the age.

🔍 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.

🧩 Review Questions

💡 Click a question to open the chatbot and explore the answer. Tap the chat bubble again to close it.

1. Why is it significant that women were the first witnesses to the resurrection?
2. How does the resurrection confirm the truth of Jesus' words in Matthew 16:21?
3. In what ways does the Great Commission fulfill Old Testament promises?
4. How does Jesus' promise of His presence affect our obedience to His mission?

🔍 Definitions

• Resurrection – The bodily rising of Jesus from the dead, never to die again.
• Great Commission – Jesus' command to make disciples of all nations through evangelism, baptism, and teaching.
• Authority – The right and power to command, belonging fully to the risen Christ.

🙋 Application Questions

1. How does the resurrection shape your confidence in the promises of God?
2. What role do you play in making disciples locally and globally?
3. How can you live daily in light of Jesus' continual presence?

🔤 Greek Keywords

• ἐγήγερται (egēgertai) – "Has been raised," perfect tense, indicating an accomplished event with lasting results.
• μαθητεύσατε (mathēteusate) – "Make disciples," calling for active teaching and mentoring in the faith.
• ἐξουσία (exousia) – "Authority," absolute right and power inherent in Christ.

📚 Cross References

• Psalm 16:10 – God will not let His Holy One see decay.
• Isaiah 53:11 – The Servant will see the fruit of His suffering.
• Romans 1:4 – Declared to be the Son of God by the resurrection.
• Genesis 12:3 – Blessing to all nations through Abraham's seed.
• Acts 1:8 – The Spirit empowers witnesses to the ends of the earth.

📦 Next Study

Next Study → Matthew 28:16–20