Matthew 28
Matthew 28 serves as the glorious climax to the First Gospel, transforming the sorrow and defeat of the crucifixion into supreme cosmic victory. Throughout his Gospel, Matthew has presented Jesus as the Promised King, Messiah, and true Immanuel—'God with us.' The narrative now culminates in the physical resurrection of Jesus, establishing His ultimate authority over sin, death, and human empires. Occurring at dawn after the Sabbath, the events begin with faithful women visiting the tomb, where a divine earthquake and an angelic messenger reveal the empty grave. In contrast to the futile lies invented by the Jewish religious leaders and Roman guards to suppress the truth, the risen Christ reveals Himself directly to His followers. The chapter concludes not with an ending, but with a global beginning: the Great Commission on a mountain in Galilee, where Jesus claims universal authority and dispatches His Church to make disciples of all ethnic groups. This chapter anchors Christian theology in the historical reality of the resurrected Messiah and promises His abiding spiritual presence until the consummation of the age.
1. The Angelic Announcement at the Empty Tomb
Matthew 28:1–7
1 Now 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. 2 Behold, 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. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. 4 For fear of him, the guards shook, and became like dead men. 5 The angel answered the women, “Don’ t be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus, who has been crucified. 6 He is not here, for he has risen, just like he said. Come, see the place where the Lord was lying. 7 Go 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.”
Commentary
- Devotion in the Shadow of Sorrow: Mary Magdalene and the other Mary arrive at the tomb early on the first day of the week (v. 1). Their early morning arrival demonstrates deep love and covenantal loyalty to Jesus, even when they anticipated finding only a cold, sealed tomb.
- Divine Intervention and Angelic Glory: A great earthquake accompanies the descent of an angel of the Lord who rolls away the heavy stone (v. 2–3). The stone was not moved to let Jesus out, but to show humanity that the tomb was already empty, testifying to God's triumphant power over death.
- Terror of the Guards versus Comfort for Believers: The hardened Roman soldiers shake in terror and become like dead men, showing the helplessness of human military power against divine glory (v. 4). In sharp contrast, the angel gently reassures the women, telling them not to fear because their search for the crucified Jesus lead to a living Saviour (v. 5).
- The Core Gospel Proclamation: The angel delivers the defining proclamation of Christian faith: 'He is not here, for he has risen, just like he said' (v. 6). Jesus' resurrection fulfilled His own prophecies, confirming the truthfulness of His words and the total acceptance of His sacrificial atonement.
- Commissioned with the Good News: The women are instructed to inspect the empty burial place and immediately tell the disciples that Jesus has risen and will meet them in Galilee (v. 7). In a culture where female testimony was often discounted, God honours these faithful women as the primary heralds of the resurrection.
Insight: The resurrection of Jesus transforms human despair into divine hope, proving that God's word is entirely trustworthy and that death has been swallowed up in victory.
2. The Risen Jesus Appears to the Women
Matthew 28:8–10
8 They departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to bring his disciples word. 9 As they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, “ Rejoice! ” They came and took hold of his feet, and worshiped him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, “Don’ t be afraid. Go tell my brothers that they should go into Galilee, and there they will see me.”
Commentary
- A Mix of Reverent Fear and Great Joy: The women depart the tomb rapidly with a combination of holy fear and overwhelming joy (v. 8). Their obedient haste reflects the urgency of the Gospel message; true encounters with divine reality spur immediate action.
- The Personal Greeting of the Risen Christ: As they run, Jesus Himself meets them with the simple greeting, 'Rejoice!' (v. 9). The physical presence of the resurrected Lord transforms their fearful obedience into direct, overjoyed worship.
- Physical Reality and Authentic Worship: The women clasp His feet and worship Him (v. 9). Touching His feet confirms that Jesus rose in a real, physical body, while their worship demonstrates their recognition of His divine identity.
- Jesus Reaffirms His Reassurance and Mission: Jesus reiterates the angel's command: 'Don't be afraid' and calls His disciples 'my brothers' (v. 10). Despite the disciples' earlier desertion during His trial, Jesus tenderly restores them as family and directs them toward Galilee.
Insight: Encounters with the living Christ eliminate debilitating fear, evoke genuine worship, and restore broken believers into intimacy and purpose.
3. The Cover-Up by the Religious Leaders
Matthew 28:11–15
11 Now while they were going, behold, some of the guards came into the city and told the chief priests all the things that had happened. 12 When they were assembled with the elders and had taken counsel, they gave a large amount of silver to the soldiers, 13 saying, “ Say that his disciples came by night and stole him away while we slept. 14 If this comes to the governor ’s ears, we will persuade him and make you free of worry.” 15 So they took the money and did as they were told. This saying was spread abroad among the Jews, and continues until today.
Commentary
- The Guards' Unintended Testimony: Some of the Roman guards enter Jerusalem to report everything that occurred to the chief priests (v. 11). Paradoxically, these pagan soldiers become the first official witnesses to tell the Jewish authorities about the supernatural events at the tomb.
- Bribery and Conspiracy: Rather than repenting in light of divine power, the chief priests and elders conspire to bribe the guards with a large sum of money (v. 12). This exposes the tragic hardness of human hearts that prioritize self-preservation over divine truth.
- A Fabricated and Unlogical Narrative: The soldiers are instructed to lie, claiming the disciples stole the body while they slept (v. 13–14). The story is logically flawed, as sleeping guards could not identify thieves, yet human unbelief willingly embraces absurdity to deny the resurrection.
- The Persistence of Falsehood: The soldiers accept the bribe, and the fabricated rumor spreads widely among the populace (v. 15). Matthew notes this to explain to his original readers why many in Jerusalem still rejected the resurrection despite overwhelming evidence.
Insight: No amount of financial corruption, political deception, or orchestrated lies can suppress the historical reality and spiritual power of Christ's resurrection.
4. The Great Commission and Perpetual Promise
Matthew 28:16–20
16 But the eleven disciples went into Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had sent them. 17 When they saw him, they bowed down to him; but some doubted. 18 Jesus came to them and spoke to them, saying, “ All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I commanded you. Behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.
Commentary
- Gathered on the Appointed Mountain: The eleven disciples travel to the designated mountain in Galilee (v. 16). In Matthew's Gospel, mountains are sites of significant divine revelation, such as the Sermon on the Mount and the Transfiguration.
- Worship Mixed with Hesitation: When the disciples see Jesus, they bow in worship, though some hesitate or doubt (v. 17). The Greek word 'edistasan' suggests hesitation or wavering in the presence of awe; Jesus does not disqualify them but addresses them with clear authority.
- The Universal Authority of the Son: Jesus announces that all authority in heaven and on earth has been granted to Him (v. 18). His resurrection proves His cosmic lordship over spiritual powers, human nations, and all creation.
- The Mandate to Make Disciples of All Nations: Based on His supreme authority, Jesus commands His followers to 'go and make disciples of all nations' (v. 19). The primary command is to make disciples (learners and followers), which involves going beyond Jewish borders to encompass all ethnic groups ('panta ta ethne').
- Trinitarian Baptism and Obedient Teaching: Discipleship involves two key practices: baptizing believers into the single name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey all of Christ's commands (v. 19–20). Baptism signifies identity and covenant union, while instruction fosters ongoing obedience.
- The Promise of Immanuel's Presence: Jesus closes Matthew's Gospel with the comforting promise: 'Behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the age' (v. 20). This fulfills the title 'Immanuel' introduced in Matthew 1:23, assuring believers of His continuous presence during the church's global mission.
Insight: The Church's global mission is anchored in Christ's supreme authority, sustained by His spiritual presence, and fulfilled as believers make obedient disciples of all nations.
Theological Significance
- The Historical Reality of the Resurrection: Jesus' physical resurrection is the cornerstone of Christian doctrine, validating His identity as the Son of God and confirming the sufficiency of His divine sacrifice for human redemption.
- The Supreme Authority of Jesus Christ: By rising from the dead, Jesus received cosmic authority over heaven and earth, fulfilling Daniel's vision of the Son of Man and establishing His rightful place as Lord of all creation.
- Trinitarian Foundation of Christian Faith: The explicit command to baptize in the single 'name' of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit provides foundational biblical evidence for the doctrine of the Trinity—one God existing eternally in three distinct Persons.
- The Universal Scope of Salvation: The movement from a localized ministry in Israel to a global commission for 'all nations' demonstrates that God's redemptive plan encompasses people from every tongue, tribe, and culture.
- The Promise of Divine Presence (Immanuel): Christ's declaration of abiding presence assures believers that they are never abandoned in ministry or suffering, fulfilling God's covenantal promise to walk faithfully with His people.
Major Themes
- Vindication through Resurrection
- Fear Overcome by Divine Joy
- Human Corruption versus Divine Truth
- Universal Authority of Christ
- The Great Commission and World Evangelism
- Trinitarian Identity in Baptism
- The Permanent Presence of Immanuel
Practical Applications
- Engage in Active Discipleship: Believers must move beyond merely making converts to investing intentionally in making disciples. This involves mentoring others, teaching biblical truth, and encouraging wholehearted obedience to Jesus Christ in everyday decisions.
- Overcome Fear through Resurrected Hope: When facing anxiety, persecution, or grief, Christians can draw strength from the reality of the empty tomb. Knowing that Jesus conquered death liberates believers from crippling fear and enables bold Christian living.
- Support Global and Local Missions: Every follower of Christ is called to participate in the Great Commission, whether through personal evangelism in local communities, supporting cross-cultural missionaries, or praying for unreached people groups.
- Maintain Integrity Against Cultural Deception: Just as the religious leaders used bribes to suppress truth, modern culture often promotes lies to undermine the Gospel. Believers and church leaders must stand firm in truth, rejecting financial or moral compromise.
- Rest in the Abiding Presence of Christ: In times of loneliness, workplace pressure, or family crisis, Christians should intentionally practice awareness of Christ's promised presence, finding comfort in the assurance that He is always with them.
Final Insight
Matthew 28 closes the earthly narrative of Jesus by opening an eternal chapter of global mission. The resurrection transforms the cross from a scene of apparent defeat into the supreme monument of divine victory. Because Jesus holds absolute authority over heaven and earth, His followers are sent into the world not in their own fragile strength, but empowered by His presence. As we make disciples, baptize in the Trinitarian name, and teach Christ's commands, we stand on the unbreakable promise that Immanuel—God with us—walks beside us until the end of the age.
