Introduction

Matthew 28 concludes the Gospel with the triumphant account of Jesus’ resurrection, His appearances to His followers, and the commissioning of His disciples to spread the gospel to all nations. The chapter opens on the first day of the week, as Mary Magdalene and another woman named Mary come to visit Jesus’ tomb, only to encounter a dramatic earthquake and an angel who descends from heaven, rolling back the stone sealing the tomb. The angel announces that Jesus has risen from the dead, just as He had foretold, instructing the women to inform the disciples and directing them to meet Jesus in Galilee. Overwhelmed with fear and great joy, the women depart quickly, and on their way, Jesus Himself appears to them, confirming the angel’s message and reassuring them.

Meanwhile, the guards who had witnessed the supernatural events report back to the chief priests, who bribe them to spread a false narrative claiming that Jesus’ disciples had stolen His body, revealing the religious leaders’ continued efforts to suppress the truth of the resurrection despite compelling evidence.

The chapter culminates in the eleven remaining disciples traveling to a mountain in Galilee, as Jesus had instructed. There, Jesus appears to them, and although some initially hesitate in doubt, they worship Him. Jesus then delivers the Great Commission, declaring that all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Him, and commanding His disciples to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey all that He has commanded. Jesus concludes with a powerful promise of His continual presence with His followers until the end of the age, providing assurance and encouragement for the ongoing mission of the church throughout history.

Chapter 28

1 Now late on the Sabbath, when the dawn of the first day of the week was near, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the place where his body was.

2 And there was a great earth-shock; for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, rolling back the stone, took his seat on it.

3 His form was shining like the light, and his clothing was white as snow:

4 And for fear of him the watchmen were shaking, and became as dead men.

5 And the angel said to the women, Have no fear: for I see that you are searching for Jesus, who was put to death on the cross.

6 He is not here, for he has come to life again, even as he said. Come, see the Lord’s resting-place.

7 And go quickly and give his disciples the news that he has come back from the dead, and is going before you into Galilee; there you will see him, as I have said to you.

8 And they went away quickly, with fear and great joy, to give his disciples the news.

9 And on the way, Jesus came to them, saying, Be glad. And they came and put their hands on his feet, and gave him worship.

10 Then said Jesus to them, Have no fear: go and give word to my brothers to go into Galilee, and there they will see me.

11 Now, while they were going, some of the watchmen came into the town and gave news to the chief priests of all the things which had taken place.

12 And when they had come together with those in authority, and had made their decision, they gave much money to the watchmen, saying,

13 Say, His disciples came by night and took him away secretly while we were sleeping.

14 And if this comes to the ruler’s ears, we will see that he does not make you responsible.

15 So they took the money, and did as they had been ordered: and this account has been current among the Jews till the present time.

16 But the eleven disciples went into Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had given them orders to go.

17 And when they saw him they gave him worship: but some were in doubt.

18 And Jesus came to them and said, All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth.

19 Go then, and make disciples of all the nations, giving them baptism in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit:

20 Teaching them to keep all the rules which I have given you: and see, I am ever with you, even to the end of the world.

Important Verses

• Matthew 28:6 “He is not here, for he has come to life again, even as he said.” This affirms the reality and fulfillment of Jesus’ resurrection.
• Matthew 28:18-19 “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. Go then, and make disciples of all the nations.” This establishes Jesus’ supreme authority and the church’s mandate for global evangelism.
• Matthew 28:20 “I am ever with you, even to the end of the world.” This offers believers ongoing assurance of Christ’s presence as they fulfill His commission.