Resurrection and Commission: The Glorious Finale in Matthew 28

Matthew 28 captures the triumphant victory of Jesus over death, reminding us of the life-altering power of His resurrection. It renews our hope, strengthens our faith, and inspires us to fulfill our Christian duty of making disciples. As we navigate life, Jesus' assurance of His continued presence serves as a beacon of comfort, courage, and consolation.

Verses 1-10: The Resurrection and Appearance to the Women

Mary Magdalene and the other Mary discover the empty tomb and meet an angel who announces Jesus' resurrection. As they leave to inform the disciples, Jesus Himself appears to them, confirming the news and instructing them to tell the disciples to meet Him in Galilee.

Verses 11-15: The Guards' Report

The guards report the events to the chief priests, who conspire to spread the story that the disciples stole Jesus' body. They bribe the soldiers to maintain this false account.

Verses 16-20: The Great Commission

In Galilee, the eleven disciples meet Jesus, who commissions them to make disciples of all nations, baptize them, and teach them to obey His commands. He assures them of His presence till the end of the age.

Matthew 28 presents the climactic event in the life of Jesus - His resurrection. The chapter also highlights Jesus' appearances post-resurrection and the imparting of the Great Commission to His disciples. This powerful conclusion to Matthew's Gospel assures believers of Jesus' victory over death and His continued presence with His followers.

Resurrection
The Great Commission
Authority of Jesus
Faith and DoubtThe Empty Tomb
Appearance to the Women
The Guards' Report
The Great CommissionJesus
Mary Magdalene
The other Mary
The Guards
The Chief Priests
The Elders
The Eleven DisciplesJerusalem
The Tomb
Galilee
The Mountain Jesus had designated

1. How does the resurrection of Jesus affirm your faith in His divinity?

2. What do you learn about obedience and courage from the women who visited the tomb?

3. How does the reaction of the guards contrast with that of the women?

4. How does the conspiracy of the chief priests affect your understanding of truth and deceit?

5. How does Jesus' appearance to the women enhance your understanding of His post-resurrection encounters?

6. What does the Great Commission mean to you personally? How can you apply it in your life?

7. How does the phrase "I am with you always, even to the end of the age" offer comfort and encouragement in your faith journey?

8. How does the disciples' worship and doubt coexist in their encounter with the risen Jesus?

9. How can you handle and respond to misinformation or false narratives about Jesus in today's context, similar to the story spread by the chief priests?

10. How does the resurrection event affect your understanding of life, death, and eternity?

11. How can the actions of Mary Magdalene and the other Mary serve as an example in your own faith practice?

12. How can you work towards fulfilling the Great Commission in your everyday interactions?

13. What impact does the assurance of Jesus' omnipresence have on your approach to challenges?

14. How does the angel's message to the women about Jesus' resurrection inspire you to share the Gospel?

15. How does the resurrection story impact your view of the nature of God?

16. How does Matthew 28 inform your understanding of discipleship?

17. What can you infer about the authority of Jesus from His words in the Great Commission?

18. In what ways does the plot of the chief priests challenge the courage of your convictions?

19. How does the contrast between the faith of the women and the doubt of the guards speak to your own spiritual journey?

20. How does the ending of Matthew's Gospel inspire you to continue exploring the story of Jesus in other New Testament writings?