◄ Matthew 28 ►
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Summary The Resurrection 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. Teaching Points The Resurrection of Jesus (Matthew 28:1-10) The chapter begins with Mary Magdalene and the other Mary visiting the tomb, only to find it empty. An angel announces, He is not here; He has risen, just as He said (Matthew 28:6). The resurrection is the cornerstone of Christian faith, affirming Jesus' divinity and the truth of His teachings. The women are instructed to share the news with the disciples, highlighting the role of women as the first witnesses to the resurrection. The Guards' Report (Matthew 28:11-15) The guards report the empty tomb to the chief priests, who bribe them to spread a false story that Jesus' body was stolen. This passage underscores the opposition and disbelief that the resurrection faced, even from those who witnessed the events. The Great Commission (Matthew 28:16-20) Jesus meets His disciples in Galilee and commissions them, saying, Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19). The Great Commission is a call to evangelism and discipleship, emphasizing the global mission of the Church. Jesus promises His presence, And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age (Matthew 28:20), providing assurance and strength for the mission. Practical Applications Embrace the Resurrection Live with the hope and assurance that comes from knowing Jesus has conquered death. Share the message of the resurrection with others, as it is central to the Gospel. Fulfill the Great Commission Engage in personal evangelism and support missionary efforts to spread the Gospel. Disciple others by teaching them to obey Jesus' commands, fostering spiritual growth in your community. Trust in Jesus' Presence Rely on the promise of Jesus' continual presence in your life, especially during challenging times. Seek His guidance and strength as you pursue His mission. People 1. Mary Magdalene Mary Magdalene is one of the women who went to see the tomb of Jesus after His crucifixion. She is a devoted follower of Jesus, and her presence at the tomb signifies her dedication and love for Him. In the original Greek, her name is Μαρία ἡ Μαγδαληνή (Maria hē Magdalēnē). 2. The Other Mary Referred to simply as "the other Mary," she accompanies Mary Magdalene to the tomb. This Mary is often identified as Mary the mother of James and Joseph, based on other Gospel accounts. Her presence highlights the role of women as the first witnesses to the resurrection. 3. The Angel of the Lord An angel appears at the tomb, described as having a countenance like lightning and clothing as white as snow. The angel rolls back the stone from the tomb's entrance and announces Jesus' resurrection to the women. In Greek, the term for angel is ἄγγελος (angelos), meaning "messenger." 4. The Guards The guards are Roman soldiers assigned to watch over Jesus' tomb to prevent His body from being stolen. They become like dead men out of fear when the angel appears and rolls back the stone. 5. Jesus Jesus is the central figure of the chapter, having risen from the dead. He appears to the women and later to His disciples, giving them the Great Commission. His resurrection is the cornerstone of Christian faith, affirming His divinity and victory over death. 6. The Eleven Disciples The eleven remaining disciples of Jesus (after Judas Iscariot's betrayal and death) are instructed to go to Galilee, where Jesus appears to them. They receive the Great Commission to make disciples of all nations. The term "disciples" in Greek is μαθηταί (mathētai), meaning "learners" or "followers." Places 1. Jerusalem While not explicitly mentioned in Matthew 28, Jerusalem is the implied starting point for the events of the resurrection, as it is where Jesus was crucified and buried. The city holds significant importance as the center of Jewish worship and prophecy fulfillment. 2. The Tomb Matthew 28:1 describes Mary Magdalene and the other Mary visiting the tomb where Jesus was laid. The tomb is a key location as it is where the resurrection is first revealed. The Greek term used for tomb is "τάφος" (taphos), indicating a burial place. 3. Galilee In Matthew 28:7 and 28:10, the angel and Jesus instruct the women to tell the disciples to go to Galilee, where they will see Him. Galilee is significant as it is where much of Jesus' ministry took place and where He first called His disciples. The Greek term "Γαλιλαία" (Galilaia) refers to this region in northern Israel. 4. The Mountain in Galilee Matthew 28:16 mentions the disciples going to a mountain in Galilee where Jesus had directed them. This mountain is traditionally considered a place of revelation and teaching, reminiscent of the Sermon on the Mount. The specific mountain is not named, but it serves as the setting for the Great Commission. Events 1. The Resurrection of Jesus (Matthew 28:1-4) After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. A violent earthquake occurred as an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, rolled back the stone, and sat on it. The guards were so afraid that they became like dead men. 2. The Angel's Message to the Women (Matthew 28:5-7) The angel told the women not to be afraid and announced that Jesus, who was crucified, had risen. The angel instructed them to go quickly and tell His disciples that He had risen from the dead and was going ahead of them into Galilee. 3. The Women Meet the Risen Jesus (Matthew 28:8-10) The women hurried away from the tomb, filled with joy, and ran to tell the disciples. Suddenly, Jesus met them and greeted them. They clasped His feet and worshiped Him. Jesus told them not to be afraid and to inform His brothers to go to Galilee, where they would see Him. 4. The Guards' Report (Matthew 28:11-15) Some of the guards went into the city and reported to the chief priests everything that had happened. The chief priests and elders devised a plan, giving the soldiers a large sum of money to say that Jesus' disciples came during the night and stole His body while they were asleep. This story was widely circulated among the Jews. 5. The Great Commission (Matthew 28:16-20) The eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had directed them. When they saw Him, they worshiped Him, though some doubted. Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." In this chapter, the Greek term "Ἀνάστασις" (anastasis) is used for "resurrection," emphasizing the rising again of Jesus, which is central to Christian belief. The angel's message and Jesus' appearance affirm the truth of the resurrection, a cornerstone of Christian faith. The Great Commission underscores the mission of the Church to spread the Gospel, rooted in the authority of Christ. Connections to Additional Scriptures 1 Corinthians 15:3-8 Paul’s account of the resurrection appearances, affirming the truth of the resurrection. Acts 1:8 Jesus' promise of the Holy Spirit empowering the disciples to be His witnesses. Romans 10:14-15 The necessity of preaching the Gospel for others to believe and be saved. Prayer Points Thanksgiving for the Resurrection Praise God for the victory over sin and death through Jesus Christ. Empowerment for the Great Commission Ask for boldness and wisdom to share the Gospel and make disciples. Assurance of Jesus' Presence Pray for a deeper awareness of Christ’s presence and guidance in your daily life. As we reflect on Matthew 28, may we be inspired by the resurrection and committed to fulfilling the Great Commission, trusting in the ever-present help of our risen Lord. Bible Study Questions 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? Topics 1. The Resurrection of Jesus (Matthew 28:1-10) This section describes the events of the resurrection morning. Mary Magdalene and the other Mary visit the tomb, only to find it empty. An angel appears, announcing that Jesus has risen. The women are instructed to inform the disciples. The Greek word for "resurrection" (ἀνάστασις, anastasis) signifies a rising up, emphasizing the physical resurrection of Jesus. 2. The Report of the Guards (Matthew 28:11-15) After the resurrection, the guards report the events to the chief priests. A plan is devised to spread the false story that Jesus' disciples stole His body. This passage highlights the ongoing opposition to the truth of the resurrection. 3. The Great Commission (Matthew 28:16-20) Jesus meets His disciples in Galilee and gives them the Great Commission. He commands them to make disciples of all nations, baptizing them and teaching them to obey His commands. The Greek term for "make disciples" (μαθητεύω, mathēteuō) underscores the process of teaching and nurturing believers in the faith. Jesus assures them of His presence, saying, "And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Themes 1. The Resurrection of Jesus Matthew 28:1-10 describes the resurrection of Jesus, emphasizing the fulfillment of prophecy and the power of God over death. The angel's announcement, "He is not here; He has risen, just as He said" (Matthew 28:6), highlights the truth of Jesus' victory over the grave. The Greek term "ἐγήγερται" (egēgertai) underscores the divine action of being raised. 2. The Great Commission In Matthew 28:16-20, Jesus commissions His disciples to spread the Gospel, saying, "Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations" (Matthew 28:19). This theme emphasizes the mission of the Church to evangelize and baptize, rooted in the authority of Jesus, as indicated by the Greek word "ἐξουσία" (exousia), meaning authority or power. 3. The Authority of Jesus Jesus declares, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me" (Matthew 28:18). This theme underscores the sovereignty of Christ and His divine authority, which is foundational for the mission of the Church. The Greek word "ἐξουσία" (exousia) is central to understanding the comprehensive nature of His rule. 4. The Presence of Jesus Jesus promises His continual presence with His followers, saying, "And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age" (Matthew 28:20). This theme highlights the assurance and comfort of Christ's presence, with the Greek phrase "μεθ' ὑμῶν" (meth' hymōn) meaning "with you," emphasizing His ongoing companionship. 5. The Role of Women in the Resurrection Narrative Women are the first to witness and proclaim the resurrection, as seen in Matthew 28:1-10. This theme highlights their significant role in the early Christian community. The Greek term "μαθηταί" (mathētai), meaning disciples, is inclusive of these women, showing their importance in the narrative. 6. The Reaction of the Guards and Jewish Leaders Matthew 28:11-15 describes the guards' report and the Jewish leaders' attempt to suppress the truth of the resurrection. This theme illustrates the opposition to the Gospel and the lengths to which some will go to deny the truth. The Greek word "συμβούλιον" (symboulion), meaning council or plan, reflects the deliberate effort to counteract the resurrection message. Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions