Chapter 28
Themes, discussion questions, Christ connections, and denomination lenses.
Just read this chapter →Scripture
KJV1In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre.
2And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it.
3His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow:
4And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men.
5And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified.
6He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.
7And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you.
8And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word.
9And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him.
10Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me.
11Now when they were going, behold, some of the watch came into the city, and shewed unto the chief priests all the things that were done.
12And when they were assembled with the elders, and had taken counsel, they gave large money unto the soldiers,
13Saying, Say ye, His disciples came by night, and stole him away while we slept.
14And if this come to the governor’s ears, we will persuade him, and secure you.
15So they took the money, and did as they were taught: and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day.
16Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them.
17And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted.
18And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
19Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
20Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”
Overview
On the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary come to the sepulchre and encounter an angel who declares that Jesus is risen from the dead. Jesus Himself appears to them and tells them not to be afraid. The chief priests bribe the soldiers to spread the lie that the disciples stole His body. Jesus then meets His disciples on a mountain in Galilee and gives them the Great Commission: to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them and teaching them to observe all He has commanded, promising 'I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.'
Key Themes
The Resurrection
The empty tomb confirms that Jesus has conquered death itself — He is not among the dead but alive forevermore, vindicating every claim He made and every promise He gave.
The Great Commission
The risen Christ commands His followers to make disciples of all nations — the mission of the church flows directly from His universal authority and His abiding presence.
Emmanuel to the End
The Gospel that began with 'God with us' (1:23) ends with the same promise — 'I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world' — bookending Matthew with the assurance of Christ's eternal presence.
Study Questions
Why is the resurrection of Jesus the foundation of the entire Christian faith — what collapses if it did not happen?
What does it mean that 'all power is given unto me in heaven and in earth' — and how does this universal authority undergird the Great Commission?
How does the Great Commission define the mission of every believer, not just pastors and missionaries?
What is the significance of Jesus commanding baptism 'in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost'?
How does Jesus' final promise — 'I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world' — echo the name Emmanuel from Matthew 1 and bring the entire Gospel full circle?
Connection to Christ
The resurrection is God's thundering vindication of everything Jesus said and did. He is not a dead teacher but the living Lord to whom all authority in heaven and earth has been given. The Great Commission sends His followers into all the world with His message, His authority, and His presence. Matthew's Gospel ends where it began — with Emmanuel, God with us — now risen, reigning, and present with His people until the very end of the age.
Personal Reflection
Take time to journal or meditate on what God is teaching you through Matthew 28. How can these truths transform your thinking and actions today?