Introduction

Matthew 28 is the climax of the Gospel—and of all human history. The tomb is empty. Death is defeated. The crucified Jesus is alive, and He commissions His followers to carry the good news to every nation. The chapter moves from fear to joy, from death to life, from a small group of disciples to a worldwide mission. Everything changes because He is risen.

The Empty Tomb (Verses 1-10)

[1-10] Women come to the tomb and find it open and empty.

• After the Sabbath: [1] As the Sabbath ends and the first day of the week dawns, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary go to see the tomb. The darkness of Friday and Saturday gives way to Sunday's first light.
• The Angel's Descent: [2-3] A great earthquake occurs as an angel of the Lord descends from heaven, rolls back the stone, and sits on it. His appearance is like lightning, his clothing white as snow. Heaven has invaded earth.
• Guards Terrified: [4] The guards tremble and become like dead men. Roman soldiers, trained for battle, are paralyzed by angelic glory.
• "Do Not Be Afraid": [5] The angel speaks to the women: "Do not be afraid." Fear is the first response to the divine; but God always calms His people's fear.
• "He Is Not Here; He Has Risen": [6] "I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay." The resurrection was predicted; now it is fulfilled. The tomb is evidence—see where He was, but is no more.
• "Go Quickly and Tell": [7] The angel commissions them: "Go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and behold, he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him." The women become the first evangelists of the resurrection.
• Fear and Great Joy: [8] They depart quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy—a paradoxical combination appropriate to the moment—and run to tell the disciples.
• Jesus Meets Them: [9] Jesus Himself meets them: "Greetings!" They take hold of His feet and worship Him. He is tangible, touchable, real—not a ghost or vision.
• "Do Not Be Afraid... Go and Tell": [10] Jesus repeats the angel's words: "Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me." The disciples who fled are still His brothers. Grace restores the fallen.

The Guards' Report (Verses 11-15)

[11-15] The authorities attempt to suppress the resurrection.

• Some Guards Report: [11] While the women are going, some of the guard go into the city and tell the chief priests everything that happened. The evidence goes to the enemies first.
• The Bribe: [12-13] The chief priests assemble with the elders, devise a plan, and give sufficient money to the soldiers: "Tell people, 'His disciples came by night and stole him away while we were asleep.'"
• Protection Promised: [14] If this comes to the governor's ears, they promise to satisfy him and keep the soldiers out of trouble. The cover-up requires coordinated lying at the highest levels.
• The Story Spread: [15] The soldiers take the money and do as directed. This story has been spread among the Jews to this day. The lie persists—but so does the truth.

The Great Commission (Verses 16-20)

[16-20] Jesus meets His disciples in Galilee and gives the Church its marching orders.

• The Mountain in Galilee: [16] The eleven disciples go to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus directed them. Galilee was where ministry began; now a new chapter opens.
• Worship and Doubt: [17] When they see Him, they worship—but some doubt. Even among eyewitnesses, faith comes slowly. Jesus does not reject doubters; He commissions them.
• All Authority: [18] Jesus says: "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me." The resurrection vindicated Him as Lord of all. Every domain is under His rule.
• "Go Therefore": [19-20a] "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you." This is the Church's mission: make disciples (not just converts), baptize them (incorporating them into the Triune God), and teach them (not just information, but obedience).
• All Nations: [19] The mission is global—all nations, not just Israel. The gospel is for every people group on earth.
• "I Am with You Always": [20b] "And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age." The promise that sustains the mission. We do not go alone. Emmanuel—God with us—is with us until the age ends and His Kingdom comes in fullness.

Key Takeaways

• The Resurrection Is Historical: Women, guards, disciples, and enemies all encountered an empty tomb. The evidence is solid.
• Jesus Is Alive: He is not a memory or an ideal. He is risen, tangible, and present. He met the women; He met the disciples; He meets us.
• Authority Belongs to Christ: All authority in heaven and on earth is His. Nothing is outside His rule. This is the foundation for mission.
• The Mission Continues: Make disciples. Baptize. Teach. This is the Church's calling until He returns.
• He Is With Us: We are never alone. The risen Christ accompanies His people to the end of the age.

Reflection Questions

• How does the reality of the resurrection change how you live today—not just what you believe, but how you live?
• Who in your life needs to hear the good news that Jesus is risen?
• Are you actively making disciples—not just attending church, but helping others follow Jesus?
• In what situation do you need to hear His promise: "I am with you always"?