Christianity
Matthew 28Resurrection and Great Commission
Summary
Matthew 28 tells how Mary Magdalene and the other Mary come to the tomb at dawn after the Sabbath. An earthquake rolls back the stone, and an angel tells them Jesus is risen and will meet the disciples in Galilee. Jesus himself greets them on the way. The guards report to the chief priests, who pay them to say the body was stolen. On a mountain in Galilee the risen Jesus sends the eleven to make disciples of all nations.
Key verse
“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:”
Matthew 28:19
Themes
- Resurrection
- Witness of Women
- Mission to All Nations
- Abiding Presence
Text
In 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.
And, 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.
His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow:
And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men.
And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified.
He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.
And 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.
And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word.
And 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.
Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me.
Now 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.
And when they were assembled with the elders, and had taken counsel, they gave large money unto the soldiers,
Saying, Say ye, His disciples came by night, and stole him away while we slept.
And if this come to the governor’s ears, we will persuade him, and secure you.
So they took the money, and did as they were taught: and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day.
Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them.
And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted.
And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
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.
Text: King James Version (1611/1769), public domain.
Across traditions
Islam
Surah Al Imran (3): Raised unto GodQuran 3:55 has God tell Jesus that He will gather him and cause him to ascend to Himself, and set his followers above the disbelievers. Islam affirms that Jesus was raised to God but not that he died and rose on the third day.
Christianity
Daniel 7: Dominion Given to the Son of ManThe risen Jesus's claim that all power is given to him echoes Daniel's vision of one like a son of man receiving everlasting dominion over all peoples and nations.
Questions about Matthew 28
What is the Great Commission?
It is the risen Jesus's command in Matthew 28:18 to 20 to make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost, and teaching them his commands, with the promise I am with you always.
Who first saw the empty tomb in Matthew?
Mary Magdalene and the other Mary, whom many identify as the mother of James and Joses mentioned in 27:56. They are also the first to meet the risen Jesus in Matthew's account.
What does Matthew say about the claim the body was stolen?
Matthew 28:11 to 15 says the chief priests bribed the guards to say the disciples stole the body while they slept, and notes this story was still told among Jews in his day. It shows the resurrection was already disputed early on.