Matthew 28
BSB1 After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. 2 Suddenly there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, rolled away the stone, and sat on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. 4 The guards trembled in fear of him and became like dead men. 5 But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6 He is not here; He has risen, just as He said! Come, see the place where He lay. 7 Then go quickly and tell His disciples, ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see Him.’ See, I have told you." 8 So they hurried away from the tomb in fear and great joy, and ran to tell His disciples. 9 Suddenly Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” They came to Him, grasped His feet, and worshiped Him. 10 “Do not be afraid,” said Jesus. “Go and tell My brothers to go to Galilee. There they will see Me." 11 While the women were on their way, some of the guards went into the city and reported to the chief priests all that had happened. 12 And after the chief priests had met with the elders and formed a plan, they gave the soldiers a large sum of money 13 and instructed them: “You are to say, ‘His disciples came by night and stole Him away while we were asleep.’ 14 If this report reaches the governor, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble." 15 So the guards took the money and did as they were instructed. And this account has been circulated among the Jews to this very day. 16 Meanwhile, the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain Jesus had designated. 17 When they saw Him, they worshiped Him, but some doubted. 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. 19 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, 20 and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, even to the end of the age."
Study Notes — Matthew 28
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Matthew 28
- Themes from Matthew 28
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Matthew 28
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
Matthew chapter 28 begins with the resurrection of Jesus Christ, where an angel rolls away the stone from the tomb and Jesus rises from the dead. The guards at the tomb are shaken and become like dead men, while the angel tells the women who had come to the tomb to inform the disciples of Jesus' resurrection. Jesus then appears to the women and instructs them to tell the disciples to meet Him in Galilee. Meanwhile, the chief priests and elders concoct a story to explain the empty tomb, claiming that the disciples had stolen Jesus' body. The chapter concludes with Jesus commissioning His disciples to make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey all that He had commanded them. This commission is based on Jesus' authority, which He had demonstrated through His life, death, and resurrection, as seen in Matthew 28:18-20.
Context for the Chapter
Matthew chapter 28 is the final chapter of the Gospel of Matthew, and it concludes the story of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection. The chapter is set in the context of the early Christian community, where the disciples are struggling to understand the implications of Jesus' death and resurrection. The commission to the disciples is a call to spread the gospel to all nations, demonstrating God's desire to save people from all nations. This chapter is also connected to the larger biblical narrative, where God's plan of salvation is fulfilled through Jesus Christ, as seen in John 1:1 and Hebrews 1:3.
Heart Application
The commission to the disciples is a call to all believers to spread the gospel to all nations, demonstrating God's desire to save people from all nations. As seen in Matthew 28:18-20, this commission is based on Jesus' authority, and it is a demonstration of His divine nature and power. Believers should be obedient to this commission, using their gifts and talents to spread the gospel and make disciples of all nations.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Matthew chapter 28 is about the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the commission He gave to His disciples to spread the gospel to all nations. Jesus' authority is the basis for this commission, and it is a demonstration of His divine nature and power. As seen in Matthew 28:18-20, believers should be obedient to this commission, using their gifts and talents to spread the gospel and make disciples of all nations.
Voices from the Church
“The resurrection of Jesus is the cornerstone of our faith, and it is the basis for our hope of eternal life.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The authority of Jesus is the foundation of our obedience, and it is the basis for our commission to spread the gospel to all nations.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- The Resurrection of Jesus (Matthew 28:1-10) — The resurrection of Jesus is a demonstration of His power over death and sin, and it is the basis for the commission He gives to His disciples.
- The Commission to the Disciples (Matthew 28:18-20) — The commission to the disciples is a call to spread the gospel to all nations, demonstrating God's desire to save people from all nations.
- The Authority of Jesus (Matthew 28:18) — The authority of Jesus is the basis for the commission He gives to His disciples, and it is a demonstration of His divine nature and power.
- The Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20) — The Great Commission is a call to all believers to spread the gospel to all nations, demonstrating God's desire to save people from all nations.
- The Conclusion of the Gospel of Matthew (Matthew 28:20) — The conclusion of the Gospel of Matthew emphasizes the importance of obedience to Jesus' commission, and it looks forward to the second coming of Jesus.
Core Doctrines
- The Resurrection of Jesus
- The resurrection of Jesus is a demonstration of His power over death and sin, and it is the basis for the commission He gives to His disciples.
- The Authority of Jesus
- The authority of Jesus is the basis for the commission He gives to His disciples, and it is a demonstration of His divine nature and power.
- The Great Commission
- The Great Commission is a call to all believers to spread the gospel to all nations, demonstrating God's desire to save people from all nations.
- The Trinity
- The Trinity is demonstrated in the commission to baptize in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, showing the unity and cooperation of the Godhead.
Lessons from Matthew 28
- The Power of the Resurrection — The resurrection of Jesus is a demonstration of His power over death and sin, and it is the basis for the commission He gives to His disciples.
- The Importance of Obedience — Obedience to Jesus' commission is essential for the spread of the gospel to all nations, and it is a demonstration of our love for Jesus.
- The Unity of the Godhead — The Trinity is demonstrated in the commission to baptize in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, showing the unity and cooperation of the Godhead.
- The Great Commission — The Great Commission is a call to all believers to spread the gospel to all nations, demonstrating God's desire to save people from all nations.
- The Second Coming of Jesus — The second coming of Jesus is a future event that will bring an end to human history, and it is a motivation for believers to be obedient to Jesus' commission.
Themes from Matthew 28
- The Resurrection of Jesus — The resurrection of Jesus is a demonstration of His power over death and sin, and it is the basis for the commission He gives to His disciples.
- The Authority of Jesus — The authority of Jesus is the basis for the commission He gives to His disciples, and it is a demonstration of His divine nature and power.
- The Great Commission — The Great Commission is a call to all believers to spread the gospel to all nations, demonstrating God's desire to save people from all nations.
- The Trinity — The Trinity is demonstrated in the commission to baptize in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, showing the unity and cooperation of the Godhead.
- The Second Coming of Jesus — The second coming of Jesus is a future event that will bring an end to human history, and it is a motivation for believers to be obedient to Jesus' commission.
Questions for Meditation
- What is the significance of Jesus' resurrection, and how does it relate to the commission He gives to His disciples?
- What is the basis for Jesus' authority, and how does it relate to the commission He gives to His disciples?
- What is the Great Commission, and how does it relate to the spread of the gospel to all nations?
- How does the Trinity relate to the commission to baptize in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit?
- What is the importance of obedience to Jesus' commission, and how does it relate to the second coming of Jesus?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. The Resurrection of Jesus (Matthew 28:1-10)
| Matthew 28:1 | The resurrection of Jesus is a demonstration of His power over death and sin, and it is the basis for the commission He gives to His disciples. |
| Matthew 28:2 | The angel rolls away the stone from the tomb, and Jesus rises from the dead. |
| Matthew 28:3 | The guards at the tomb are shaken and become like dead men, while the angel tells the women who had come to the tomb to inform the disciples of Jesus' resurrection. |
| Matthew 28:4 | The guards are afraid, and they run away from the tomb. |
| Matthew 28:5 | The angel tells the women not to be afraid, and to inform the disciples of Jesus' resurrection. |
| Matthew 28:6 | The angel tells the women that Jesus has risen from the dead, and that they will see Him in Galilee. |
| Matthew 28:7 | The women run to tell the disciples the news of Jesus' resurrection. |
| Matthew 28:8 | The women are filled with joy and fear, and they run to tell the disciples the news. |
| Matthew 28:9 | Jesus meets the women on the road, and they worship Him. |
| Matthew 28:10 | Jesus tells the women to inform the disciples of His resurrection, and to tell them to meet Him in Galilee. |
2. The Commission to the Disciples (Matthew 28:11-20)
| Matthew 28:11 | The chief priests and elders concoct a story to explain the empty tomb, claiming that the disciples had stolen Jesus' body. |
| Matthew 28:12 | The chief priests and elders give the soldiers money to spread the false story. |
| Matthew 28:13 | The soldiers spread the false story, and it is still told among the Jews to this day. |
| Matthew 28:14 | The chief priests and elders are afraid of the consequences of their actions, and they try to cover up the truth. |
| Matthew 28:15 | The false story is spread, but it is not believed by all. |
| Matthew 28:16 | The disciples meet Jesus in Galilee, and they worship Him. |
| Matthew 28:17 | Some of the disciples doubt, but Jesus appears to them and gives them the commission to spread the gospel to all nations. |
| Matthew 28:18 | Jesus gives the disciples the commission to spread the gospel to all nations, and He gives them the authority to do so. |
| Matthew 28:19 | Jesus tells the disciples to baptize in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. |
| Matthew 28:20 | Jesus tells the disciples to teach the nations to obey all that He has commanded them, and He promises to be with them always. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of Jesus' resurrection?
The resurrection of Jesus is a demonstration of His power over death and sin, and it is the basis for the commission He gives to His disciples. As seen in Matthew 28:1-10, the resurrection is a pivotal event in the chapter.
What is the basis for Jesus' authority?
The basis for Jesus' authority is His divine nature and power, which is demonstrated in the resurrection and the commission He gives to His disciples. As seen in Matthew 28:18, Jesus' authority is not limited to earth, but it extends to heaven as well.
What is the Great Commission?
The Great Commission is a call to all believers to spread the gospel to all nations, demonstrating God's desire to save people from all nations. As seen in Matthew 28:19-20, the Great Commission is based on Jesus' authority and is a demonstration of His divine nature and power.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Matthew 28:1 → John 20:1 | The resurrection of Jesus is a demonstration of His power over death and sin, and it is the basis for the commission He gives to His disciples. |
| 2 | Matthew 28:18 → Psalm 2:7 | The authority of Jesus is the basis for the commission He gives to His disciples, and it is a demonstration of His divine nature and power. |
| 3 | Matthew 28:19 → Genesis 12:3 | The Great Commission is a call to all believers to spread the gospel to all nations, demonstrating God's desire to save people from all nations. |
| 4 | Matthew 28:20 → Deuteronomy 31:6 | The promise of Jesus to be with His disciples always is a demonstration of His love and care for them, and it is a motivation for them to be obedient to His commission. |
| 5 | Matthew 28:1 → Isaiah 53:11 | The resurrection of Jesus is a demonstration of His power over death and sin, and it is the basis for the commission He gives to His disciples. |
| 6 | Matthew 28:18 → Daniel 7:14 | The authority of Jesus is the basis for the commission He gives to His disciples, and it is a demonstration of His divine nature and power. |
| 7 | Matthew 28:19 → Psalm 67:2 | The Great Commission is a call to all believers to spread the gospel to all nations, demonstrating God's desire to save people from all nations. |
| 8 | Matthew 28:20 → Hebrews 13:5 | The promise of Jesus to be with His disciples always is a demonstration of His love and care for them, and it is a motivation for them to be obedient to His commission. |
| 9 | Matthew 28:1 → 1 Corinthians 15:4 | The resurrection of Jesus is a demonstration of His power over death and sin, and it is the basis for the commission He gives to His disciples. |
| 10 | Matthew 28:18 → Ephesians 1:22 | The authority of Jesus is the basis for the commission He gives to His disciples, and it is a demonstration of His divine nature and power. |
Sermons on Matthew 28
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Authority Over Demons by Corrie Ten Boom | In this sermon, Corey Ten Boom shares her personal experiences of preaching the gospel and casting out demons. She recounts a time when she was in a concentration camp and witnesse |
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Brother Yun - Heavenly Man by Brother Yun | In this sermon, the speaker shares his personal experience of losing his first love for God while being caught up in the busyness of ministry. He emphasizes that past obedience is |
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A Three-Fold Vision by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of vision and obedience to God's will. He emphasizes the need for a cleansing wave of revival in a nation plagued by immoralit |
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(1 Peter - Part 16): christ...foreordained, Manifest by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the speaker expresses a deep sense of urgency and awareness of the approaching judgment of God. He emphasizes that the earth is growing old and that a mere blink of |
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(Israel) Preaching Christ With Authority by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of preaching the word of God with spiritual authority. He shares a personal experience of a young man who came seeking wisdom |
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Powerful Testimony by Corrie Ten Boom | In this sermon, the speaker shares his joy in preaching the word of God and bringing comfort to Christians. He expresses his desire to reach out to the communists and asks God for |
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A Man on the Go by Warren Wiersbe | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the criticisms that the Apostle Paul faced in his ministry. Paul was criticized for constantly moving around, changing his plans, and preachin |
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Christ's Call Follow in My Footsteps by K.P. Yohannan | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of self-denial and sacrificing our own desires for the sake of the cross and Calvary. He shares a personal story of his wife' |
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Your Prayer Can Change the World - Part 2 by Derek Prince | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the need for repentance and deep radical changes in the church and its leadership. They suggest that the current emphasis in the church is pr |
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In Everything by Prayer by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of prayer in everything we do in God's Church. He shares a personal anecdote about listening to an interview where the interv |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Matthew 28
Matthew chapter 28 is a conclusion of the Gospel of Matthew, and it emphasizes the importance of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The chapter begins with the resurrection of Jesus, where an angel rolls away the stone from the tomb and Jesus rises from the dead. The guards at the tomb are shaken and become like dead men, while the angel tells the women who had come to the tomb to inform the disciples of Jesus' resurrection. The chapter concludes with Jesus commissioning His disciples to make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey all that He had commanded them. This commission is based on Jesus' authority, which He had demonstrated through His life, death, and resurrection. As Matthew Henry notes, the resurrection of Jesus is a demonstration of His power over death and sin, and it is the basis for the commission He gives to His disciples. The authority of Jesus is the basis for the commission He gives to His disciples, and it is a demonstration of His divine nature and power. The Great Commission is a call to all believers to spread the gospel to all nations, demonstrating God's desire to save people from all nations. The promise of Jesus to be with His disciples always is a demonstration of His love and care for them, and it is a motivation for them to be obedient to His commission. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
The Resurrection of Jesus
The resurrection of Jesus is a demonstration of His power over death and sin, and it is the basis for the commission He gives to His disciples. As seen in Matthew 28:1-10, the resurrection is a pivotal event in the chapter.
The Commission to the Disciples
The commission to the disciples is a call to spread the gospel to all nations, demonstrating God's desire to save people from all nations. This commission is based on Jesus' authority, as seen in Matthew 28:18-20.
The Authority of Jesus
The authority of Jesus is the basis for the commission He gives to His disciples, and it is a demonstration of His divine nature and power. As seen in Matthew 28:18, Jesus' authority is not limited to earth, but it extends to heaven as well.