Resurrect Your Faith: Uncover the Power of Matthew 28

Matthew 28 is a pivotal chapter in the Bible, detailing the resurrection of Jesus Christ and His final instructions to His disciples. It’s a powerful conclusion to the Gospel of Matthew, filled with hope, purpose, and a call to action for all believers.

In this chapter, I’ll provide a concise summary of the key events and teachings found in Matthew 28. We’ll explore the significance of the empty tomb, the great commission, and the promise of Jesus’ eternal presence with His followers.

Join me as we jump into this life-changing chapter and discover how its timeless truths can transform our faith and our mission as Christians today.

The Empty Tomb

The empty tomb is a pivotal moment in the Gospel of Matthew. It marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the beginning of a new era in salvation history.

The Women Visit the Tomb

Mary Magdalene and the other Mary go to Jesus’ tomb at dawn on the first day of the week (Sunday). When they arrive, they find that the stone has been rolled away from the entrance. An angel appears to them and says:

“Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.” (Matthew 28:5-6 NKJV)

The women are filled with a mix of fear and joy at this incredible news. The angel instructs them to go quickly and tell the disciples that Jesus has risen from the dead and will meet them in Galilee, just as He promised.

An Angel Appears

The angel’s appearance is a dramatic moment that terrifies the guards at the tomb. The Bible describes the angel’s countenance as being “like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow.” (Matthew 28:3 NKJV)

The angel’s presence causes the guards to:

• Tremble with fear
• Become like dead men

This supernatural encounter underscores the earth-shattering significance of Jesus’ resurrection. The angel’s message to the women emphasizes the truth of Jesus’ victory over death and His faithfulness to His promises.

The Risen Jesus Appears

Jesus resurrects from the dead after three days, demonstrating His power over death. The resurrection is a pivotal event in Jesus’ life, proving His authority and ensuring eternal life for believers.

Jesus Meets the Women

Mary Magdalene and the other Mary visit Jesus’ tomb at dawn on Sunday. An angel appears, rolls away the stone, and announces Jesus’ resurrection to the women:

“He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.” (Matthew 28:6 NKJV)

The angel instructs them to tell the disciples that Jesus will meet them in Galilee. As they hurry to deliver the message, Jesus appears to the women:

“And as they went to tell His disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, ‘Rejoice!’ So they came and held Him by the feet and worshiped Him.” (Matthew 28:9 NKJV)

The women worship Him, though some may have doubted initially.

The Guards Report to the Chief Priests

The guards at the tomb are terrified by the angel’s appearance and become like dead men. After the women leave, they report the events to the chief priests.

The chief priests, concerned about the implications of Jesus’ resurrection, devise a plan to cover up the truth:

“They gave a large sum of money to the soldiers, saying, ‘Tell them, “His disciples came at night and stole Him away while we slept.”‘” (Matthew 28:12-13 NKJV)

They bribe the guards to spread a false story that Jesus’ disciples stole His body while they slept. This attempt to conceal the truth highlights the significance of Jesus’ resurrection and the opposition He faced from religious leaders.

The Great Commission

The Great Commission is the final instruction Jesus gave His disciples before ascending into heaven. It’s a call to action for all believers to spread the gospel message throughout the world.

The Disciples Go to Galilee

The eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go (Matthew 28:16). Even though seeing the resurrected Christ, some still doubted. Jesus’ appearance in Galilee fulfilled His promise to meet them there after His resurrection (Matthew 26:32).

Jesus Gives the Great Commission

When the disciples saw Jesus, they worshiped Him. He then gave them the Great Commission:

“All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go hence and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18-20 NKJV)

This commission includes four key elements:

1. Jesus’ authority
2. The command to make disciples
3. Baptizing and teaching
4. Jesus’ promise of His presence

As believers, we’re called to:

• Share the gospel
• Baptize new disciples
• Teach them to obey Christ’s commands

Jesus promises to be with us always as we fulfill this mission, empowering us through the Holy Spirit to be His witnesses “to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8).

The Spread of the Gospel Begins

The Great Commission marks the beginning of the spread of the gospel. Jesus instructs His disciples to “Go hence and make disciples of all the nations” (Matthew 28:19 NKJV). This command is not limited to the eleven disciples but extends to all believers.

Jesus emphasizes the importance of baptism and teaching in the disciple-making process:

• Baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
• Teaching them to observe all that Jesus commanded

The disciples are to spread the gospel message to all nations, not just to the Jews. This global mission is possible because of Jesus’ authority in heaven and on earth (Matthew 28:18). His resurrection proves His divine power and authority.

Jesus promises His eternal presence to those who obey the Great Commission: “I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20 NKJV). This promise encourages and empowers believers as they spread the gospel.

The disciples’ response to the Great Commission is immediate obedience. They worship Jesus and go forth to fulfill His command. This marks the beginning of the church’s mission to spread the gospel to all nations.

As believers today, we are called to continue this mission. We have the same promise of Jesus’ presence and authority as we go forth in obedience to make disciples. The spread of the gospel that began with the disciples continues through us.

Conclusion

Matthew 28 is a powerful testament to the reality of Jesus’ resurrection and the transformative impact it has on believers. The empty tomb, the angel’s proclamation, and Jesus’ appearances to the women and disciples solidify the truth of His victory over death. Even though opposition and doubt, the Great Commission stands as a clarion call to all followers of Christ to spread the gospel message worldwide.

As I reflect on this chapter, I’m reminded of the immense privilege and responsibility I have as a believer to participate in this ongoing mission. Empowered by Jesus’ authority and comforted by His promise of eternal presence, I’m inspired to boldly share the good news, make disciples, and teach others to obey His commands. May I, like the disciples, respond with immediate obedience and unwavering faith as I carry out the Great Commission in my own life.

More Summaries From The Book Of Matthew

Share On Pinterest!