Matthew Chapter Twenty-Eight
The Resurrection
[Verse 1 parallels Mark 16:1; verses 5-8 parallel Mark 16:2-8; Luke 24:1-8 and John 20:1]
28:1 Now after the Sabbath, toward the dawn of the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. 2 And behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. 4 And for fear of him the guards trembled and became like dead men. 5 But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. 6 He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. 7 Then 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. See, I have told you.” 8 So they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. 9 And behold, Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” And they came up and took hold of his feet and worshiped him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me.”
The first verse clearly states that Jesus rose on the first day of the week, which would be Sunday (the word ‘Sunday’ is never used in the Bible, it is always indirectly referenced). On that morning Mary Magdalene and the other Mary[1] went to the tomb where Jesus was placed. A great earthquake occurred and an angel came down from heaven and rolled back the stone that sealed the tomb and sat on it. The angel was bright and white, truly an astonishing vision as the guards trembled and froze, becoming like dead men.
While the guards were rendered powerless, the angel speaks to the women. He tells them to not be afraid, a phrase that is almost always stated by an angel when they first appear to humans. Having the appearance like that of lightning and clothing white as snow would certainly astound anyone watching. The angel continues by saying that he knows that they are looking for Jesus and that He is already gone as He has risen. He invited them in the tomb to see where He was laid. The angel then instructed them to go and tell the disciples that Jesus has risen from the dead and that He will meet them in Galilee (see Matthew 26:32).
The women quickly left the tomb to tell the disciples. While experiencing mixed emotions of fear and incredible joy, they encounter Jesus. They came up to Him and immediately felt prostate before Him grabbing His feet and worshipped Him (Greek ‘prosekynēsan’,[2] meaning to show respect, fall before, to kiss, etc.) Jesus tells them to not be afraid and to go and tell His brothers, the disciples, that He has risen from the dead and to go and meet Him in Galilee.
Considerations
The term ‘brethren’ or being called a ‘brother’ or ‘sister’ in Christ should never be considered a casual reference. Christians have been adopted by God as His children (see Romans 8:12-17), making each believer a brother or sister, and even more amazing is that Jesus is our brother! In verse ten above Jesus now refers to His disciples as ‘brothers’ (see Hebrews 2:11-13).
Bribed to Lie
28:11 While they were going, behold, some of the guard went into the city and told the chief priests all that had taken place. 12 And when they had assembled with the elders and taken counsel, they gave a sufficient sum of money to the soldiers 13 and said, “Tell people, ‘His disciples came by night and stole him away while we were asleep.’ 14 And if this comes to the governor’s ears, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.” 15 So they took the money and did as they were directed. And this story has been spread among the Jews to this day.
After seeing the angel and how he rolled the stone away, the guards went back to the city and told the chief priests what happened. The chief priests brought together the elders to discuss what to do, as what could be described as their worst nightmare just came true. They decided that the best approach would be to deceive the people instead of accepting the truth. So they bribed the soldiers (different term used here to identify the guards as Roman soldiers) to tell everyone that Jesus’ disciples came at night and stole His body while they were asleep. They also told them that they would take care of any problem if Pilate gives them any grief over the incident. Matthew notes that this fabricated story spread among the Jews to the day he wrote the gospel. Sadly, that lie is still believed by many among Jews and unbelievers today.
The Roman soldiers that were used to guard the tomb had an insurmountable problem the moment the angel rolled the stone away revealing an empty tomb. They could not stop Jesus from leaving as He was already gone. How could they explain what took place to their superiors? Since Roman soldiers faced severe punishment for any failure, including death (remember Acts 16:25-29), they had little option but to approach the Jewish leaders that asked for the tomb to be guarded. A question that haunts many today is, how could the chief priests persuade Pilate and the leadership of the Roman army to not execute or decimate (one out of ten soldiers killed as punishment or as a deterrent against disobedience) the soldiers? Having no record in the Bible of what became of those soldiers does not mean they were not disciplined.
Considerations
Reading how Matthew recorded that the chief priests and elders came up with a way to deceive the people and how they told the soldiers to lie, offers evidence to the truthfulness of the Biblical text. Most non-Judeo-Christian religions would never include information contrary to their version of the truth, especially one that could be used to counter or argue the truth in their 'sacred' writings. The Bible is different as it always presents the truth of what happened even if it presents an alternate viewpoint.
The Great Commission
[Text parallels Mark 16:15-18 and 1 Corinthians 15:6]
28:16 Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. 17 And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted.
The eleven remaining disciples make the approximately 80 mile trek north to Galilee (generally a 3-4 day journey). They arrive to the mountain that was previously arranged (location unknown, probably near the Sea of Galilee, see John chapter 21). When they saw Jesus they immediately fell down and worshiped Him (same word found in verse nine above). Matthew records that some doubted which raises the question, was he referring to any in the inner circle? One or more of the eleven? Based on several verses (including Matthew 26:32; 28:7; Acts 1:3; 1 Corinthians 15:6) many scholars believe that there was likely a large group that followed them to the mountain and many from that region met them there. But what did they doubt? Matthew does not elaborate. It is likely that they believed Jesus didn’t die on the cross, that perhaps He only fainted. History has shown us that this “swoon theory” has been believed by many from the very beginning. Sadly, it is still a popular belief by some today.
PLEASE NOTE: THE FOLLOWING VERSES ARE, WITHOUT A DOUBT, THE MOST IMPORTANT VERSES IN THE BIBLE. EVERY CHRISTIAN SHOULD NOT ONLY KNOW THEM, BUT THEY SHOULD EMBRACE THEM AND APPLY THEM TO THEIR DAILY LIVES!
28:18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.
As mentioned earlier, this section has been named, “The Great Commission,” and it certainly is great, perhaps greater than the word ‘great’ can ever imply. But oddly many who quote the “Great Commission” begin with verse 19, leaving out the most important proclamation ever put into words. Jesus said that, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” This is the foundation of all truth. Since Jesus was victorious on the cross, His Father gave Jesus all authority over all things in both heaven and on earth.
What does that mean? In simple terms it means that the only ‘opinion’ that matters is Jesus’. In our own lives when we hear that someone has been given authority over what we do at work or wherever, would that be important? Hopefully your answer is ’yes’. No matter how things were done in the past, only those things that are done under the new management matter. Jesus is essentially saying, listen only to Me! Which would include those sent by Him (the apostles).
28:19 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, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Since all authority was given to Jesus, He tells His disciples and all Christians to go (Greek ‘poreuthentes’,[3] a verb that means to proceed, implying motion, to do, etc. It is also used metaphorically in the New Testament to apply to one’s life, their walk, how to conduct oneself, etc.) and make disciples of all nations. The instruction from the only One that has authority is for all believers to go and make disciples (Greek ‘mathēteusate’,[4] followers of another’s doctrine, in this context, followers of Jesus) of all nations (Greek ‘ethnē’,[5] a multitude, a race, people belonging or living together. The word is nearly fifty percent of the time translated as ‘Gentiles’. In context, the word here means all those who do not believe in Jesus.) After accepting Jesus as their Savior, they are to be baptized in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, the entire Godhead.
Then they are to be taught the Word of God. It is essential for every Christian to learn the Bible, this process should never end, it is applicable for the new Christian as well as for those who have been believers for many years. In order to follow and obey Jesus, Christians need to know about His character (what He likes and dislikes), His instructions (what to do, when to do it), and be willing to fully trust and have faith in Him (in all things). Jesus further clarifies that what is to be taught is for them to observe all that He commanded. So His teachings are vitally important to all believers. That instruction also tells us to focus on obeying Him and not the Old Testament law. He fulfilled the law, that is no longer our concern, what matters today is following Christ.
Mathew then closes his gospel account with a glorious promise. “And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Jesus promises that He will be with every believer now and forever. Paul would remind all Christians, “For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:38-39)
Considerations
Matthew records in verse 17 that some doubted. A curious observation as most of them undoubtedly had seen firsthand many of Jesus’ miracles and now He stands before this group alive again after intense suffering and dying on a cross. The evidence was clear, literally standing before them. So, what did they doubt?
We may need to first explore what are the potential barriers in believing something to be true. As human beings we are all restricted to view our world with only our five senses. As a result, that viewpoint can only evaluate and understand the physical aspects of the world. Now enter God, as the Creator of all who is also outside the restraints of time, doing something contrary to the ‘laws’ of the physical world is certainly not impossible for Him to do. Therefore, the root of the doubt in this scenario is either believing God cannot do something or that God does not exist. There is, of course, a third issue, believing that Jesus was not who He said He was. We then need to go back to all the signs and wonders He performed.
This brings us back to the question, what makes one doubt something even if the evidence is right in front of them? One explanation pertains to the interpretation of that evidence. As indicated by the significant amount of ongoing debates, in both the theological and scientific communities regarding the interpretation of available evidence and data obtained from research. It is interesting to note that in most of the situations involving the Bible, that the physical world and the laws of physics are often still the governing influences in those debates. It is natural for people to believe only in the tangible, as that is how everyone interacts with their surroundings. If something like Jesus rising from the dead is not considered possible in a person’s understanding of reality (their worldview), then regardless of evidence the original belief ‘overrides’ and blinds them from believing that someone was able to rise from the dead
Another explanation as to why some are blinded by doubt is that they are externally influenced. While this can be from peer pressure, being taught by a reliable source, etc., it is also true that human beings can be influenced by invisible entities of the spiritual world. Being invisible to humans does not make their existence impossible. The apostle Paul warns, “For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.” (Ephesians 6:12, NLT) In other words, there are living beings that we cannot see that seek to fight and bring down Christians (with temptations, lusts, etc., see Ephesians 6:10-18 to learn how to fight and resist these entities) and to create doubt in the minds of unbelievers (see 2 Corinthians 4:3-4). Spiritual blindness is very real and can influence people’s ability to believe something to be true. Always pray for barriers and blindnesses to be eliminated in your own life as well as for any others you are helping find salvation through Jesus.
Jesus commanded that Christians teach newly committed believers. Bible study is more than important to Christians, it is a vital part of who we are. It is also paramount that the “whole counsel” of God be understood and not just “pick and choose” favorite books of the Bible or topics. In addition to teaching from the Bible, those that are more mature Christians need to step up and become mentors for those less mature or new to Christianity. Guidance and encouragement are important as it is during this time new Christians are vulnerable to outside influences and generally have lots of questions. Remember that being a teacher or mentor does not mean you need to know the answers to every question, you just need to know where to look them up, namely the Bible.
Many churches teach what Jesus did in the past and what He will do in the future, but leave out the present. After accepting Jesus as their Savior, the question that is often thought by new believers (but not always asked) is “Now What?” Some organizations and churches offer a vast array of tasks, jobs, positions, committees, duties, and many other opportunities to serve. While most are probably good and productive, they can take you away from the commission given here in Matthew chapter 28. His instruction to ‘Go’ was not a reference to a task in a church, but a clear commandment (notice it was not a recommendation or suggestion), as followers of Jesus to be engaged in outreach, also known as evangelism. Although not required for salvation, commandments like this one are followed after being saved in response and love for Jesus. Paul does note that one can still be saved without being a disciple (a daily follower of Jesus) but only like one who escapes a fire (see 1 Corinthians 3:10-15).
There are some that interpret evangelism as cold-calling on people, standing on a corner preaching, or one that holds revivals. While each of these have their place, they are not what Jesus is commissioning believers to do (unless specifically led by the Holy Spirit to do them). To go for Jesus is actually very simple, it does however require a mindset that continually seeks to serve Jesus, the very definition of a servant. While everyone either has an occupation or is no longer employed, every Christian has an additional ‘vocation’, that of being service to God.
How does that work? First of all we should consider Jesus as our boss. He oversees the operations of the entire world, there is nothing He doesn’t know. He places believers where He wants them to be. That’s right, He can use you where you are right now. To do what? To represent Jesus to the people Jesus placed in your lives. Paul calls us ambassadors for Jesus (see 2 Corinthians 5:18-20) and just like a political ambassador represents and speaks on behalf of their country, Christians need to be able to represent and speak on behalf of the gospel message. We are to be as Christ to the people around us, therefore every Christian’s role is different.
When the well-known reformer and theologian Martin Luther (1483-1546) was teaching on Psalm 147:13-14, he asked a similar question. The text from the book of Psalms reads: “For he strengthens the bars of your gates; he blesses your children within you. He makes peace in your borders; he fills you with the finest of the wheat.” Luther asked, how exactly does God do these things? He responded that God does these things through people such as city planners, architects, politicians, teachers, police officers, farmers, factory workers, restaurant owners, etc.[6] In other words, God works through people. You may be thinking that there must be better ways for God to announce salvation through Jesus, but this is the way God chose to spread the gospel message, through ordinary people like us. Jesus provides the opportunities, all we need to do is be willing and able.
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[1] Mark identifies her as the mother of James, he also notes that Salome was there as well. Luke records several other women were there, while John only mentions Mary Magdalene.
[2] Strong’s Greek 4352.
[3] Strong’s Greek 4198.
[4] Strong’s Greek 3100.
[5] Strong’s Greek 1484.
[6] Luther, M. (1999). Luther’s works, vol. 14: Selected Psalms III. (J. J. Pelikan, H. C. Oswald, & H. T. Lehmann, Eds.) (Vol. 14, p. 115). Saint Louis: Concordia Publishing House.