The Gospel Of Matthew Chapter 28 Resurrection Power And The Great Commission

Matthew 28:1  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. 

In our last post, we noted that the two Mary's were watching to see where Nicodemus and Joseph buried Jesus.

Their intent was to honor Christ with what they called a second embalming.

As soon as it was permissible under the Jews sabbath rules, they arose and went forth to Jesus' tomb.

Mark 16:1-3  And when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, had bought sweet spices, that they might come and anoint him. 2  And very early in the morning the first day of the week, they came unto the sepulchre at the rising of the sun. 3  And they said among themselves, Who shall roll us away the stone from the door of the sepulchre? 

Mark's gospel tells us that both women carried more of the sweet spices that were used to honor a king who died.

Notice, that they came early in the morning, no doubt their hearts still agitated over all that happened at the cross of Christ.

They had one major concern, because they had seen the massive stone set in place to seal the tomb and knew they were unable to move it.

Matthew 28:2-4  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. 3  His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow: 4  And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men. 

Matthew tells us that there was another significant earthquake because the angel of the Lord came down from heaven. 

This mighty celestial being rolled back the stone that sealed Jesus' tomb  and sat on it.

At this point, the Roman guards shook and fell over as if they were dead.

Luke's gospel tells us that the two women entered into the tomb and did not find the body of Jesus.

They were greatly puzzled and concerned and then they noticed two men standing nearby in shining garments.

They were filled with a reverential fear and an angel asked a question: "Why seek ye the living among the dead?" (See Luke 24:3-5).

Matthew 28:5-7  And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. 6  He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. 7  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. 

The angel spoke words that comforted the hearts of both women.

He knew that the came to seek to honor Jesus' body and were perplexed that they did not find Him.

Heavens messengers told them glad tidings that cheered their spirits. 

They found no body because Jesus was no longer in the tomb, for He rose from the dead!

They urged both Mary's to see for themselves that the tomb was empty.

Then, the two women received a commission from the angel. "Go tell His disciples that He is risen and gone to Galilee, where they shall find Him."

Matthew 28:8-10  And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word. 9  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. 10  Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me. 

Both women were overfilled with joy and ran quickly to find Peter and the others to tell them this glorious news: Jesus was risen from the dead!

On they way to that place, Jesus met them with the greeting "All hail" which literally means, to be glad with great joy.

Overwhelmed with amazement and love for their Savior, the women fell and held Jesus' feet and worshipped their risen Lord.

Jesus then affirmed the angel's instructions that they tell "My brethren" to go into Galilee to meet Him there.

No longer just known as Christ's disciples, He called them using words of great love,  "my brethren."

Hebrews 2:11  For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren, 12  Saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee. 13  And again, I will put my trust in him. And again, Behold I and the children which God hath given me. 14  Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; 15  And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. 16  For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham. 17  Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. :18  For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.

This text from Hebrews gives a summary of Christ's redemptive work on the cross.

Words from Psalm 22 were cried out by Jesus on His cross, and here they once more are applied to the Son of God.

Christ is not ashamed to call those sinners who repented and trusted Him, "my brethren."

This connects with Jesus enduring all the heartache, suffering and sorrow of the cross for the joy that was set before Him, as He saw multitudes of sinners who were be born again (See Hebrews 12:1-2).

Matthew 28:11-15  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. 12  And when they were assembled with the elders, and had taken counsel, they gave large money unto the soldiers, 13  Saying, Say ye, His disciples came by night, and stole him away while we slept. 14  And if this come to the governor's ears, we will persuade him, and secure you. 15  So they took the money, and did as they were taught: and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day.

As soon as the murderous, lying priests were notified by some of the soldiers that Jesus' body was gone, they gave them a massive amount of money to spread another lie about Christ. 

They were paid off to say that Jesus' disciples came by night and stole His body, and that if Pilate heard anything about it, they would pay him off as well.

Matthew 28:16  Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them. 17  And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted. 18  And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 19  Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20  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. 

Christ's eleven disciples came to the place Jesus instructed them to come and when they saw their resurrected Lord, they worshipped Him.

Matthew notes that some doubted, referring to Thomas.

Jesus came to them and spoke the same words of glad, joyous tidings to them.

At this point, Matthew shows us that the King, Jesus Christ, has risen.

Jesus then gave His disciples the same mandate that His church follows today: The Great Commission!

We are to go to all nations and people to teach them the gospel of Christ and to baptize those who repent of their sins and trust the LORD for salvation.

Baptism is to be done by immersion in water, in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost.

We are to teach all nations to observe or keep or do all the commandments that Jesus gave which are recorded in the gospels.

Then, our Lord gave us a promise that He will be with His disciples always, right up to the end of the world and His coming as Judge and King.

May these words fill us with the same comfort and hope that the two women and the eleven experienced.

May our lives revolve around Great Commission living for the glory of God.

Bob