Matthew Chapter 28 — The Resurrection and the Great Commission
Jesus rises from the dead on the third day and appears to his followers before commissioning them to spread his teachings to all nations.
Open this chapter in the Biblicast app for the full reading experience with audio narration and explanations.
Notable Verses
Matthew 28:6
“He is not here, for he has risen, just like he said. Come, see the place where the Lord was lying.”
This verse contains the central message of the resurrection as announced by the angel at the empty tomb.
Matthew 28:18
“Jesus came to them and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth.””
This statement establishes Jesus' absolute sovereignty following his victory over death.
Matthew 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,”
Known as the Great Commission, this command defines the global mission of the Christian faith.
Chapter Summary
Matthew Chapter 28 records the triumphant conclusion of the Gospel. Early on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary visit the tomb and witness an angel rolling back the stone after a great earthquake. The angel announces that Jesus has risen and instructs them to tell the disciples. On their way, the women encounter the risen Jesus themselves. Meanwhile, the guards report the event to the chief priests, who bribe them to spread a false story that the body was stolen while they slept. Finally, Jesus meets the eleven disciples on a mountain in Galilee. He declares that all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to him. He then issues the 'Great Commission,' commanding them to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and promising his presence with them always, even to the end of the age.
Frequently Asked Questions
Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were the first to arrive at the tomb at dawn. They were met by an angel who revealed that Jesus had risen and later met Jesus himself as they went to tell the disciples.
After being terrified by the angel's appearance, some guards reported the events to the chief priests. They were given a large sum of money to lie and say that the disciples stole Jesus' body while the guards slept.
The Great Commission is Jesus' final instruction to his disciples to go and make disciples of all nations. He instructs them to baptize new believers and teach them to observe everything he commanded.
Study Note
The mention of 'some doubted' in verse 17 highlights the honest historical reporting of the disciples' varied psychological responses to seeing the risen Christ.
Related Chapters
Continue in the App
Get the full experience — immersive audio, instant explanations, highlights, notes, and reading plans.