Analysis: Matthew, Chapter 28
The Gospel of Matthew concludes with chapter 28, a segment that not only carries immense historical weight but also grounds the theological foundation upon which Christianity stands. Positioned as the grand finale of Matthew's account, this chapter emphasizes the resurrection of Jesus Christ, an event that undeniably transformed the course of human history and spiritual understanding.
The chapter commences with the breathtaking revelation of Jesus's resurrection. After a Sabbath of silence and grief, the dawn of the first day of the week brought a divine surprise. Mary Magdalene and another Mary approach the tomb only to be met with an angelic being and the astounding news: Jesus had risen, just as he had promised. Historically, the inclusion of women as the first witnesses of the resurrection is profound. In an era where the testimonies of women were often undervalued, this narrative underscores Jesus's radical approach of dignifying all, irrespective of societal hierarchies. This event wasn't just a miraculous moment in history; it was the validation of Jesus's divinity and the fulfilment of Old Testament prophecies.
Yet, alongside the marvel of the resurrection, Matthew 28 also brings to light the human tendencies of denial and deception. The guards at the tomb, shaken by the celestial events, are bribed by the chief priests to spread a counterfeit narrative. The stark contrast between the genuine joy of Jesus's followers and the calculated deceit of religious leaders paints a vivid picture of the eternal struggle between truth and falsehood, faith and skepticism.
Further enriching the theological landscape is the 'Great Commission', where Jesus empowers his disciples with a divine mandate. He tasks them to spread the Gospel to all nations, baptizing them and teaching them His ways. This directive extends beyond the eleven disciples on that mountain in Galilee; it resonates with every believer, accentuating the universal call to evangelism and discipleship. Coupled with the assurance that Jesus will be with them "always, to the end of the age, " it's an assertion of the perpetual presence and power of Christ in the life of believers.
In conclusion, Matthew 28 serves as a keystone in the biblical narrative and theological discourse. It chronicles the transformative event of Jesus's resurrection, emphasizing the interplay of faith, doubt, and divine purpose. Furthermore, by concluding with the Great Commission, the chapter not only encapsulates the mission of the early disciples but also sets the trajectory for the burgeoning Christian faith. The resonances from this chapter ripple through history, offering hope, purpose, and the assurance of Christ's eternal presence.
The Scripture: Matthew, Chapter 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.
2 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.
5 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.
8 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.
11 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.
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 always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
A Letter to Jesus: Matthew, Chapter 28
Dear Lord Jesus,
As I reflect upon the closing chapter of Matthew's Gospel, I am profoundly moved by the depth of its messages and the eternal truths it conveys. Matthew 28, a pinnacle in the narrative, captures the awe and wonder of Your resurrection, a moment that changed the course of history and the hearts of all who believe.
Your triumph over death, as depicted in the early verses, is the very foundation of our faith. Your resurrection not only signifies victory over sin and death but also affirms the promises made throughout the Scriptures. It stands as a testament to Your divinity and the hope of eternal life for all believers. The stone rolled away and the empty tomb serve as powerful symbols of new beginnings, of life emerging from the grip of death, and light piercing through the darkest night.
It is profoundly significant that women were the first to witness this miraculous event. In a time when the testimonies of women were often marginalized, their role as the initial bearers of the resurrection news underscores Your radical inclusivity and the inherent dignity You bestow upon every individual, regardless of societal hierarchies.
Yet, even in the face of such a divine revelation, the chapter also touches on the human tendency to deny and suppress the truth. The bribing of the guards by the chief priests and elders paints a vivid picture of the age-old battle between light and darkness, truth and deception. It serves as a reminder that faith often requires courage, discernment, and an unwavering commitment to the truth.
But perhaps the most stirring part of this chapter is the Great Commission. Your directive to "go and make disciples of all nations" encapsulates the heart of Christian mission. It is a clarion call, urging us to share Your love, teachings, and the hope of salvation with every corner of the world. The act of baptism, as You instructed, is not just a ritual but a profound expression of faith, transformation, and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
Your closing promise, "I am with you always, to the very end of the age", is a source of immeasurable comfort. It assures us that, even in the face of challenges, doubts, or loneliness, we are never truly alone. Your abiding presence guides, strengthens, and sustains us each step of the way.
In reflection, Matthew 28 is not just an end but a luminous beginning. It points towards a faith journey, anchored in the miracle of the resurrection, and fueled by Your eternal love and promise. As I meditate on its truths, may my heart be ever drawn closer to You, and may my life bear witness to the transformative power of Your resurrection.
With deepest gratitude and love,
Your ever loving disciple, Michael.
Summary: Matthew, Chapter 28
Matthew chapter 28 is the triumphant conclusion of the Gospel, encapsulating one of the most foundational events of Christian theology: the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The chapter begins with Mary Magdalene and the other Mary visiting Jesus' tomb. To their astonishment, an earthquake occurs as an angel descends, rolling back the stone that sealed the tomb. The angel, radiant and awe-inspiring, announces the resurrection of Jesus, emphasizing that He has risen just as He had foretold. The angel instructs the women to convey this message to Jesus' disciples and tells them that they will see Jesus in Galilee.
As the women depart, they encounter the risen Jesus Himself. Overwhelmed with joy and reverence, they grasp His feet and worship Him. Jesus reiterates the angel's message, urging the women to tell His disciples to meet Him in Galilee. Meanwhile, the guards of the tomb, having witnessed these supernatural events, report back to the chief priests. A conspiracy ensues wherein the chief priests bribe the soldiers to spread the falsehood that Jesus' disciples had stolen His body during the night.
The Gospel culminates in Galilee where Jesus appears to His eleven disciples. Though they worship Him, some are still filled with doubt. In this climactic moment, Jesus delivers the "Great Commission, " entrusting His disciples with the responsibility of making disciples of all nations and baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. He assures them of His enduring presence, emphasizing that He will be with them always, until the end of the age.
Theologically, this chapter underscores the resurrection as the linchpin of Christian faith, demonstrating Jesus' victory over death and confirming His divine identity. The resurrection serves not just as a miraculous event but as a promise of eternal life for believers. The "Great Commission" underlines the evangelical mission of the church, emphasizing the universality of Christ's message and the imperative to spread it worldwide. The closing assurance of Jesus' perpetual presence offers comfort and empowerment, reminding believers of the indomitable spirit and guidance of Christ as they embark on their spiritual journeys.
Interpretation: Matthew, Chapter 28
Matthew chapter 28 is one of the most significant chapters in the New Testament, providing a culmination of Jesus' earthly ministry and setting the stage for the birth of the Christian Church. It presents profound theological insights and themes that have resonated throughout Christian history.
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Resurrection as Victory: The resurrection of Jesus is central to Christian belief, marking the triumph over death and sin. Jesus' resurrection validates His teachings, His divinity, and the prophecies about Him. It serves as a reminder of God's power and promises, assuring believers of their future resurrection and eternal life.
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Witnesses of the Resurrection: The choice of women as the first witnesses of the resurrection is noteworthy, particularly given the cultural context where women's testimonies were often devalued. This emphasizes the radical inclusivity of Jesus' ministry and the pivotal role women played in early Christianity.
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The Conspiracy of Denial: The reaction of the chief priests and elders highlights the lengths to which people can go to deny the truth when faced with undeniable evidence. Their bribery of the guards underscores the ongoing battle between truth and deceit, a theme prevalent throughout the Gospel.
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The Great Commission: Jesus' command to "go and make disciples of all nations" is not just a directive to His immediate followers but a foundational mission for the entire Christian Church. It underscores the universal nature of the Gospel message, urging believers to transcend cultural and ethnic barriers. Baptism, as mentioned here, becomes a significant sacrament, symbolizing a believer's initiation into the faith and the transformative power of the Holy Spirit.
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The Promise of Presence: Jesus' closing assurance, "I am with you always, to the very end of the age, " is a source of immense comfort and strength for believers. Even as Jesus concludes His earthly sojourn, He promises an enduring spiritual presence. This ongoing connection between Jesus and His followers underscores the personal and intimate nature of Christian faith.
In essence, Matthew 28 serves as both an end and a beginning. While concluding the narrative of Jesus' earthly life, it also heralds the dawn of a global movement, energized by the resurrection and guided by Jesus' teachings. This chapter encapsulates the hope, challenge, and promise that form the core of Christian belief and mission.
A Letter to a Friend: Matthew, Chapter 28
Hey Friend,
I hope this message finds you well. I've recently spent some time reflecting on Matthew chapter 28 and felt compelled to share my thoughts with you. There's so much to unpack in this chapter, and I think you'll find it as intriguing as I did.
The chapter kicks off with the phenomenal event of Jesus's resurrection. The magnitude of this event can't be understated. Think about it: Jesus overcame death itself, offering all of us hope and a tangible proof of life after death. It's the cornerstone of our faith, showing that Jesus isn't just a teacher or prophet, but divine in nature.
What struck me as particularly interesting was how women, specifically Mary Magdalene and the other Mary, were the first to witness this miracle. In a society where women's testimonies were often overlooked or dismissed, they were chosen to be the bearers of the most joyous news in history. It's a powerful testament to how Jesus valued everyone, breaking societal norms and affirming the worth of each individual.
But, as with many transformative events, not everyone was on board. The guards, after experiencing an earthquake and seeing an angel, were terrified. Yet, instead of accepting the truth in front of them, the chief priests chose deception, bribing the guards to spread false stories. It's a stark reminder that sometimes, even when confronted with the truth, people might choose to remain in the darkness out of fear or personal agendas.
The chapter then leads us to what's known as the 'Great Commission'. Here, Jesus, in His resurrected form, charges the disciples with a mission: to spread His teachings to every corner of the earth, baptizing people in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. This isn't just a task for the disciples but a call for all believers, including you and me. It underscores the importance of sharing the love and hope we've found in Jesus with others.
Lastly, Jesus's assurance, "I am with you always, to the end of the age", is deeply comforting. No matter the challenges or doubts we may face in life, Jesus is right there beside us, offering guidance and strength. We're never truly alone in our journey.
All in all, Matthew 28 is a potent chapter, filled with profound truths and insights. I'd love to hear your thoughts on it when you get a chance. Let's catch up soon and delve deeper into this together.
Take care and talk soon,
Michael