Matthew Chapter 28

CHAPTER REFERENCE: Matthew Chapter 28

Chapter Overview

Matthew 28 is the glorious culmination of the Gospel’s arc: the empty tomb, the risen Jesus, and the call to mission. The chapter unfolds with the women at the tomb encountering an angel who proclaims Jesus’ resurrection. The shock and awe of the discovery are matched by the disciples’ initial fear and later commissioned boldness. The resurrected Christ meets the women, reaffirming his victory and directing them to share the news, a pattern that continues through the chapter as Jesus appears to the eleven and commissions them to go and make disciples of all nations.

The Great Commission (verses 18–20) stands as the climactic mandate: Jesus asserts his universal lordship and commands unwavering discipleship—baptizing and teaching in his name, with the promise of his presence to the end of the age. The closing verses underscore the mission’s scope and the assurance of Jesus’ abiding presence, which empowers the church’s mission in the power of the Spirit.

Matthew’s ending pairs awe with assurance: fear is transformed into worship, and doubt is met with the gracious question, “All authority has been given to me.” The chapter is not merely an end but a beginning—an invitation to live in the reality of the resurrection, embodying Jesus’ love, truth, and transformative power in a world that still longs for redemption.

Historical & Literary Context

As the final chapter of Matthew, this section binds the Gospel’s life of Jesus to its eschatological hope. The genre remains Gospel narrative with missionary intent: to provoke faith, worship, and sending. The empty tomb counters the fear and confusion from the prior events, presenting a victorious, reconciling cosmos under the risen Christ.

The Great Commission reflects early Christian claims about mission and baptism, aligning with Jewish-Christian understandings of covenant-keeping and inclusion of Gentiles. The narrative’s emphasis on presence—Jesus with his disciples—anticipates the ongoing life of the church through the Spirit. The ending reinforces the Gospel’s universal scope: disciples are made not only in a single location but across all nations, languages, and cultures.

Key Themes

- Resurrection as the decisive victory: The empty tomb confirms Jesus’ victory over death and validates all his teachings and claims.

- Commission and mission: The Great Commission reframes the church’s purpose: to disciple all nations, baptize, teach, and obey Jesus.

- Presence and empowerment: Jesus’ pledge to be with his followers until the end of the age grounds mission in a personal, divine presence.

- Transformation of fear into worship: The women and the disciples move from fear to proclamation and worship, illustrating the transformative effect of encountering the risen Christ.

- Good news for all nations: The universal scope of the mission challenges exclusivist boundaries and invites inclusive, global proclamation.

Modern Application

- Embrace the risen Christ as the source of authority: In leadership, decisions, and everyday life, submit to Jesus’ lordship and imitate his compassion and truth-telling.

- Participate in the mission: Engage in personal evangelism, social justice, and community-building—baptismal initiation, discipleship, and teaching as ongoing practices in your faith community.

- Cultivate Christ’s presence in life: Seek the Spirit’s guidance and rely on Jesus’ ongoing presence in both ordinary and extraordinary moments.

- Witness through courage, not fear: Like the women at the tomb, be open to proclaiming good news even when fear lurks or opposition surfaces.

- Foster a global-hearted faith: Value cross-cultural engagement, supporting missionaries, and addressing global injustices as part of living out the gospel.

Cross-References: John 20–21; Luke 24; Mark 16 (where available in early manuscripts); Acts 1–2; Isaiah 52–53

Recommended Personas: Jesus (Risen Lord and Chief Agent of Mission), Mary Magdalene (apostolic witness), Peter (restoration and leadership), Paul (expansion of mission into the Gentile world)