Matthew 28: The Kingdom Mission
Matthew 28 stands as one of the most pivotal chapters in Scripture, bringing Matthew's Gospel to a powerful conclusion while simultaneously launching the church's ongoing mission. The resurrection account begins with Mary Magdalene and "the other Mary" visiting Jesus' tomb early Sunday morning. Their encounter with an angel who announces that Jesus has risen sets the stage for what would become the cornerstone of Christian faith. The angel's declaration, "He isn't here. He is risen from the dead, just as he said," represents the fulfillment of Jesus' own prophecies about his death and resurrection.
What makes this resurrection account particularly compelling is the women's emotional response—they were "very frightened but also filled with great joy." This paradoxical reaction captures the human experience when confronted with divine intervention. Fear and joy intermingled as they processed this world-changing event. Jesus himself meets them as they rush to tell the disciples, and his first words echo the angel's: "Don't be afraid." Throughout Scripture, divine encounters often begin with this reassurance, acknowledging the overwhelming nature of God's presence while inviting humans into relationship rather than terror.
The narrative takes an interesting turn as Matthew includes the conspiracy of the religious leaders who bribed the guards to spread a false story about the disciples stealing Jesus' body. This detail, unique to Matthew's Gospel, demonstrates the immediate opposition to the resurrection message and provides historical context for the skepticism his Jewish audience may have encountered. Matthew notes that this fabricated explanation "is widely spread among the Jews, even still," suggesting this Gospel was written while competing narratives about Jesus' empty tomb were still circulating in the community.
The chapter culminates with what has become known as the Great Commission—Jesus' final instructions to his followers before his ascension. After declaring, "I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth," Jesus commands his disciples to go and make disciples of all nations. This universal scope represents a significant expansion of mission beyond Israel to the entire world. The command includes baptizing new believers in the Trinitarian formula and teaching them to obey everything Jesus commanded. This comprehensive approach to disciple-making involves both conversion (baptism) and spiritual formation (teaching).
The Great Commission ends with Jesus' profound promise: "I am with you always, even until the end of the age." This assurance of Christ's spiritual presence empowered the early church to fulfill its mission despite persecution and hardship. It continues to comfort and embolden believers today who carry on this same mission in their own contexts. As the podcast host powerfully states, current believers are effectively "Matthew chapter 29," continuing the story as we participate in God's ongoing work of making disciples in every nation, tribe, and tongue.
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