Jesus' Resurrection (Matthew 28)

Did Jesus have some important instructions after His resurrection? Let’s find out in Matthew 28.

Jesus’ Resurrection

What happened early that Sunday morning?

After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men. (Matthew 28:1-4 NIV)

What surprising news did the angel bring?

Then the angel spoke to the women. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead, just as he said would happen. Come, see where his body was lying. (Matthew 28:5-6 NLT)

What did they ask the women to do?

Go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He has risen from the dead, and behold, he goes before you into Galilee; there you will see him.’ Behold, I have told you. (Matthew 28:7 WEB)

What other joyful surprise greeted them on their way?

With great fear and excitement, they hurried away from the tomb and ran to tell his disciples. But Jesus met them and greeted them. They came and grabbed his feet and worshipped him. (Matthew 28:8-9 CEB)

What message did Jesus ask them to pass on?

Then Jesus said, “Don't be afraid! Tell my followers to go to Galilee. They will see me there.” (Matthew 28:10 CEV)

What conspiracy did the priests contrive?

While they were going, behold, some of the guard went into the city and told the chief priests all that had taken place. And when they had assembled with the elders and taken counsel, they gave a sufficient sum of money to the soldiers and said, “Tell people, ‘His disciples came by night and stole him away while we were asleep.’ And if this comes to the governor's ears, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.” So they took the money and did as they were directed. And this story has been spread among the Jews to this day. (Matthew 28:11-15 ESV)

How did the disciples greet Jesus?

The 11 disciples traveled to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had directed them. When they saw Him, they worshiped, but some doubted. (Matthew 28:16-17 HCSB)

Jesus’ Great Commission

How much power does the resurrected Jesus wield?

And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. (Matthew 28:18 KJV)

Who were they to teach? The Greek word translated nations is ethnos meaning cultures.

Go and make disciples of all nations [cultures], (Matthew 28:19a WEB)

What is the most important thing about baptism?

baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, (Matthew 28:19b CEB)

What was to be the focus of their teaching?

and teach them to do everything I have told you. (Matthew 28:20a CEV)

Has Jesus gone far away from us, or is He also still present with us?

And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age. (Matthew 28:20b ESV)

Do we make disciples of all cultures or create exclusive little ethnic clubs? Do we baptize in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit? Is our focus to teach disciples to do everything Jesus taught or something else? You decide!