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Matthew 28

Matthew 28 Summary, Context, and Full Chapter

Matthew 28 opens with the discovery of the empty tomb and ends with Jesus sending His disciples into the world. The chapter moves from fear and joy to worship, then to a clear mission. It also shows how people respond differently to the resurrection, from faith and obedience to denial.

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What happens in Matthew 28?

At dawn after the Sabbath, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary go to the tomb and find that an angel has rolled away the stone. He announces that Jesus, who was crucified, has risen and tells them to share the news with the disciples. On the way, the women meet Jesus and worship Him. Meanwhile, the guards report the events, and the leaders arrange a false explanation. The chapter closes with Jesus appearing to the eleven in Galilee, claiming all authority and commanding them to make disciples of all nations and teach His commands, with His continual presence promised.

Matthew has traced Jesus' birth, teaching, miracles, death, and burial. Chapter 28 brings the Gospel to its climax by confirming the resurrection and then widening the focus to Jesus' ongoing mission through His followers. It also closes the book with Jesus' authority, which frames all that came before and all that the disciples are to do next.

Themes to notice

  • ResurrectionJesus is raised from the dead, just as He said, and the empty tomb becomes the center of hope.
  • WorshipThe women and the disciples respond to Jesus with awe, fear, and worship when they see Him alive.
  • MissionJesus sends His followers to make disciples, teach His words, and trust His continuing presence.

Questions for Matthew 28

  • What do the women learn at the tomb, and how do they respond?
  • Why does Matthew include both the guards' report and the leaders' false account?
  • What stands out to you about Jesus' command and promise in the final verses?

Read the full text of Matthew 28 below, then open it in the reader to highlight, take notes, or ask follow-up Bible questions. No account is required to read.

Matthew 28

The Resurrection

1After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb.2Suddenly there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, rolled away the stone, and sat on it.3His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow.4The guards trembled in fear of him and became like dead men.5But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified.6He is not here; He has risen, just as He said! Come, see the place where He lay.7Then go quickly and tell His disciples, ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see Him.’ See, I have told you.”

8So they hurried away from the tomb in fear and great joy, and ran to tell His disciples.9Suddenly Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” They came to Him, grasped His feet, and worshiped Him.

10“Do not be afraid,” said Jesus. “Go and tell My brothers to go to Galilee. There they will see Me.”

The Report of the Guards

11While the women were on their way, some of the guards went into the city and reported to the chief priests all that had happened.12And after the chief priests had met with the elders and formed a plan, they gave the soldiers a large sum of money13and instructed them: “You are to say, ‘His disciples came by night and stole Him away while we were asleep.’14If this report reaches the governor, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.”15So the guards took the money and did as they were instructed. And this account has been circulated among the Jews to this very day.

The Great Commission

16Meanwhile, the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain Jesus had designated.17When they saw Him, they worshiped Him, but some doubted.18Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me.19Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit,20and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

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