Matthew 28:1-20 King James Version

Last Chapter of The Gospel of Matthew – Jesus’ Resurrection, The Guard Report, and the Great Commission

Matthew 28:1-20 King James Version. Matthew 28 is the last chapter of the Gospel according to Matthew and it focuses on the triumphant resurrection of Jesus, establishing the foundation of Christian faith and mission. It underscores the reality of the resurrection, the importance of witness, the authority of Jesus, and the global mandate for evangelism and discipleship. The chapter encapsulates the hope, purpose, and ongoing presence of Jesus with His followers, ensuring the continuation of His work through the Church.

Key Takeaways from this Chapter:

• Resurrection: The chapter centers on the resurrection of Jesus, affirming His divinity, the truth of His teachings, and the fulfillment of His prophecy about His resurrection.
• Witness and Testimony: The role of the women as the first witnesses to the resurrection underscores the importance of testimony and the spread of the gospel message.
• Opposition and Deception: The response of the religious leaders and their attempt to spread falsehoods about Jesus’ resurrection illustrate ongoing resistance to the truth.
• Authority of Jesus: Jesus’ declaration of His authority in heaven and on earth reinforces His divine sovereignty and the basis for the disciples’ mission.
• Mission of the Church: The Great Commission outlines the essential mission of the Church: to make disciples, baptize, and teach, extending the reach of the gospel to all nations.
• Promise of Presence: Jesus’ assurance of His presence with His followers until the end of the age provides comfort and empowerment for the mission.

Matthew 28:1-20 King James Version
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The Resurrection – Verses 1-10

On the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary go to the tomb. A violent earthquake occurs as an angel of the Lord descends, rolls back the stone, and sits on it. The guards are terrified, but the angel tells the women that Jesus has risen from the dead and instructs them to tell His disciples. Jesus then appears to the women as they leave the tomb, reiterating the message and instructing them to inform His disciples that He will meet them in Galilee.

The resurrection is the cornerstone of Christian faith, signifying Jesus’ victory over death and the fulfillment of His promise to rise on the third day. The angel’s message and Jesus’ appearance to the women emphasize the reality of the resurrection and the commissioning of the women as the first witnesses.

The Guards’ Report – Verses 11-15

The guards report to the chief priests everything that has happened. The religious leaders bribe the soldiers to spread the false story that Jesus’ disciples stole His body while they were asleep. The soldiers take the money and spread the story, which becomes widely circulated among the Jews.

This section highlights the continued opposition and disbelief among the religious leaders. Their attempt to suppress the truth of the resurrection underscores the miraculous nature of the event and their inability to thwart God’s plan.

The Great Commission – Verses 16-20

The eleven disciples go to a mountain in Galilee where Jesus had directed them. Jesus appears to them and declares that all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Him. He commissions them to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything He has commanded. He assures them of His presence with them always, to the end of the age.

The Great Commission is Jesus’ final instruction to His disciples, emphasizing the global mission of spreading the gospel. It highlights the authority of Jesus, the call to evangelism and discipleship, the Trinitarian formula for baptism, and the assurance of His continual presence. This commission lays the foundation for the mission of the Church.

Matthew 28:1-20 King James Version

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 alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.