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Atomic Bible
Matthew

Chapter 28

Resurrection, Guard Report, and Great Commission

Matthew 28 moves from the empty tomb to public witness and final commission. Women find the stone moved and hear that Jesus has risen. The guards carry a different account into the city. Then the disciples meet the risen Jesus in Galilee, worship him, and receive authority, mission, baptism, teaching, and his continuing presence.

After chapter 27 ends with burial and guard, Matthew 28 answers the sealed tomb with resurrection, competing reports, and a mountain meeting in Galilee. The chapter closes the Gospel by moving from the empty grave to worship, testimony, and Jesus' final charge to his disciples.

3 sections·398 words·~2 min read

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Matthew 28

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vv. 1-10

The Resurrection

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A1fter 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.”

vv. 11-15

The Report of the Guards

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W11hile 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 money

13and 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.

vv. 16-20

The Great Commission

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M16eanwhile, 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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  1. 01vv. 1-10The ResurrectionAt dawn after the Sabbath, the women go to the tomb and find the scene overturned by heaven: earthquake, stone moved, shining messenger, frightened guards, and the announcement that Jesus has risen. The risen Jesus then meets the women, receives their worship, and sends them to his brothers with word of Galilee.
  2. 02vv. 11-15The Report of the GuardsWhile the women go to the disciples, the guards report the events to the chief priests. The priests and elders plan a cover story, pay the soldiers, and instruct them to say the disciples stole the body while they slept. The money buys silence, and the account spreads among the Jews.
  3. 03vv. 16-20The Great CommissionThe eleven go to the mountain in Galilee and worship Jesus, though some doubt. Jesus declares that all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to him, then sends them to make disciples of all nations, baptize them into the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, teach obedience, and trust his continuing presence.
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