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In this lesson:
The first Easter! Everything has changed! Mary Magdalene and Mary, the mother of James and John, find the empty tomb (28:1-8). The resurrected Jesus appears to the two women (28:9-10). The tomb guards are bribed (28:11-15). Jesus goes to Galilee to meet the eleven remaining disciples (28:16-17). The Great Commission and a final promise (28:19-20). Study Tip: Find the truth in each passage. Decide how you can apply that truth in your life. |
"He is not here: for he is risen."
Unknown artist. |
The Gospel According to St. Matthew
The King James Bible
The King James Bible
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Matthew 28:1-20
The Resurrection and the Great Commission 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. |
Margin notes:
"The sabbath." (28:1) - Saturday is the Jewish Sabbath. "The first day of the week." (28:1) - Jews call Sunday the first day of the week. "The other Mary." (28:1) - Per Matthew 27:56, the other Mary was "Mary the mother of James and Joses (John)." "There was a great earthquake." (28:2) - There was an earthquake when Moses received the Law on Mount Sinai (Exodus 19:18), when Jesus died (27:51), and again when He was resurrected. Earthquakes are one of the ways that God announces great events. "Rolled back the stone from the door." (28:2) - Not so Jesus could escape the tomb, but so witnesses could get in and see it empty. "His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow." (28:3) - "His facial appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow." This angel's countenance is similar to the angel Daniel described six hundred years earlier (Daniel 10:5-6) and the one John saw in Revelation 10:1. "The keepers did shake, and became as dead men." (28:4) - The guards didn't just tremble with fear; they passed out. "He is risen," (28:6) - Three of the most important words ever spoken and one of our favorite verses. Jesus' resurrection brings salvation to all who believe. "As he said," (28:6) - Jesus said He would be resurrected in verses 12:40 and 16:21. "He goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him." (28:7) - On the night of His arrest, Jesus instructed His disciples to meet Him in Galilee after He arose from the dead (Matthew 26:32, Mark 14:28). However, when Jesus died, His disciples were too afraid to leave their hiding places (John 20:19). As a result, Jesus first met them in Jerusalem (Luke 24:33-53), and later in Galilee (John 21:1-7). "Shewed unto the chief priests all the things that were done." (28:11) - "Told the chief priests what had happened." "They were assembled with the elders, and had taken counsel." (28:12) - "They met with the elders, and discussed what to do." "They gave large money unto the soldiers." (29:12) - "They gave a large sum of money to the soldiers." The chief priests bribed the guards to deny the resurrection. See verse 28:13. "Say ye, His disciples came by night, and stole him away while we slept." (28:13) - Just as the chief priests and Pharisees discussed in verse 27:64 (lesson 61). "We will persuade him, and secure you." (28:14) - "We'll convince him (the governor), and protect you." If the priests don't cover for the guards, they'll be punished for saying they fell asleep on duty. "They took the money, and did as they were taught." (28:15) - "They took the money and did as they were told." "The eleven disciples went away into Galilee." (28:16) - Remember, the twelfth disciple, Judas, committed suicide. "Some doubted." (28:17) - The disciple Thomas doubted (John 20:24-29). Because of his skepticism, he is called "doubting Thomas" to this day. "All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth." (28:18) - Jesus holds full authority over heaven and earth (11:27; John 3:35; Ephesians 1:22; Philippians 2:9-11; Hebrews 2:8), including the power to judge mankind (John 5:22). "Teach all nations." (28:19) - Jesus wants His followers, then and now, to spread Christianity throughout the world, to Jew and Gentile. This is called "The Great Commission." "The Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost." (28:19) - "God appears clearly in the New Testament as existing in three divine Persons." ("The New Scofield Reference Bible," published by Oxford University Press, New York, New York; pg. 1045) "Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you." (28:20) - "Teaching them to obey all the things I have taught you." "I am with you always." (28:20) - Jesus is alive and walks by our side, personally guiding us. The Greek scholar, theologian, and poet Dr. Handley Moule (1841-1920) wrote that "I am with you always" means, "I am with you all the days, all day long." This is a comforting thought when we feel worried, anxious, tempted, or alone and defeated. Jesus' promise reinforces God's promise never to forsake us in Genesis 28:15 and reiterated in Deuteronomy 31:6, Joshua 1:5, 1 Chronicles 28:20 and touched on in Psalm 37:25. Please see "Today's Question" below. |
New Living Translation
Matthew 28:1-20
The Resurrection
1 Early on Sunday morning, as the new day was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went out to visit the tomb.
2 Suddenly there was a great earthquake! For an angel of the Lord came down from heaven, rolled aside the stone, and sat on it.
3 His face shone like lightning, and his clothing was as white as snow.
4 The guards shook with fear when they saw him, and they fell into a dead faint.
5 Then the angel spoke to the women. "Don't be afraid!" he said. "I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified.
6 He isn't here! He is risen from the dead, just as he said would happen. Come, see where his body was lying.
7 And now, go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and he is going ahead of you to Galilee. You will see him there. Remember what I have told you."
8 The women ran quickly from the tomb. They were very frightened but also filled with great joy, and they rushed to give the disciples the angel's message.
9 And as they went, Jesus met them and greeted them. And they ran to him, grasped his feet, and worshiped him.
10 Then Jesus said to them, "Don't be afraid! Go tell my brothers to leave for Galilee, and they will see me there."
The Report of the Guard
11 As the women were on their way, some of the guards went into the city and told the leading priests what had happened.
12 A meeting with the elders was called, and they decided to give the soldiers a large bribe.
13 They told the soldiers, "You must say, 'Jesus' disciples came during the night while we were sleeping, and they stole his body.'
14 If the governor hears about it, we'll stand up for you so you won't get in trouble."
15 So the guards accepted the bribe and said what they were told to say. Their story spread widely among the Jews, and they still tell it today.
The Great Commission
16 Then the eleven disciples left for Galilee, going to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go.
17 When they saw him, they worshiped him-but some of them doubted!
18 Jesus came and told his disciples, "I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth.
19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age."
This second Bible text from the "New Living Translation" (Tyndale House, Publishers, Wheaton, Illinois) is a paraphrase and not an accurate word-for-word translation of the Bible. However, it is a helpful tool when read with the "King James Version."
The Resurrection
1 Early on Sunday morning, as the new day was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went out to visit the tomb.
2 Suddenly there was a great earthquake! For an angel of the Lord came down from heaven, rolled aside the stone, and sat on it.
3 His face shone like lightning, and his clothing was as white as snow.
4 The guards shook with fear when they saw him, and they fell into a dead faint.
5 Then the angel spoke to the women. "Don't be afraid!" he said. "I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified.
6 He isn't here! He is risen from the dead, just as he said would happen. Come, see where his body was lying.
7 And now, go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and he is going ahead of you to Galilee. You will see him there. Remember what I have told you."
8 The women ran quickly from the tomb. They were very frightened but also filled with great joy, and they rushed to give the disciples the angel's message.
9 And as they went, Jesus met them and greeted them. And they ran to him, grasped his feet, and worshiped him.
10 Then Jesus said to them, "Don't be afraid! Go tell my brothers to leave for Galilee, and they will see me there."
The Report of the Guard
11 As the women were on their way, some of the guards went into the city and told the leading priests what had happened.
12 A meeting with the elders was called, and they decided to give the soldiers a large bribe.
13 They told the soldiers, "You must say, 'Jesus' disciples came during the night while we were sleeping, and they stole his body.'
14 If the governor hears about it, we'll stand up for you so you won't get in trouble."
15 So the guards accepted the bribe and said what they were told to say. Their story spread widely among the Jews, and they still tell it today.
The Great Commission
16 Then the eleven disciples left for Galilee, going to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go.
17 When they saw him, they worshiped him-but some of them doubted!
18 Jesus came and told his disciples, "I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth.
19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age."
This second Bible text from the "New Living Translation" (Tyndale House, Publishers, Wheaton, Illinois) is a paraphrase and not an accurate word-for-word translation of the Bible. However, it is a helpful tool when read with the "King James Version."
Key verses from this passage
"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. 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." (28:1-2)
"He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. 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." (28:6-7)
"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." (28:9)
"And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth." (28:18)
"He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. 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." (28:6-7)
"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." (28:9)
"And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth." (28:18)
Today's Question:
1. How is Jesus always with us? (28:20)
One purpose of this course is to create an interest in learning more about the Bible. Read yours daily.
1. How is Jesus always with us? (28:20)
One purpose of this course is to create an interest in learning more about the Bible. Read yours daily.
Answer: (Do you agree?)
1. When we accept Jesus and invite Him into our lives, He dwells within us spiritually. On good or bad days, in times of joy or unspeakable sadness, He provides guidance, wisdom, and comfort to His followers. When we place our trust in Jesus, He stands by our side "unto the end of the world." It's this constant spiritual presence that provides believers with strength and encouragement.
Final thought:
"Judas betrayed Him, Peter denied Him, His disciples abandoned him, Caiaphas condemned Him, Herod mocked Him, Pilate tortured and crucified Him - but no power on earth could keep the Messiah in the grave. Jesus' crucifixion was not the end, but the beginning - the beginning of a glorious new chapter in God's dealings with humankind. Hereafter the Son of Man would rule and reign as one to whom "all authority in heaven and on earth" had been granted." False reports would be spread intending to cover up the truth of His resurrection; yet His disciples would be specially called and empowered to bring the gospel to the ends of the earth, to Jew and Gentile alike."
(Life Change Series published by NavPress; Colorado Springs, Colorado; page 187)
This is the final lesson on the "Gospel of Matthew," but building a relationship with God should not end here. Please review the lessons and remember they are not a substitute to regularly study the Bible on your own.
We will continue our study of the Bible with "The Gospel According to ST. Mark." We invite you to join us.
Mark is shorter than Matthew and will be divided into thirty-seven lessons. We'll let you know when the first lesson on Mark (lesson 63) will be emailed to you, so expect it shortly.
God Bless!
We will continue our study of the Bible with "The Gospel According to ST. Mark." We invite you to join us.
Mark is shorter than Matthew and will be divided into thirty-seven lessons. We'll let you know when the first lesson on Mark (lesson 63) will be emailed to you, so expect it shortly.
God Bless!
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Thanks to the writings and commentary of John Wesley and Adam Clarke. Also, "The Layman's Bible Study Notebook" by Irving Jensen, published by Harvest House Publishing, Irvine, California; the "Life Change Series," published by NavPress books, Colorado Springs, Colorado; "Robertson's New Testament Word Studies;" "The MacArthur Bible Commentary" by John MacArthur, published by Thomas Nelson, Nashville, Tennessee; "Wisdom of the Bible" CD by Topics Entertainment, Inc., Renton, Washington for their inspiring pictures; "My utmost for His Highest" by Oswald Chambers, published by Barbour Publishing, Inc., Uhrichsville, Ohio; The "Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge" by Reuben Archer Torrey; "Hope For Each Day" by Billy Graham, published by J. Countryman, a division of Thomas Nelson, Inc., Nashville, Tennessee; "Easton's Bible Dictionary" by Matthew George Easton; "Unger's Bible Dictionary" by Merrill F. Unger, published by Moody Press, Chicago, Illinois; "Atlas of the Bible" edited by Joseph L. Gardner, published by Readers Digest, Pleasantville, New York; "Halley's Bible Handbook" by Henry H. Halley, Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids, Michigan; "The Everyday Bible," published by World Wide Publications, Minneapolis, Minnesota; "The New Testament" Recovery Version, published by Living Stream Ministry, Anaheim, California; "The Living New Testament," published by Tyndale house, Wheaten, Illinois; "The New Living Translation," published by Tyndale House, Wheaten, Illinois; "The New Testament" translated from the Latin Vulgate, published by Guild Press, New York, New York; the "Life Application Study Bible," published by Tyndale House Publishing, Carol Stream, Illinois; the "Quest Study Bible," published by The Zondervan Corporation, Grand Rapids, Michigan; "The New Scofield Reference Bible," published by Oxford University Press, New York, New York; BibleGateway.com for all their wonderful links; and of course, the "King James Bible." All were critical in putting these lessons together.
© 2025 evolke
© 2025 evolke