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Matthew 28

20 verses

TL;DR

Mary Magdalene and other women discover the empty tomb and meet the risen Jesus, who commissions the disciples to preach and baptize in Galilee before going to the world.

Summary

After the Sabbath, Mary Magdalene and another Mary visit the tomb of Jesus. A great earthquake occurs and an angel of the Lord appears, rolling back the stone and announcing that Jesus has risen. The women, filled with fear and joy, go to tell the disciples. Jesus meets them, assures them, and commands them to go to Galilee. The chief priests bribe the soldiers to spread a false story. The eleven disciples travel to a mountain in Galilee where they meet Jesus, worship him, and receive the Great Commission to teach all nations, baptizing and obeying Jesus’ commandments.

Outline
  1. The empty tomb and angelic announcement to the women
  2. Women meet the risen Jesus and relay the message
  3. Disciples receive the Great Commission in Galilee
Themes
Resurrection and triumph over deathFaith and obedience to divine commissionReconciliation of fear with joy
Keywords
ResurrectionAngelsFearJoyJesusDisciplesGalileeGreat CommissionBaptismCommandment
People
Mary MagdaleneMary (second)Angel of the LordJesusDisciplesWatchChief priestsEldersSoldiersGovernor
Places
JerusalemGalileeMountainCity (Jerusalem)
Things
StoneAngelEmpty tombResurrectionHoly GhostMoneyBaptism
Key Verses
  • Matthew 28:5: The angel declares the resurrection, overturning expectations of Jesus’ death.
  • Matthew 28:9: Jesus’ appearance to the women confirms his victory over death.
  • Matthew 28:19-20: The Great Commission establishes the mission of the church to all nations.
Questions
  • How does the women’s experience of fear turning into joy illustrate faith?
  • What does the angel’s appearance reveal about God’s power over death?
  • Why is the location Galilee significant in the context of Jesus’ commission?
  • How does the narrative of the priests bribing soldiers affect our understanding of truth and deception?
  • In what ways do the disciples’ doubts challenge our own faith?
Sentiment

positive
Joyous celebration of the resurrection and hopeful commission.