Analysis of Matthew Chapter 28
Matthew Chapter 28 is the final chapter of the Gospel according to Matthew, and it encompasses pivotal events that mark the culmination of Christ’s earthly ministry: His resurrection, His appearance to the disciples, and the Great Commission. Rich with theological significance, this chapter captures the very essence of Christian faith and mission. Below is a detailed analysis of the chapter, offering an insightful examination of the verses and their implications.
The Resurrection (Verses 1-10)
The chapter opens with the account of the resurrection of Jesus, an event that stands as a cornerstone of Christian belief. It begins by describing the visit of Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to Jesus’ tomb on the first day of the week.
“After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.” (Matthew 28:1-4)
The earthquake signifies a divine intervention, aligning with previous biblical instances where seismic activity heralds God’s presence or actions (e.g., Exodus 19:18, Acts 16:26). The angel rolling the stone away symbolizes the removal of the final barrier between humanity and eternal life, as the resurrection overcomes sin and death (Romans 6:9).
The guards’ reaction, becoming like “dead men,” underscores the supernatural nature of the resurrection. Their terror starkly contrasts with the angel’s message of peace and reassurance to the women.
“The angel said to the women, ‘Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then 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.” Now I have told you.’” (Matthew 28:5-7)
The angel’s message confirms Jesus’ prophetic words about His resurrection (Matthew 16:21, 17:23). This proclamation reassures the women and imparts a mission: they are to become the first witnesses of the resurrection. This reflects the inclusivity of Jesus’ ministry and the significant role women played in the early Church.
As the women hurry away, they encounter the resurrected Jesus:
“Suddenly Jesus met them. ‘Greetings,’ he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.'” (Matthew 28:9-10)
The physical act of clasping Jesus’ feet emphasizes His corporeal resurrection, countering any notion that He merely appeared as a spirit. Their act of worship reflects the appropriate response to encountering the divine. Jesus’ reiteration of the angel’s instruction underlines the importance of Galilee as the place where He will reveal Himself to His disciples, linking back to the prophecy and fulfillment theme.
The Guards’ Report (Verses 11-15)
Next, the narrative shifts to detail the guards’ report to the chief priests, highlighting the opposition to the resurrection message:
“While the women were on their way, some of the guards went into the city and reported to the chief priests everything that had happened. When the chief priests had met with the elders and devised a plan, they gave the soldiers a large sum of money, telling them, ‘You are to say, “His disciples came during the night and stole him away while we were asleep.” If this report gets to the governor, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.’ So the soldiers took the money and did as they were instructed. And this story has been widely circulated among the Jews to this very day.” (Matthew 28:11-15)
This passage unveils the deliberate actions taken by the religious authorities to suppress the truth of the resurrection. The bribery and falsehood plot reflect the lengths to which the religious leaders would go to maintain their power and prevent the spread of Jesus’ message. The story of the stolen body serves as an early example of the skepticism and opposition the early Christians would face.
The mention of the story being “widely circulated…to this very day” indicates that Matthew’s audience may have been familiar with this false narrative, thus reinforcing the credibility and necessity of the resurrection witness accounts presented in the Gospel.
The Great Commission (Verses 16-20)
The final section of the chapter presents the Great Commission, Jesus’ instruction to His disciples to spread His teachings to all nations:
“Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.'” (Matthew 28:16-20)
The disciples’ journey to Galilee fulfills Jesus’ directive and echoes the prophetic theme of meeting. Their mixed reactions, worship combined with doubt, reflect a genuine human response, acknowledging the challenges of faith. Jesus’ declaration of His universal authority solidifies His divine kingship and undergirds the imperative to evangelize.
The commission encompasses three key commands:
- Make disciples of all nations: This global mission transcends ethnic and geographical boundaries, establishing the universal scope of the Gospel.
- Baptize in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit: This Trinitarian formula forms the theological foundation for Christian baptism, signifying entry into the covenant community.
- Teach obedience to Jesus’ commands: Discipleship involves a commitment to living out Jesus’ teachings, emphasizing both belief and practice.
Jesus’ promise to be with His followers “always, to the very end of the age” provides assurance of His ongoing presence and support, a source of comfort and empowerment for the Church’s mission.
Summary and Theological Significance
Matthew Chapter 28 is foundational to Christian theology and practice. The resurrection validates Jesus’ identity as the Son of God and the victor over death, providing the basis for Christian hope and eschatology. The chapter emphasizes the continuity of Jesus’ mission through His disciples, establishing the Church’s mandate to evangelize and disciple all nations.
The presence of women as the first witnesses to the resurrection highlights the inclusive nature of Jesus’ ministry and challenges cultural norms of the time. The juxtaposition of the women’s faithfulness with the guards’ deceit and the leaders’ opposition underscores the tensions between truth and falsehood, belief, and disbelief.
The Great Commission encapsulates the heartbeat of the Gospel: the call to spread the message of Jesus Christ, empowered by His authority and assured of His presence. This passage has inspired countless missionary endeavors and continues to guide the Church’s outreach and educational efforts.
In conclusion, Matthew Chapter 28 is a profound testament to the transformative power of the resurrection and the enduring mission of the Church. It calls believers to witness, worship, and work in the assurance of the risen Christ’s authority and presence.