The Risen Jesus: Vindicated, Worshiped, and Sent to Galilee
The sealed tomb is opened, the risen Jesus is worshiped, and fearful disciples are summoned to meet him in Galilee.
Matthew 28:1-10 (BSB)
1 After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb.
2 Suddenly there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, rolled away the stone, and sat on it.
3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow.
4 The guards trembled in fear of him and became like dead men.
5 But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified.
6 He is not here; He has risen, just as He said! Come, see the place where He lay.
7 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.’ See, I have told you.”
8 So they hurried away from the tomb in fear and great joy, and ran to tell His disciples.
9 Suddenly 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.”
What is the big idea of Matthew 28:1-10?
The sealed tomb is opened, the risen Jesus is worshiped, and fearful disciples are summoned to meet him in Galilee.
How does Matthew 28:1-10 point to Christ?
The gospel is the good news that the crucified Jesus has been raised by God, just as he said. His resurrection vindicates his identity as Messiah and Son of God, confirms the saving significance of his death, and turns terrified disciples into commissioned witnesses. The risen Christ does not abandon failed followers; he summons them as brothers to meet him and continue under his authority.
How does Matthew 28:1-10 relate to the life and ministry of Jesus?
This is resurrection morning after Jesus' crucifixion, death, burial, and guarded tomb. In Matthew's life-of-Jesus sequence it is the first resurrection appearance narrative, moving from the women's visit to the empty tomb to Jesus' personal meeting with them before the Galilean commission.
Authorial Intent
Matthew announces that Jesus has risen as he said and shows the first witnesses receiving both angelic confirmation and a personal encounter with the risen King.
Questions for Reflection
- Where am I tempted to treat the resurrection as a doctrine I affirm but not as the living center of my hope and obedience?
- How does the angel's phrase 'just as he said' expose whether I really trust the words of Jesus?
- What fears need to be answered by the risen Christ's command, 'Do not be afraid'?
- Does my worship of Christ lead to witness, or do I separate personal devotion from obedient proclamation?
- How does Jesus calling failed disciples 'my brothers' reshape the way I understand restoration, repentance, and mission?
- Who needs to hear from me this week, in clear and faithful words, that Christ is risen?
Literary Context
Matthew 28:1-10 follows the burial, seal, and guard of Matthew 27:57-66 and begins the resurrection chapter. The passage reverses the apparent finality of the crucifixion, exposes the weakness of human attempts to secure death, and prepares both the guard-coverup episode and the Great Commission. It is the resurrection hinge between the passion narrative and the risen King's mission to all nations.
Historical Context
The scene occurs after the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, as Mary Magdalene and the other Mary go to look at the tomb.
Chapter: Matthew 28
The Resurrection of Jesus and the Great Commission of the Risen King
The crucified Jesus has risen just as he said, possesses all authority in heaven and on earth, receives worship, sends his disciples to make disciples of all nations, and promises his abiding presence until the end of the age.