Matthew 28:1-10
The sealed tomb is opened, the risen Jesus is worshiped, and fearful disciples are summoned to meet Him in Galilee.
1 Now after the Sabbath, as it began to dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb.
2 Behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from the sky, and came and rolled away the stone from the door, and sat on it.
3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow.
4 For fear of him, the guards shook, and became like dead men.
5 The angel answered the women, “Don’t be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus, who has been crucified.
6 He is not here, for he has risen, just like he said. Come, see the place where the Lord was lying.
7 Go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He has risen from the dead, and behold, he goes before you into Galilee; there you will see him.’ Behold, I have told you.”
8 They departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to bring his disciples word.
9 As they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, “Rejoice!” They came and took hold of his feet, and worshiped him.
10 Then Jesus said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Go tell my brothers that they should go into Galilee, and there they will see me.”
The sealed tomb is opened, the risen Jesus is worshiped, and fearful disciples are summoned to meet him in Galilee.
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.
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.
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.