THE BOOK OF MATTHEW – Chapter 28
Jesus is Risen, The Great Commission.
There is so much that has been made about Jesus’ death, burial and His resurrection. Some of it from first-hand witnesses, some from speculation, and some from doubters. But, in the end, it is up to you to decide. Pray, ask God for insight and wisdom. Search, study and glean the scriptures. All of this was foretold. It occurred with uncanny and frightening accuracy. Even the enemies of Jesus knew it was coming and tried to prevent it. Despite all the evidence and the world altering results, it is still accepted only by faith, and this faith is not blind. It is the hallmark of a true believer who has eyes to see.
Jesus Is Risen!
Matthew 28:1, Now after the Sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to look at the tomb. Verse 2. And behold, a severe earthquake had occurred, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled away the stone, and sat upon it. Verse 3. And his appearance was like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow. Verse 4. The guards shook from fear of him and became like dead men. Verse 5. And the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid; for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who has been crucified. Verse 6. He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said. Come, see the place where He was lying. Verse 7. And go quickly and tell His disciples that He has risen from the dead; and behold, He is going ahead of you to Galilee. There you will see Him; behold, I have told you.”
(Commentary Break): There are scores of commentaries for you to read which will go into dizzying detail about the day, the time, the earthquake, the witnesses, the angel, the guards and these events. Go read them. But the final point is that Matthew spoke to first and witnesses and recorded what occurred. And if this is not enough, then look at the prophecies, the events leading up to Jesus’ mock trial, His execution, burial and resurrection; consider the sighting of Jesus and His interactions with people after His resurrection. All first-hand witnesses. And still, it’s up to you to believe, and that, only by faith. And, as Jesus has said, ‘if you don’t believe the words, then believe by the Works that preceded His death and those that followed Jesus’ resurrection’. Believe by the millions upon millions of lives that have been changed for the better. (also see GotQuestions.org). (End Commentary Break).
Verse 8. And they left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy, and ran to report to His disciples. Verse 9. And behold, Jesus met them and said, “Rejoice!” And they came up and took hold of His feet, and worshiped Him. Verse 10. Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid; go, bring word to My brothers to leave for Galilee, and there they will see Me.”
(Commentary Break): The Bible contains over 63 commands to “fear not” or “do not be afraid” in the context that God is over all and working in all things. In fact, He promises that He will work all things to work together for the good of those who are called according to His purpose (see Romans 8:28). Now listen to what faith and obedience to His Word brings when God says, “fear not, bring word…and they will see Me”. In this specific case, the disciples, Jesus Christian brothers, were to leave for Galilee and there they will see Him. Now you, brothers and sisters, take action: You need not fear. Bring Word, go to Him, and you will see Him! This is both a promise and a prophetic command. Do it! (End Commentary Break).
Verse 11. Now, while they were on their way, some of the men from the guard came into the city and reported to the chief priests all that had happened. Verse 12. And when they had assembled with the elders and consulted together, they gave a large sum of money to the soldiers, verse 13, and said, “You are to say, ‘His disciples came at night and stole Him while we were asleep.’ Verse 14. And if this comes to the governor’s ears, we will appease him and keep you out of trouble.” Verse 15. And they took the money and did as they had been instructed; and this story was widely spread among the Jews and is to this day.
The Great Commission
Verse 16. But the eleven disciples proceeded to Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had designated to them. Verse 17. And when they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some were doubtful. Verse 18. And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Verse 19. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, verse 20, teaching them to follow all that I commanded you; and behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
(Commentary Break): Notice that the 11 disciples proceeded to Galilee, and they worshiped Him when they saw Him. And even standing there, worshiping the visible living Jesus, SOME WERE DOUBTFUL. As unbelievable as that seems, Jesus still sent ALL ELEVEN of them, even the doubters, to go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to follow all that He has commanded. (End Commentary Break).
Please, dear friends, the time of His return is drawing near. Let’s stop standing around looking skyward, as the angel said. It is not ours to know the day or the hour, but He will return at the right time, in the same manner He left. Ours is to be ready and found doing all that He has commanded us.
In the meantime, we have been called and sent. It is past time to stop playing religion and stop just attending church and take these Spiritual Gifts He has put within us and use them profitably according to His purpose, mission and calling to us!
Living your life for Christ is your testimony and witness to what God has done. You, being full of the Spirit, full of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control in all you do, and when the time comes tell them about the reason for your Hope. JESUS!
Amen and Amen.
Your Brother and friend,
Mike Young
Next: THE BOOK OF ACTS – Chapter 1, Dedicated Service, The Ascension, The Upper Room.
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