What is happening when the women come to the tomb at dawn?

The women come very early, at the end of the sabbath, as the first day of the week is beginning. They want to see the tomb where Jesus was laid and, from other accounts, to care for his body. Instead of a quiet visit, there is a great earthquake and an angel comes down from heaven and rolls back the stone. The guards are terrified and fall like dead men. The women are told not to fear, because Jesus, who was crucified, is now risen, just as he had said.

What does the angel mean by “He is not here, for he is risen, as he said”?

The angel explains that Jesus is no longer in the tomb because he is truly alive again. This is not a new idea but the keeping of his own promise that he would rise on the third day. The empty place where his body lay is the sign that death could not hold him. The angel invites the women to come and see the place, so their faith rests not on guesses but on what God has actually done in raising Jesus from the dead.

Why does Jesus first appear to the women, and how do they respond?

As the women hurry to tell the disciples what the angel said, Jesus himself meets them and greets them. He does not go first to rulers or large crowds but to these faithful women who came in love, even though they were confused and afraid. They come close, hold him by the feet, and worship him, which shows they know he is not a ghost but truly raised and worthy of honor. He comforts them, tells them not to be afraid, and sends them to tell his “brethren” to go to Galilee.

Why did the chief priests pay the soldiers to say the body was stolen?

When some of the guards go into the city and tell the chief priests what happened, the priests and elders see that the empty tomb points to Jesus being raised. Instead of believing, they choose to cover it up. They give the soldiers a large sum of money and tell them to spread a story that the disciples came by night and stole the body while they slept. They even promise to protect the soldiers if the governor hears. This shows hard hearts that would rather cling to power than accept the truth.

What is the meaning of Jesus saying “All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth”?

When Jesus meets the eleven disciples on the mountain in Galilee, some worship and some hesitate. He comes near and tells them that all authority has been given to him in heaven and on earth. This means he truly rules over everything, seen and unseen. His death and resurrection have not made him weaker but have shown his right to rule. Because he has this authority, he can send his followers to all nations, and they can obey without fear, knowing they serve the Lord of all.

What does it mean to make disciples of all nations and baptize them?

Jesus tells his followers to go and make disciples of all nations, not just their own people. Making disciples means helping others come to trust and follow Jesus. They are to baptize them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. This shows that new believers are brought into a real relationship with the one God, who is Father, Son, and Spirit. Baptism marks them as belonging to God and to his people, not by their birth, but by God’s saving work in Christ.

What does teaching them to observe all things Jesus commanded involve?

Jesus does not only tell his followers to baptize. They must also teach new disciples to keep everything he has commanded. This means passing on his words, his way of life, and his instructions, not picking only what seems easy. It calls for ongoing teaching and careful obedience. The church’s work is not just to count new converts, but to help people grow into a life that reflects Jesus’ teaching in everyday actions, trusting that his Spirit helps them obey.

How should believers today understand “I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world”?

When Jesus sends his disciples, he does not leave them on their own. He promises to be with them always, to the very end of the age. Though he later goes up into heaven, he is present by his Spirit, giving help, comfort, and power for the work he has given. This promise is not only for the first disciples but for all who carry on their work. It encourages believers in every place and time to keep serving, knowing their Lord has not left them and will not abandon his people.

Matt.28.1

Matthew 28:1

KJV

In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre.

The Resurrection

1 In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre.

2 And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it.

3 His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow:

4 And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men.

5 And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified.

6 He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.

7 And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you.

8 And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word.

9 And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him.

10 Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me.

The Report of the Guards

11 Now when they were going, behold, some of the watch came into the city, and shewed unto the chief priests all the things that were done.

12 And when they were assembled with the elders, and had taken counsel, they gave large money unto the soldiers,

13 Saying, Say ye, His disciples came by night, and stole him away while we slept.

14 And if this come to the governor’s ears, we will persuade him, and secure you.

15 So they took the money, and did as they were taught: and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day.

The Great Commission

16 Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them.

17 And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted.

18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.

19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Cross References

No cross references available for this verse.