Matthew 28 is the conclusion to Matthew’s description of Jesus Christ’s life, death, and resurrection. In the verse, Mary and Mary Magdalene hear from an angel that Jesus has risen. They hurry to his disciples to relate the news.

An Angel Appears

As Mary and Mary Magdalene approached the tomb, an angel appeared from heaven and rolled back the stone from the entrance and sat on it. At the sight of his countenance, the members of the watch that were guarding the tomb fell down, dead. And the angel spoke to the women, telling them that the body of Jesus was not there, that he had risen. He commanded the women to go to Jesus’ disciples and tell them that Jesus would appear to them in Galilee.

While they were on their way to the disciples, Jesus appeared to the women. When they saw him, they fell down at his feet and began to worship him. Jesus told them not to be afraid, and commanded them to take the message to his disciples as well.

The Chief Priests Conspire

When news of what had transpired reached the Chief Priests, they conspired together and bribed the soldiers to claim that the disciples had stolen the body while they slept. Hearing this, the soliders agreed, took the money, and spread doubt among the Jews that persists to this day.

The Disciples Travel to Galilee

After they had heard that Jesus’ body had risen from the grave, the disciples traveled to Galilee. When they met Jesus as he had promised, they all worshiped him, though some of the men doubted who he was. Jesus spoke to them saying that he had received all the power in heaven and earth. Therefore, he commanded them to go forth to the nations to teach the word of God and baptize the people in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Before they left, Jesus promised them that he would be with them always, even until the end of the world.

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Matthew Chapter 28 (King James Version)

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.

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.

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 always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

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