Matthew 28 is the final chapter of the Gospel of Matthew in the New Testament, which focuses on the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the Great Commission. This chapter is crucial as it narrates the events following Jesus' crucifixion, where women discover the empty tomb and receive the angelic announcement of His resurrection, followed by Jesus' appearance to His disciples. The chapter concludes with Jesus commanding His followers to spread His teachings to all nations, marking a pivotal moment in Christian belief and mission.
congrats on reading the definition of Matthew 28. now let's actually learn it.
Matthew 28 describes how Mary Magdalene and another Mary went to visit Jesus' tomb on Sunday morning and encountered an angel who informed them that Jesus had risen.
The angel instructed the women to inform the disciples about the resurrection and directed them to meet Jesus in Galilee.
Jesus appeared to the eleven disciples in Galilee, affirming His authority over heaven and earth before giving them the Great Commission.
The Great Commission emphasizes making disciples, baptizing them, and teaching them about Jesus' teachings, establishing a foundational aspect of Christian mission.
Matthew 28 ends with a promise from Jesus that He would be with His followers always, even to the end of the age, offering reassurance and support for their mission.
Review Questions
How does Matthew 28 illustrate the significance of the resurrection in early Christian beliefs?
Matthew 28 highlights the resurrection as a central event in Christianity by depicting the discovery of the empty tomb and Jesus’ appearances to His followers. The chapter emphasizes that Jesus' rising from the dead not only confirms His divine nature but also serves as a foundation for faith in eternal life. The reactions of those who witnessed these events reflect how vital the resurrection was in transforming the understanding of life and death for early Christians.
Analyze how the Great Commission in Matthew 28 reflects Jesus' vision for His disciples and the future of Christianity.
The Great Commission is pivotal as it encapsulates Jesus' vision for His disciples to actively engage in spreading His message globally. It signifies a shift from a localized ministry to an expansive mission that embraces all nations, highlighting inclusivity in Christianity. This directive underscores the importance of teaching and baptizing, which became essential practices for early Christians and continue to shape the church's mission today.
Evaluate the implications of Jesus’ promise in Matthew 28 regarding His presence with believers until the end of the age.
Jesus’ promise in Matthew 28 reassures believers of His ongoing presence and support as they carry out their mission. This commitment not only provides comfort but also empowers Christians to act boldly in sharing their faith. By affirming that He will be with them always, it emphasizes a relational aspect of faith where believers are never alone in their endeavors, influencing how they approach evangelism and community-building throughout history.
The directive given by Jesus to His disciples to go forth, make disciples of all nations, baptize them, and teach them to observe all that He commanded.
Angel: A spiritual being that serves as a messenger of God, often delivering significant announcements or guidance in biblical narratives.