Matthew 28 – He Is Risen! The King Lives and Sends Us Out
“He is not here; for He is risen, as He said.” (Matthew 28:6, NKJV)
“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations…” (v. 19)
“I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (v. 20)
🔍 CAPTURE THE SCENE (What Do I See?)
- Early Sunday morning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary come to the tomb.
- A great earthquake occurs; an angel rolls back the stone and sits on it.
- The guards shake with fear and become like dead men.
- The angel declares the resurrection: “He is not here—He is risen!”
- Jesus appears to the women on the road—they worship Him.
- The guards are bribed to spread a false report that His body was stolen.
- Jesus meets the disciples in Galilee and gives them the Great Commission.
📖 ANALYZE THE MESSAGE (What Does It Mean?)
1. The Resurrection Announced (vv. 1–7)
- The angel’s appearance is dazzling, like lightning.
- The tomb is empty—the stone wasn’t rolled away to let Jesus out, but to let the witnesses in.
- “Come, see the place where the Lord lay.”
Lesson: The resurrection is not just a symbol—it’s a historical event with eternal power.
2. The Women Worship the Risen Lord (vv. 8–10)
- As they go to tell the disciples, Jesus Himself appears to them.
- They fall at His feet and worship.
- Jesus tells them not to fear and to go tell His brethren.
Lesson: Worship is the first response to resurrection. The risen King deserves all honor.
3. The Guards Lie About the Resurrection (vv. 11–15)
- The chief priests bribe the guards to say the disciples stole the body.
- This false story spreads among the Jews to this day.
Lesson: The world will always try to suppress the truth. But truth stands, and lies crumble.
4. The Great Commission (vv. 16–20)
- Jesus meets His disciples on the mountain in Galilee.
- He says: “All authority has been given to Me… Go therefore and make disciples…”
- Baptize them, teach them, and remember: “I am with you always.”
Lesson: Resurrection leads to mission. You’re saved to be sent.
🔄 COMPARE WITH THE REST OF SCRIPTURE
- Luke 24, Mark 16, John 20–21 – Parallel resurrection accounts.
- Isaiah 53:10–12 – The suffering servant will see the light of life.
- Acts 1:8 – You will be My witnesses.
- 1 Corinthians 15:3–4 – Christ died, was buried, and rose again.
- Romans 10:9 – If you believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.
🛠 EXECUTE – How Does This Affect My Life?
Key Principle: The resurrection changes everything—and now you carry that message.
- Come and See
- Investigate the evidence. Christianity is built on a risen Savior, not a dead founder.
- Go and Tell
- Evangelism is not optional. The risen King says “Go.”
- Worship and Witness
- Let your private worship fuel your public witness.
- Remember the Promise
- “I am with you always”—He’s not just risen, He’s present in power.
- Live Like He’s Alive
- Walk in joy, in victory, and on mission—the tomb is empty!
💬 GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- Why is the resurrection the cornerstone of the Christian faith?
- How do we see both worship and obedience modeled in this chapter?
- What do you find most powerful about the Great Commission?
- How do you combat the false narratives about Jesus in today’s culture?
- What does “I am with you always” mean for your daily life and calling?