📖 SOAP Study — Matthew 28
The Risen King and the Relentless Mission
🟦 S — Scripture
“He is not here, for he has risen, as he said.” (Matthew 28:6)
“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” (Matthew 28:18)
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations… teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:19–20)
“And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20)
🟨 O — Observation
Matthew 28 unfolds in three movements:
1️⃣ The Resurrection (vv. 1–10)
Two women come in grief.
An angel announces victory.
The guards fall in fear.
The women run in joy.
Jesus meets them personally and says, “Do not be afraid.”
Fear turns to worship.
Grief turns to mission.
2️⃣ The Cover-Up (vv. 11–15)
The guards report the truth.
The religious leaders manufacture a lie.
Money is exchanged.
A false narrative spreads.
The resurrection immediately faces opposition.
Truth divides.
3️⃣ The Great Commission (vv. 16–20)
The disciples worship — yet some doubt.
Jesus does not address their doubt.
He declares His authority.
“All authority… has been given to Me.”
Then comes the mission:
- Go
- Make disciples
- Baptize
- Teach obedience
And finally, the promise:
“I am with you always.”
Authority grounds the mission.
Presence sustains the mission.
🟩 A — Application
Matthew 28 presses several questions into our lives:
- Do I truly live as if Jesus is alive?
- Am I more influenced by cultural narratives or resurrection truth?
- Am I making disciples — or merely attending church?
- Do I rest in His authority — or my own strength?
- Do I trust His presence when obedience feels costly?
Resurrection faith is not passive.
It moves.
It speaks.
It teaches.
It endures.
The mission is not optional.
It is the natural overflow of worship.
🟪 P — Prayer
Lord Jesus,
You are risen. You reign with all authority.
Forgive me when I live timidly, as if You are still in the tomb.
Give me courage to go where You send.
Teach me to make disciples faithfully, not casually.
Help me trust Your presence when doubt lingers.
Anchor my life in resurrection truth.
Let my worship lead to obedience.
Amen.