Introduction: The 28th chapter of Matthew records for us the resurrection
of Jesus Christ, His appearance to His apostles and the GREAT COMMISSION He gave them.
Modern man can have hope due to the fact that Jesus did come forth from the grave as He
had predicted and gave a commission to go to all nations and present the message to every
creature. Thank God for that. We can have forgiveness of sins and live happily, knowing
that when this life ends for us something MUCH better is waiting -- IF we respond to the
call and are faithful!
1. On that first day of the week, Jesus was not found in the grave, even though there had
been a watch to MAKE IT SURE (vs. 1-8). This shows that no one, regardless of their
carefulness and planning, can keep God's will from being carried out. He demonstrated how
foolish it is to try to defeat God's plan!
2. Jesus appears to the people who had gone to the grave site (vs. 8-10). As these
disciples departed from he grave site, "with fear and great joy," running to
bring the rest of the disciples word, Jesus appeared to them. When they saw Him,
"they came and held him by the feet, and worshiped him." He told them to not be
"afraid," but to go and direct the brethren to "go into Galilee,"
promising to meet them there.
3. Then we are told of the effort by the guards and their superiors to give an
explanation: being very deceitful (vs. 11-15). What an incredible effort to deny the facts
and distort the truth. Such is the way of evil men, however. Yet, it is so obviously
destructive, when the simple disciple of the Lord views this effort. How could any testify
to something that happened while they were asleep on guard????
4. The eleven disciples went to Galilees where Jesus appeared to them (vs. 16-18). As He had promised to appear there (Cf. Matt. 26:32). When hey saw Him there alive, they "worshiped" Him. Yet, it says that "some doubted" (v. 17). He appears many times to various people (Cf.1 Cor. 15:5-8) so there could be no doubt that He was indeed alive, resurrected!
5. The Mission Jesus gave them (vs
19-20). He came claiming that "all power" or AUTHORITY has been given unto Him,
both in heaven and in earth! That is an extremely important matter: to recognize that
Jesus has ALL AUTHORITY. No longer is Moses, or the prophets our authority for us as
Christians. At one time they served well, spoke for God, but today, in
this Christian age, Christ is the authority we MUST have for all that we do (Cf. Col.
3:17).Teaching, baptism in His name, and instruction to OBSERVE all things He taught --was
and is the mission!
Questions:
1. Who came to the grave site early that morning?
2. Who "came and rolled back the stone from the door"? (Matt 28:2-4)?
3. What was the message of the angel to "the women" (Matt 28:5-8)?
4. Who appeared to the women as they went to tell the disciples (Matt 28:9-10)?
5. What action was taken by the guards and their superiors (Matt 28:11-15)?
6. Where did the "eleven disciples" go and what happened there (Matt 28:16-18)?
7. What did Jesus claim for Himself when He met with the eleven (Matt 28:18)?
8. Where did He tell them to go, based on His claim of "all power" or authority
(Matt 28:19)?
9. In whose NAMES were these disciples to act, doing what?
10. What were they to do for the one's who were baptized (Matt