Matthew Chapter 28 brings the Gospel of Matthew to its glorious conclusion. In Matthew Ch27, Jesus was condemned, crucified, buried, and sealed in the tomb. Now the tomb is opened, Christ is risen, and the King sends His disciples to the nations.

The chapter begins with Mary Magdalene and the other Mary going to see the tomb. Suddenly there is an earthquake, and an angel of the Lord rolls back the stone. The guards tremble with fear, but the angel tells the women, “Do not be afraid.” The message is simple and world-changing: “He is not here, for he has risen.”

From a Christian Reformed lens, the resurrection is not just a hopeful symbol. It is God’s public declaration that Jesus’ sacrifice was accepted, death was defeated, and the Son has conquered. The same Christ who truly died has truly risen.

The women leave with fear and great joy. Then Jesus meets them and says, “Greetings!” They take hold of His feet and worship Him. This matters. The risen Jesus is not a ghost, memory, or idea. He is bodily risen, worthy of worship, and still near to His people.

Meanwhile, the guards report what happened, and the leaders create a lie, saying the disciples stole the body. Even after the resurrection, unbelief resists the truth. But human lies cannot stop the victory of Christ.

Then Jesus meets His disciples in Galilee and declares, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” This is the foundation of the Great Commission. The church does not go into the world on its own authority. We go because the risen King reigns over heaven and earth.

Jesus commands them to make disciples of all nations, baptizing them and teaching them to obey all He commanded. The mission is not merely to get decisions. It is to make disciples, mark them with baptism, and teach them the whole counsel of Christ.

This shows the wideness of God’s covenant promise. The Gospel goes beyond Israel to all nations. Christ gathers His people from every tribe, language, and land. Grace is not small. The risen King sends His church to the world.

Then Jesus gives the final comfort: “I am with you always, to the end of the age.” The Gospel of Matthew began with Emmanuel, God with us. It ends with the risen Christ promising His presence forever.

Matthew Chapter 28 teaches us that the King is alive.

The tomb is empty.

The guards tremble.

The women worship.

The lie fails.

The risen Christ reigns.

The nations must be discipled.

And Jesus is with His people always.

The cross was not defeat.

The grave could not hold Him.

The King has risen.

And His mission continues until the end of the age.