Thematic Bible




Matthew 28:1 (show verse)

Now as the Sabbath day ended and the first day of the week [i.e., Sunday] approached [Note: See Mark 16:1-2 for the exact timing], Mary from Magdala and the other Mary [i.e., Jesus' mother. See Matt. 27:56] went to look at the grave site.

Matthew 28:2 (show verse)

Now there had been a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord had descended from heaven and, [having] come to roll away the stone, was [now] sitting on it.

Matthew 28:3 (show verse)

He appeared as [brilliant] lightning and his clothing was white as snow.

Matthew 28:4 (show verse)

And the guards shook with fear at seeing him, and became as dead men.

Matthew 28:5 (show verse)

The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know you are looking for Jesus, who has been crucified.

Matthew 28:6 (show verse)

He is not here, for He has risen just as He said [He would]. Come and see the place where the Lord had been lying,

Matthew 28:7 (show verse)

then go quickly and tell His disciples, 'He has risen from the dead and is [now] going on ahead of you into Galilee. You will see Him there.' Now [that is all] I have to tell you."

Matthew 28:8 (show verse)

So, they left the grave site quickly, with fear and great joy, and ran to give the message to His disciples.

Matthew 28:9 (show verse)

Suddenly Jesus met them and gave them greetings. They approached Him and took hold of His feet [and knelt] to worship Him.

Matthew 28:10 (show verse)

Then Jesus said to them, "Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers [i.e., the disciples, that you have seen me], so they can head for Galilee where they will see me."

Matthew 28:11 (show verse)

Now while these women were on their way, some of the guards entered the city and began telling the leading priests everything that had happened.

Matthew 28:12 (show verse)

And when they had assembled with the [Jewish] elders and conferred with them, they offered large sums of money to the soldiers,

Matthew 28:13 (show verse)

saying, "We want you to say, 'Jesus' disciples came at night and stole his body while we were asleep.'

Matthew 28:14 (show verse)

And if the governor hears about this [plot], we will persuade him [i.e., not to punish you for negligence], so you will not have to worry about that."

Matthew 28:15 (show verse)

So, they took the money and did as they were instructed. And this story [i.e., that Jesus' body had been stolen by His disciples] was told widely among the Jews, and continues to be told to this day.

Matthew 28:16 (show verse)

But the eleven disciples [i.e., apostles] went to the mountain in Galilee where Jesus had ordered them to go.

Matthew 28:17 (show verse)

And when they met Him [there], they [knelt down] to worship Him; but some [still] had doubts [i.e., about His resurrection. See John 20:25].

Matthew 28:18 (show verse)

Then Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, "I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth.

Matthew 28:19 (show verse)

So, as you go, make disciples out of people from all the nations, then immerse believers [See Mark 16:15-16] into the name of [i.e., to enter a relationship with] the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit.

Matthew 28:20 (show verse)

[Then] go on teaching them [i.e., these new converts] to obey everything I have commanded you and my presence will be with you always, even to the end of the age.