Main Highlights
Jesus is resurrected, appears to his disciples, and commissions them to make disciples of all nations.
Key Verses
But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid; for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who has been crucified. He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said. Come, see the place where He was lying.- Matthew 28:5-6
And behold, Jesus met them and greeted them. And they came up and took hold of His feet and worshiped Him. Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid; go, tell My brothers to proceed to Galilee, and there they will see Me.”- Matthew 28:9-10
And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”- Matthew 28:18-20
Related Scripture
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead- 1 Peter 1:3
Scholar Insight
""The Great Commission is not merely an option for believers; it is a command. Every Christian is called to participate in making disciples, whether through direct evangelism, supporting missionaries, or modeling a Christ-like life to those around them." - Craig Blomberg, Matthew (Nashville: Broadman & Holman, 1992), p. 433."
Theological Analysis
What we learn about God
God is powerful and overcomes death, validating Jesus' claims of divinity. He is faithful to his promises. He is triune, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, revealed in the baptismal formula. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19)
Christological Connection
Jesus is the risen Lord, who conquered death. He is the authority and is the one with all authority in heaven and earth, who commissions his disciples to spread the gospel. He assures them of his constant presence. And behold, Jesus met them and greeted them. And they came up and took hold of His feet and worshiped Him. (Matthew 28:9)
Systematic Theology
Resurrection: Jesus' resurrection is the cornerstone of Christian faith, demonstrating his victory over sin and death, and guaranteeing the future resurrection of believers. He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said. Come, see the place where He was lying. (Matthew 28:6)
Law & Grace
The Great Commission is an act of grace. Through Jesus, sinners are redeemed. They are instructed to teach others all that Jesus commanded. Obedience is a response to grace. teaching them to observe all that I commanded you (Matthew 28:20)
Personal Application
We should respond with faith and obedience, actively participating in the Great Commission by sharing the Gospel and making disciples. We should live in the assurance of Christ's presence and power. Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us (Hebrews 12:1)