Matthew 28
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In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre.
2 And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it.
3 His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow:
4 And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men.
5 And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified.
6 He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.
7 And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you.
8 And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word.
9 And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him.
10 Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me.
11 Now when they were going, behold, some of the watch came into the city, and shewed unto the chief priests all the things that were done.
12 And when they were assembled with the elders, and had taken counsel, they gave large money unto the soldiers,
13 Saying, Say ye, His disciples came by night, and stole him away while we slept.
14 And if this come to the governor's ears, we will persuade him, and secure you.
15 So they took the money, and did as they were taught: and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day.
16 Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them.
17 And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted.
18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Public Domain KJV text from Wordproject.org
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Commentary
In sharp contrast to a religion built around who has authority and power, two women outside the power structures, Mary Magdalene and “the other Mary” are the first people commissioned to spread the Gospel. This shows that the proclamation of the good news is the work of all believers regardless of gender or socio-economic or ecclesiastical status. These women were charged to direct “the disciples” to meet Him in Galilee. The disciples obeyed the message sent through the women, and went to the mountain in Galilee which Jesus had specified, and like the women at the tomb, worshiped the risen Christ.
On the way, some doubted, but when all were together, Jesus announced that He has ALL authority in heaven and on earth. Because of this authority, He commissioned His disciples to go into all the world and make disciples in all nations. The two key components in building discipleship are baptism and teaching whatever Christ taught.
Jesus has ALL authority in Heaven and on earth because He is God. Thus, in HIS authority, not in our own, we go out into the world with HIS message, making more disciples to follow the risen, divine Christ.
Stephen Bauer
Professor of Theology and Ethics
Southern Adventist University
