Matthew 28

The women went to anoint Jesus' body. They did not expect a resurrection. Despite Jesus' repeated predictions, the disciples did not understand. The women were faithful but not expectant. Their visit to the tomb is a mark of historical authenticity. If the early church were inventing the story, they would have portrayed the women as expecting a resurrection and finding one. Instead, they came to mourn and were surprised by joy.

In a culture where women's testimony was not highly regarded, Jesus chose women to be the first witnesses of the resurrection. This is a mark of authenticity. If the early church were inventing the story, they would have chosen men as the first witnesses. The fact that women are the first witnesses is a powerful evidence for the historicity of the resurrection. Jesus honored women and entrusted them with the most important news in history.

The bribe reveals that the religious leaders knew the tomb was empty and had no explanation. They could not deny the facts, so they fabricated a story. The story is absurd: if the soldiers were asleep, how did they know the disciples stole the body? And if they were asleep, they would have been executed for dereliction of duty. The lie is a desperate attempt to suppress the truth. The guards are witnesses to the resurrection, even in their lie.

Even in the presence of the risen Christ, some still doubted. This is a mark of authenticity. If the early church were inventing the resurrection appearance, they would not have included the detail that some doubted. The disciples were not credulous; they were skeptical. They had to be convinced. And Jesus did not reject them for their doubt. He welcomed them. This is a comfort to those who struggle with doubt. The risen Christ is patient with our questions.

The Great Commission is the marching orders of the church. Jesus commands His disciples to make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the triune name and teaching them to obey all He commanded. The commission is founded on the authority of Christ. It is empowered by the presence of Christ. It is the mission of the church until the end of the age. The gospel is not for Israel alone; it is for every tribe, tongue, and nation.

Making disciples is not merely converting people. It is training them in the way of Christ. It involves baptism, which is the initiation into the community of faith. It involves teaching, which is the ongoing formation of the disciple. It involves obedience, which is the evidence of genuine faith. Discipleship is a lifelong process of becoming more like Jesus.

The promise of Christ's presence is the final word of the Gospel. Jesus is not absent; He is present with His church until the end of the age. The name Immanuel — "God with us" — was given to Him at His birth. Now, at the end of the Gospel, the promise is fulfilled. Jesus is with His people in every circumstance, in every trial, in every moment. He will never leave us or forsake us.