In this last chapter of Matthew, we will explore the burial, resurrection and Great Commission of Jesus.
The burial.
In Mathew 27:55, the focus shifts to the women who witnessed the death of Jesus. The Gospel highlights how women are instrumental in building God’s Kingdom. Even though the 12 apostles were men, women played an equally important role in Jesus’ ministry. Mary Magdalene was delivered from 7 demons (Luke 8:2). And Mary, the woman who bore Jesus, was also there. We can only imagine how Mary must have felt as she saw Jesus hanging on the cross. When Jesus was conceived, Mary was told by the angel that Jesus would save His people from their sins (Mathew 1:21). As she watched Jesus grow up, she kept all the prophecies spoken of Him in her heart. Nothing could prepare her for this day when she would see the child she raised hanging on the cross.
Joseph took the body of Jesus and gave Him a lavish burial worthy of a king. Poorer families would bury their dead in old tombs because it cost less. A new tomb, cut in the rock, would be something only wealthy individuals like Joseph could afford. Joseph must have spent a small fortune to purchase the tomb in preparation for his death. But he used it to honour Jesus. Even though Jesus was tried as a criminal, He was buried like a king. This fulfils the prophecy in Isaiah 53:9 that the Messiah would be buried with the rich in His death. Jesus was laid in Joseph’s tomb. In the same way, Jesus died on our behalf so that you and I would be free from death (Hebrews 2:9). We do not have to fear death or the punishment of hell anymore. Death is no longer a curse but the doorway into everlasting life.
Read Matthew 27:55-61
How do you think the women felt as they witnessed the death of Jesus?
Read Isaiah 53:9. What does this reveal to us about the kind of burial Jesus had?
What is the significance of Jesus being laid in Joseph’s tomb?
The resurrection.
Matthew’s Gospel addresses the controversy among the Jews over the resurrection of Jesus. Paul also had to address this wrong belief held by some believers in Corinth (1 Corinthians 15:12). The resurrection is crucial to the Christian faith. The empty tomb is our assurance that all the sins of humanity have been atoned for (1 Corinthians 15:17). All our sins have been fully paid for and forgiven.
Resurrection from the dead is an impossible feat that no human can accomplish. Jesus raised the dead numerous times, but His resurrection is undeniable proof that He is the Son of God. The stone that sealed the tomb weighed several hundred kilograms. It would have been approximately 1.4m in diameter and 30cm thick. The tomb of Jesus was also being guarded by soldiers. It would have been impossible for the disciples to steal His body. The resurrection is a fact that changed history. The empty tomb is a sign that we will also be resurrected with Christ (Romans 6:5).
Mary Magdalene and Mary came to the tomb because they remembered Jesus saying that He would rise in 3 days. When they reached, they saw nothing but an empty tomb. Because of their faith, they were the first to see the risen Christ. Even though women were viewed as unreliable witnesses by society, Jesus chose them to carry His message. This destroys the belief that God only chooses men to carry out His will. Ministry and church leadership are not only reserved for men, but for both men and women. God seeks individuals who are willing to carry out His purpose regardless of gender.
Read Matthew 27:62-28:15
From Matthew 28:15, what is the issue that the Gospel writer is addressing?
Why is it significant that two women were the first to see the empty tomb?
What is the significance of the empty tomb?
The Great Commission
Jesus called the disciples to meet Him at Galilee. Galilee was the place where Jesus first called Peter, Andrew, James and John to follow Him. Through the Gospel of Matthew, we have witnessed the ministry of Jesus through the eyes of His disciples. Jesus chose to give His disciples the great commission at the place He first called them.
The Great Commission is given to all disciples of Jesus including you and I. The purpose of Matthew’s Gospel is to prepare our hearts to fulfil Jesus’ Great Commission. Jesus has called and sent you into the world to make disciples.
The Great Commission begins with recognising the authority of Jesus over your life and the world. In Greek, the words go (πορευθέντες), baptising (βαπτίζοντες) and teaching (διδάσκοντες) are participles that describe the main verb of make disciples (μαθητεύσατε). Making disciples is the principle action that comprises of 3 things.
- As disciples, we have been given a mission to actively go into all nations. We cannot wait and expect that the world will come to church to hear about Jesus. We are called to bring the Gospel to those in spiritual darkness.
- We are called to baptise. Baptism is a confession of faith and repentance from sin. Through baptism a person dies to themselves and becomes a new creation in Christ.
- We are called to teach the commands of Christ. Making disciples is not complete until new believers are grounded in God’s Word.
Jesus promises that His presence will go with you as you carry out His mission. Even though Jesus is not physically present with His disciples, His presence will always be in us.
Read Matthew 28:16-20
Why did Jesus meet His disciples in Galilee? (Read Matthew 4:19)
What does it mean to make disciples?
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