Matthew Chapter 28

Matthew 28 is the chapter where everything changes. After the pain, betrayal, and grief of the crucifixion, we finally get to the good news—Jesus is alive! But I wonder, if I had been there that morning, how would I have responded?

The chapter opens with two women, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary, coming to the tomb. They’re expecting to find Jesus’ body, but instead, they find an angel sitting on the stone, completely calm, as if moving a massive rock and announcing history’s greatest miracle is just another day’s work. And his first words? “Do not be afraid.”

I have to stop there. How often do I let fear dictate my response to God? When things don’t go the way I expect, when I don’t understand what’s happening, do I trust Him, or do I let fear take over?

Then, the angel gives them the message: “He is not here; He has risen, just as He said.” That phrase hits me—just as He said. Jesus told them this would happen. He told them He would rise. But still, they came expecting to see a tomb, not a miracle. How often do I do the same? God has made promises, He has shown His faithfulness, yet I still approach situations expecting the worst instead of believing He will do what He said.

But here’s the part I love: “They hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy.” Faith doesn’t mean we won’t feel fear—it means we don’t let fear stop us. They ran to tell the disciples, and on the way, Jesus meets them. Imagine their emotions—their grief turned to shock, to fear, to overwhelming joy. And what does Jesus say? “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers.”

Again, Jesus reassures them. Do not be afraid. And then He gives them a mission—go and tell. This is the pattern of the gospel. We experience Jesus, and then we share Him.

And that leads to the last part of Matthew 28—the Great Commission. Jesus gathers His disciples, some still doubting, and He gives them a command: “Go and make disciples of all nations.” But He doesn’t just send them—He promises, “I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

That’s the heart of this chapter. Jesus is alive. Fear doesn’t get the final say. And we are never alone.

So, I have to ask myself: Am I living like Jesus is alive? Am I letting fear hold me back? Am I sharing what He has done in my life? Am I trusting His promise that He is with me always?

Lord, help me to live in the reality of Your resurrection. When I feel fear, remind me that You are with me. When I doubt, help me to trust in Your promises. And give me the courage to share Your good news with others. Amen.

How does this chapter challenge or encourage you? Do you expect the miracle? Are you actively involved in the mission? I’d love to hear your thoughts.