He is Risen

The Resurrection of Jesus Christ: Matthew 28:1-15

Christ's resurrection in Matthew 28, where Mary Magdalene and the other Mary discover the empty tomb and encounter the risen Lord. This pivotal moment in Christian faith reveals God's victory over death and the fulfillment of Jesus' promise to rise again.

1 Now after the Sabbath, as the first day of the week began to dawn, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb.

2 And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat on it.

3 His countenance was like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow.

4 And the guards shook for fear of him, and became like dead men.

Mary Magdalene Discovers the Empty Tomb (Matthew 28:1-4)

As dawn breaks on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary arrive at the tomb to find an angel of the Lord who has rolled back the stone. The guards tremble in fear at the angel's appearance, whose countenance shines like lightning with clothing white as snow.

5 But the angel answered and said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who 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 indeed He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him. Behold, I have told you."

The Angel's Message: "He Is Risen" (Matthew 28:5-7) 

The angel delivers the most important proclamation in human history: "He is not here; for He is risen, as He said." This divine messenger instructs the women to see the empty tomb and quickly tell the disciples that Jesus has risen from the dead and will meet them in Galilee.

The Women Worship the Risen Lord (Matthew 28:8-10)

In a moment of divine encounter, Jesus personally appears to the women as they rush to tell the disciples. This first post-resurrection appearance demonstrates Christ's care for His faithful followers and confirms the angel's message.

8 So they went out quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to bring His disciples word.

9 And as they went to tell His disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, "Rejoice!" So they came and held Him by the feet and worshiped Him.

10 Then Jesus said to them, "Do not be afraid. Go and tell My brethren to go to Galilee, and there they will see Me."

Jesus appears to the Women (Matthew 28:9-10)

As the women hurry to share the news, Jesus meets them with the greeting "Rejoice!" They fall at His feet in worship, holding onto the risen Savior. Jesus reassures them, saying "Do not be afraid," and instructs them to tell His brethren to go to Galilee where they will see Him.

11 Now while they were going, behold, some of the guard came into the city and reported to the chief priests all the things that had happened.

12 When they had assembled with the elders and consulted together, they gave a large sum of money to the soldiers,

13 saying, "Tell them, 'His disciples came at night and stole Him away while we slept.'

14 And if this comes to the governor's ears, we will appease him and make you secure."

15 So they took the money and did as they were instructed; and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day.

The Soldiers Are Bribed: Covering up the Resurrection (Matthew 11:15)

While the women worship the risen Christ, the religious leaders attempt to suppress the truth. The chief priests and elders conspire to bribe the guards, creating a false narrative that persists among skeptics to this day.

The Historical Evidence for Jesus' Resurrection in Matthew 28

Multiple witnesses Testify to the Resurrection

Although Matthew is brief in his discussion of the resurrection of Christ, he defends it very carefully. The Resurrection was attested by several witnesses, including an angel, various soldiers, and the women at the tomb (verses 1-8)

The Sealed Tomb was Found Empty

The tomb with Jesus's body in it was sealed (27:66), but later the body was not found there (verses 6-8). The excuse of the soldiers was illogical (verses 11-15). No Roman soldier would admit sleeping on the job, as the punishment for this was death.

Jesus appeared to His Disciples After Rising

Finally, Jesus Himself appeared to many of His disciples, providing even more witnesses to His resurrection from the dead (verses 16-20).

Why the Resurrection Is Essential to Christian Faith

Matthew presents the evidence for Jesus's Resurrection with precision because the doctrine is essential to the Christian Faith.

The Resurrection Proves Jesus is the Messiah

The Resurrection is a sign that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God (12:38,39),

Jesus Fulfilled His Own Prophecies of Resurrection

and the Resurrection the Lord's own prophecies of it (16:21; 17:22,23; 20:17-19). In 1 Corinthians 15:12-19.

Paul's Warning: Christianity Stands on the Resurrection

Paul emphasizes the importance of the Resurrection by listing a series of consequences if the doctrine is denied. 

He is Risen as He Said !!

Continue Reading: Luke 24:1-12 - Jesus Has Risen - 5 Main Results of Jesus' Resurrection

Also Read: The Life of Christ and the Great Commission: Matthew 28 Explained