Crafting a preaching outline for Matthew Chapter Twenty-Eight is an essential task for clergy and biblical scholars seeking to convey the profound events that the passage recounts.
This chapter concludes the Gospel of Matthew and captures the seminal moments of the Resurrection, the appearance of Jesus to the disciples, and what is commonly referred to as the Great Commission.
The narrative, rich with theological implications, offers a foundation from which to explore redemptive history and its application to one’s faith journey.
Related: For more, check out our Preaching Outline On Matthew Chapter Twenty-Seven here.
The passage opens with the dramatic revelation of the resurrected Christ, witnessed by those who visited the tomb. It culminates in Jesus’ final command to His disciples to make disciples of all nations. Thus, it presents a comprehensive teaching moment encompassing both the divinity of Christ and the mission entrusted to His followers.
Analyzing this pericope gives rise to teachings on divine authority, the nature of discipleship, and the scope of the gospel’s reach. Creating an outline centered on these events encourages a deeper understanding of the foundational Christian doctrine and its universal call.
Key Takeaways
- Matthew 28 presents the momentous events of Jesus’ resurrection and the Great Commission.
- This chapter emphasizes Jesus’ divine authority and the imperative of global discipleship.
- It serves as a significant source for understanding and teaching core Christian beliefs.
Related: For more, check out our Preaching Outline On Matthew Chapter Twenty-Six here.
The Resurrection Revealed
Matthew chapter twenty-eight offers a profound account, focusing on the pivotal event of the resurrection of Jesus, unveiling a new epoch in Christian faith. The narrative describes an encounter with the divine and the transformation of fear into mission.
The Empty Tomb
Early at dawn, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary approached the tomb where Jesus had been buried, only to find it unsealed and vacant.
An earthquake had occurred, and an angel, appearing with an appearance like lightning, had rolled back the tomb’s stone. The guards, overcome by fear, became like dead men.
The Angel’s Message
The angel addressed the women with a message of hope and certainty: “Do not be afraid; for I know that you are looking for Jesus who has been crucified.
He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said.” The women, tasked with transmitting this extraordinary revelation, left the tomb quickly, a mix of fear and great joy within them, to inform the disciples of the resurrection.
Related: For more, check out our Preaching Outline On Matthew Chapter Twenty-Five here.
Witnesses to The Risen Lord
In Matthew Chapter Twenty Eight, distinct groups encounter the reality of Jesus’ resurrection, each responding in contrasting ways, setting the stage for the spread of the Gospel.
These witnesses—the women who were followers of Jesus, and the Roman guards at the tomb—offer differing testimonies in light of the astounding event of the Resurrection.
The Women’s Encounter
The narrative begins at dawn, with Mary Magdalene and the other Mary approaching Jesus’ tomb. It is here that an angel declares to them, “He is not here; for He has risen,” making these women the first witnesses of Jesus’ resurrection.
Their initial fear is quickly followed by joy as they depart to share the news with the disciples, demonstrating profound faith and obedience.
The Guards’ Deception
Contrastingly, the soldiers guarding the tomb are scribed as experiencing the Earth’s tremble and the angel’s appearance, yet their reaction is starkly different.
These guards, after recovering from their initial shock, are coaxed by the chief priests into spreading a lie—claiming Jesus’ body was stolen by the disciples. This act of deception highlights a human propensity to deny or distort truth due to fear or manipulation.
Related: For more, check out our Preaching Outline On Matthew Chapter Twenty-Four here.
The Great Commission
Matthew chapter twenty-eight captures the pivotal moment where Jesus delivers the Great Commission.
The passage emphasizes the breadth of Jesus’ authority and the inclusive, global scope of the disciples’ mission.
Jesus’ Authority and Command
Jesus, having been resurrected, claims all authority in heaven and on earth. This bold assertion provides the foundation for the instructions He then imparts to His disciples.
They are called to act under the auspices of His sovereign power. Jesus commands them to “go”, assuring that His authority legitimizes and propels their mission.
A Calling to All Nations
The Commission extends to all nations, a directive that underscores the inclusive nature of the Gospel. The disciples are to “make disciples” everywhere, breaking the boundaries of geography and ethnicity.
In doing so, they are instructed to be “baptizing” them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, symbolizing the induction of believers into the community of faith and the teachings of Jesus.
Related: For more, check out our Preaching Outline On Matthew Chapter Twenty-Three here.
Christ’s Promises and Ascension
In the final chapter of the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus imparts enduring promises to His disciples following His resurrection, culminating in His ascension to heaven.
These pivotal events underscore the perpetual presence of the risen Lord and His sovereignty over heaven and earth.
The Promise of Presence
After His resurrection, Jesus meets His disciples in Galilee, offering them a profound assurance: He promises to be with them always. This promise of presence is not just to those present but extends to all followers throughout the ages.
The resurrection of Jesus is pivotal in this promise, signifying that even though He is no longer physically among His followers, His spiritual presence is perpetual and unwavering.
The Ascension to Heaven
The Gospel of Matthew concludes with Jesus commissioning His disciples but does not explicitly detail His ascension. However, the absence of the physical act in Matthew implies not an end but a transition of Jesus’ earthly ministry to a heavenly one.
Through His ascension, He is enthroned as Lord, continuing to guide and empower His disciples from on high. The authority of Jesus, proclaimed in heaven and on earth, marks the ascent as a critical affirmation of His divine Lordship.
Related: For more, check out our Preaching Outline On Matthew Chapter Twenty-Two here.
Theological Significance
In the Gospel of Matthew, chapter twenty-eight holds critical importance as it encapsulates the resurrection of Jesus and the commissioning of the disciples.
These events are pivotal in Christian theology, symbolizing both the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and the foundation for the establishment of the Church.
Fulfillment of Old Testament Prophecy
Matthew chapter twenty-eight begins with the narrative of Jesus rising from the dead, a cornerstone event affirming Him as the Messiah.
The resurrection is seen as the fulfillment of numerous Old Testament prophecies and the ultimate validation of Jesus’ divine authority. Theologically, this links Jesus’ mission with the overarching narrative of the Old Testament, bridging the gap between the two testaments.
Establishment of the Church
The latter part of Matthew twenty-eight is often referred to as the Great Commission. Jesus instructs His followers to baptize and teach all nations, effectively laying the groundwork for the Church.
This charge emphasises the active role of the Church in continuing Jesus’ ministry on earth and in the propagation of the Gospel. The inclusion of a specific commandment to baptize underscores the sacramental aspect of the Christian faith as instituted by Christ Himself.
Related: For more, check out our Preaching Outline On Matthew Chapter Twenty-One here.
Matthean Context and Discourse
In the Gospel of Matthew, the final chapter holds significant importance, showcasing the culmination of theological themes and reflective of the book’s structure.
It serves as a vital connector to the overarching narrative, with discourses that reinforce key Matthean themes.
Structure and Themes
The Gospel of Matthew is meticulously structured, with a clear progression from the Sermon on the Mount to the final Great Commission.
Each discourse builds upon the previous, culminating in a comprehensive teaching that reinforces the thematic elements of authority, discipleship, and mission. The Matthean text is punctuated by a series of five main discourses, which are:
- The Sermon on the Mount (Chapters 5–7)
- The Mission Discourse (Chapter 10)
- The Parables Discourse (Chapter 13)
- The Community Discourse (Chapter 18)
- The Olivet Discourse (Chapters 23–25)
Matthew 28 stands out as a keystone passage that captures the essence of these themes and commissions the disciples to carry forth the teachings of Jesus.
This chapter articulates the Great Commission by emphasizing the responsibility and empowerment of the disciples to spread the Gospel.
Connection to Matthean Narrative
Matthew’s narrative weaves a coherent story of Jesus’ life, reflecting a theological portrait that aligns with Jewish tradition while illustrating a new covenant.
The Gospel culminates in Chapter 28, linking the resurrection of Jesus to His teaching and parables, highlighting His divine authority. The passage not only concludes the narrative of Jesus’ earthly ministry but also serves as a transitional launchpad for the Church’s mission.
- Resurrection: It affirms the resurrection as the pivotal event that authenticates Jesus’ teachings.
- Authority and Commission: In Matthew 28:18-20, Jesus declares, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations…” This statement is an anchor for the Gospel’s authority and encapsulates a theme present throughout the Book of Matthew.
The Great Commission is an expansion of the teachings found within the Sermon on the Mount and other discourses, emphasizing the universal scope of Jesus’ mission and the active role of the disciples in propagating His message.
It thus integrates the broader Matthean narrative into a collective call to action for the early Christian community.
Related: For more, check out our Preaching Outline On Matthew Chapter Twenty here.
Application for Modern Discipleship
The 28th chapter of Matthew marks not only the climax of the Gospel with the resurrection of Jesus but also sets the scene for the continual work of discipleship within the church.
This scriptural cornerstone gives clear directives that are pivotal in shaping modern discipleship and church service.
Living the Great Commission
The Great Commission, as recorded in Matthew 28:16-20, provides a foundational blueprint for discipleship that echoes through time to today’s followers of Christ. It emphasizes the need for disciples to fully engage with the Lord’s mandate, encompassing evangelism, baptism, and teaching of His ways.
Churches are encouraged to integrate these practices into their core activities, ensuring they are not just ceremonial but transformative processes that empower individuals to model the life of Christ.
- Evangelism: Actively sharing faith and extending the invitation to learn about Christ.
- Baptism: Conducting this sacrament as a public declaration of faith and initiation into the Christian community.
- Teaching: Offering in-depth knowledge and understanding of Biblical principles and how they apply to daily life.
Implications for Church Service
Church service is an avenue where the essence of discipleship materializes, revealing a commitment to lordship through worship, teaching, and communal activities.
Worship: A deliberate and thoughtful experience that connects believers with God’s presence and truths.
- It should be rooted in scripture
- It should be reflective of a life in discipleship
Teaching: A core component of church service, where the movement of the Holy Spirit guides the application of the Word to modern living.
- Use teaching to nurture spiritual growth
- Equip parishioners with practical applications
By focusing on these aspects within worship and teaching, the church plants the seeds of a discipleship movement that extends beyond the walls of a church building, influencing all areas of life.
Related: For more, check out our Preaching Outline On Matthew Chapter Nineteen here.
Resources for Deeper Study
When exploring the Book of Matthew, especially the consequential chapter 28, verses 16-20, numerous resources are available to facilitate a comprehensive understanding.
These verses capture the momentous occasion of Jesus imparting the Great Commission to his apostles—a foundational event for the New Testament church.
For a thorough theological and homiletical study of sermons, “The Four Pages of the Sermon” provides insights into the underlying structure of biblical preaching.
It is a valuable guide for those seeking to craft a message centered on Matthew 28:16-20. Readers can find this resource here.
“The Gospel of Matthew: Interpreting Biblical Texts Series” is another indispensable resource that sheds light on the character of Matthew’s gospel.
This book encourages a deeper dive into the nuances of the New Testament. This scholarly work can be accessed here.
Below is a curated list of resources that can enhance one’s study of Matthew Chapter 28:
- Homiletical Grammar: Understanding sermon structure based on scripture.
- Theological Insights: Exploring deep theological concepts in Matthew’s climax.
- Historical Context: Learning the background of Jesus’ times and culture.
- Exegetical Commentary: Detailed analysis of language and meaning.
These resources not only provide a solid introduction to the Book of Matthew but also delve into the pivotal role of Jesus’ instructions to the apostles at the close of the gospel.
They are beneficial for those seeking to discern the text’s original intent and its application for contemporary audiences.
Related: For more, check out our Preaching Outline On Matthew Chapter Eighteen here.
Frequently Asked Questions
The final chapter of the Gospel of Matthew poses several questions for believers, particularly about the commissioning of the disciples, the resurrection, and implications for evangelism.
What does Jesus’ commission in Matthew 28:18-20 entail for modern-day believers?
Jesus’ commission, often referred to as the Great Commission, mandates modern-day believers to make disciples of all nations, baptize them, and teach them to observe Jesus’ commands. This passage underscores a global mission and a call to lifelong discipleship and evangelization.
How is the concept of resurrection presented and explored in Matthew 28?
Matthew 28 provides a historical and transformative account of the resurrection. It validates the divinity of Jesus and asserts the fulfillment of prophecy, shaping the core of Christian doctrine that life overcomes death.
In what way does Matthew 28:1-10 contribute to the understanding of the Easter narrative?
This passage narrates the discovery of the empty tomb and the encounter with the risen Jesus, crafting the foundation of the Easter narrative. It affirms the resurrection and signals a new era wherein death is conquered.
How does the Great Commission in Matthew 28 intersect with contemporary evangelism strategies?
The Great Commission forms the basis for contemporary evangelism, emphasizing cross-cultural mission work, incorporation of teaching, and a personal relationship with Christ as a model for outreach programs.
What theological insights can be derived from the events depicted in Matthew chapter 28?
Matthew chapter 28 offers insights that Jesus’ death and resurrection were part of God’s redemptive plan and that His authority extends over heaven and earth, setting the stage for Christian theology that highlights God’s sovereignty and mankind’s mission.
How can the post-resurrection appearances in Matthew 28 be interpreted in a broader biblical context?
The post-resurrection appearances affirm Jesus’ victory over death, corroborate His messianic identity, and serve as a climax to his earthly ministry. In the broader biblical context, these appearances fulfill Old Testament prophecies and underscore the hope of eternal life.
