In Matthew 28
● recognize that there is a lot of beholding (2, 7, 9, 11, 20) going on in this short chapter: behold the work of an angel, Jesus himself with the women, the assignment in Galilee, the still-plotting priests, and Jesus’ age-lasting presence,
● notice that the appearance of the angel- “like lightning … white as snow” (3) suggests the heaven-revealing language found in Revelation 1, 4, and 5,
● tally the threefold angelic declaration: “He is not here” (6)- the present circumstance, “he has risen”- the cause, and “as he said”- the fulfilled declaration (16:21; 17:23; 20:19),
● notice the urge of the women and the disciples to worship (9, 17) and Jesus’ acceptance of their worship,
● acknowledge the quickness with which Matthew moves from the empty tomb to the close of his gospel, suggesting a forward, future-focused imperative: “Go … see” (10)
● notice also that doubt lingers (17),
● register the final commands of this gospel: “Go therefore and make disciples” (19), seeing that they emerge from Jesus’ claim of “all authority,”
● name the two parts of the disciple-making command: baptizing and teaching obedience to all that Jesus commands, and
● delight in the work and prospect before us.
Thank you,
Randy Tumlinson