Bible Study Sunday | He Is Risen! – The Devotional Guy™

Matthew 28 (ESV)

He is not here, for he has risen, as he said.

Matthew 28:6 (ESV)

Happy Bible Study Sunday!

Today, we’re wrapping up our journey through the Gospel of Matthew with one of the most important chapters in the Bible. Matthew 28 tells the story of Jesus’ resurrection and concludes with His commission to His followers.

The Cross wasn’t the end of the story. The tomb is empty, Jesus is alive, and everything in that moment ushered in change! Victory came to us through Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection.

The Resurrection: Hope Is Alive (Matthew 28:1–10)

Early on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. Instead of finding Jesus’ body, they encountered an angel who announced the incredible news: Jesus had risen from the dead!

Imagine what these women must have felt. They had witnessed the devastating events surrounding Jesus’ crucifixion. Now they were confronted with a reality beyond anything they could have imagined.

The angel told them not to be afraid and instructed them to tell the disciples what had happened. As they hurried away, Jesus Himself met them.

Their grief gave way to joy. Their fear became an opportunity to worship. And they were given a message to share.

The Resurrection reminds us that death does not have the final word. Because Jesus is alive, we have a living hope. Our circumstances may be difficult, our questions may remain unanswered, and our road ahead may be uncertain. But our hope rests in a risen Savior.

The Empty Tomb: Truth Versus Deception (Matthew 28:11–15)

While the women were sharing the news, some of the guards reported what had happened to the chief priests. Rather than acknowledge the truth, the religious leaders devised a story claiming that Jesus’ disciples had stolen His body. They even paid the guards to spread the false account.

What a contrast! The women were commissioned to share the truth, while others were paid to promote a lie.

Matthew doesn’t shy away from showing us that people can resist the truth when accepting it threatens their interests or challenges their assumptions.

As Christians, you and I must be people of truth and integrity. Following Jesus means being willing to examine our beliefs honestly, resist deception, and live in a way that reflects the truth we profess.

The Great Commission: Go and Make Disciples (Matthew 28:16–20)

The chapter concludes with Jesus meeting His disciples in Galilee. Some worshiped Him, while others doubted.

Notice that Jesus commissioned His followers even though their responses were not identical. He then gave them a mission that continues to shape the Church today.

Jesus commanded them to make disciples of all nations, baptizing them and teaching them to observe everything He had commanded.

He also gave them this promise:

“And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Matthew 28:20 (ESV)

The Great Commission isn’t simply a call for pastors, missionaries, or professional evangelists. It’s a call for Jesus’ followers to participate in making disciples wherever God has placed them. It’s a call for you and me.

That might mean sharing your testimony with a friend, encouraging someone who is struggling, serving your community, helping a new believer grow, or supporting those who carry the Gospel to other parts of the world.

We don’t all have the same assignment, but we all have a part to play.

Jesus doesn’t ask us to carry out His mission in our own strength. He sends us with His authority and promises His presence. We can step forward in faith because we don’t go alone.

Putting Matthew 28 into Practice

As we conclude our study of Matthew, consider these three questions:

Hope: How does the resurrection of Jesus change the way you face today’s challenges?
Truth: Is there an area of your life where you need to choose honesty and integrity over convenience?
Mission: Who might God be calling you to encourage, serve, or help grow in faith?

Food for Thought

Matthew’s Gospel begins by introducing Jesus as Immanuel, God with us (Matthew 1:23). It ends with Jesus promising to be with His followers always (Matthew 28:20).

Friends, Jesus is alive. His mission continues. And we don’t walk this journey alone.

How is He calling you to follow Him?