Matthew·Chapter 28

How to Apply

This week, take a moment to reflect on a situation where you’re tempted to go along with the crowd instead of standing for what you believe is right. Maybe it’s in your friend group, at work, or even on social media. Think about what it means to choose integrity over convenience. You could write down your thoughts on a piece of paper: "What is the truth here? How can I stand up for it?" Then, take a small step to align your actions with your values. It might be as simple as speaking up when you hear something wrong or choosing to be honest in a challenging conversation. This is your chance to live out the truth in your own life!

Chapter Context

Now, let’s step back and see how this moment fits into the bigger story. In Matthew 28, Jesus has just risen from the dead, an incredible event that changes everything. The guards at His tomb are terrified and report what happened to the religious leaders. Those leaders, fearing the implications of Jesus’ resurrection, concoct a plan to spread a lie. This verse comes right after they decide to bribe the guards to keep quiet about the miraculous event. It’s a dramatic shift from the hope of resurrection to the despair of deceit. By including this moment, it highlights the struggle between truth and falsehood, setting the stage for the ongoing battle of faith versus fear.

Key Biblical Words (Word Study)

• so - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• took - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• money - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• did - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• as - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• directed - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• and - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• this - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• story - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• spread - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".

Reflection Question

When have you faced a decision where the easy choice was to go along with a lie instead of standing up for the truth? How did that make you feel, and what did you learn from it?

Related Verses

• Matthew 27:62-66 - The religious leaders made plans to secure the tomb, showing their fear of Jesus' resurrection.
• Isaiah 53:5 - Written 700 years before this, it predicts that the Messiah would bear our wrongdoings, hinting at the truth that the guards were trying to hide.
• John 8:32 - Jesus says that knowing the truth will set you free, reinforcing the importance of truth in our lives.

Personal Prayer

Lord, thank You for the truth found in Matthew 28:15. Help me to take the insights from this scripture and apply them to my heart today.Amen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Main Themes

Resurrection, Faith and Doubt, Authority of Jesus, Discipleship, Evangelism, Promise of Presence, Courage and Fear

Key Verses

Matthew 28:6, Matthew 28:10, Matthew 28:18, Matthew 28:19-20

Historical Context

Matthew 28 is the final chapter of the Gospel, written to affirm Jesus as the Messiah and to encourage the early Christian community, particularly those with a Jewish background. The resurrection is a central tenet of Christian faith, signifying Jesus' victory over death and sin. The chapter fulfills Old Testament prophecies regarding the Messiah and reaffirms Jesus' divine authority. The Great Commission serves as a foundational directive for the church, emphasizing the global mission of spreading the Gospel. This chapter is set against the backdrop of the fear and confusion following Jesus' crucifixion, providing a message of hope and empowerment for believers.