V1                Matthew, like Mark, provides fewer details of Christ’s post-resurrection appearances than Luke and John. Even so, we cannot escape the reality and significance of the events.

                It is the same women who observed where His body was laid who arrive at the tomb. Thus any argument that they went to the wrong tomb is defeated.

V2-4        Another earthquake; Jerusalem must know that something significant is happening. The death of Jesus Christ is not like any other death in the city.

                Matthew adds the detail of the angel sitting on the rock, a typically Jewish item.

V5-7        The angel appears to the women, bringing reassurance, not terror.

-          Do not be afraid;

-          You seek Jesus, indicating their love for Him;

-          He was crucified, and really died;

-          Come, see the place; confirming their own experience, for they had seen the place where He was laid;

-          Tell His disciples, bringing them encouragement also;

-          To Galilee; where He appears to the disciples; see v10, 16; John 21;

-          You will see Him; the precious promise.

V8           No wonder the women leave with fear and joy, mingled emotions.

V9           They quite properly worship Jesus; any lingering doubts about whether He is the Son of God are now gone.

V10         Jesus’ words echo those of the angel.

V11-15    While the women go to find the disciples, the soldiers and religious leaders meet in desperate panic. Their scheme, to pay off the guards, and to promulgate a lie, is like straw in the wind. We learn, from Justin Martyr, the historian, that this became the commonly believed view amongst Jews.

V16-17    The appearance to the Eleven, proof for them that He is the Son of God.

V18-20    Jesus speaks of His authority, as Head of the Church, as Lord of all; He therefore commands the disciples; His authority is the basis of the ‘Great Commission.’

                The extent of the Commission is wide; to “all nations.”

                The content of the Commission is deep; to make disciples, baptise and teach. This is consistent with later scriptures, 1 Tim 2.4 “... and to come to a knowledge of the truth;” 2 Pet 3.9 “... but everyone to come to repentance.” The early church certainly honoured this, see Acts 2.42. We are not called to simply make converts.

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