Matthew
Summary
The Gospel concludes with the triumphant and transformative declaration of Jesus’s resurrection: as Mary Magdalene and the other Mary encounter an angel who instructs them to behold the empty tomb. His victory over death is immediately personally confirmed by Jesus’s reappearance to the women: who worship Him as He directs them to tell His "brethren" to meet Him in Galilee. Despite the plotting of the chief priests to discredit the resurrection through bribery: the disciples encounter the risen Christ on a mountain as He asserts His supreme authority over all heaven and earth. Jesus commissions them to "make disciples of all nations": baptising them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit and promising His pervasive and continuing presence "to the end of the age."
Now after the Sabbath, as the first day of the week began to dawn, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb.
And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it.
His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow:
And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men.
But the angel answered and said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified."
"He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay."
And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goes before you into Galilee; there shall you see him: lo, I have told you.
And they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word.
And as they went to tell His disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, "Rejoice!" So they came and held Him by the feet and worshipped Him.
Then Jesus said to them, "Do not be afraid. Go and tell My brethren to go to Galilee, and there they will see Me."
Now when they were going, behold, some of the watch came into the city, and showed to the chief priests all the things that were done.
And when they were assembled with the elders, and had taken counsel, they gave large money to the soldiers,
Saying, "Say you, His disciples came by night, and stole him away while we slept."
And if this come to the governor’s ears, we will persuade him, and secure you.
So they took the money, and did as they were taught: and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day.
Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them.
And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted.
And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth."
"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,"
"teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen.