Matthew 28: Resurrection and Ascension of Jesus

Matthew 28: Resurrection and Ascension of Jesus

Collin Leong.  June 23rd 2025. 

(v1-10) Jesus Has Risen (Psalm 16:1-11; Psalm 49:1-20; Mark 16:1-8; Luke 24:1-12; John 20:1-9)

(v1-4) After the Sabbath, at dawn of the first day of the week (Sunday), Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to the tomb. There was a violent earthquake, for an angel had rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lighting, and his clothes as white as snow. The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men. 

According to Mark 16:1-2, there were three women who went to the tomb with spices to anoint Jesus' body. They were Magdalene, Mary the mother of James ("the other Mary") and Salome (mother of James and John). They were worried they can't move the stone. 

(See the Appendix about the stone that covers the tomb)

However the stone was already rolled away by the angel, and the guards were so afraid they are paralyzed. The phrase "His appearance was like lightning" not only described him as bright as a lightning, but also represents the mirror God's glory. In Daniel 10:6, he saw a similar vision, where the heavenly being's face is described as "like lighting."  Daniel lost his strength after he saw the person. We do not know if Daniel saw the pre-incarnate Christ or another angel. 

(v5-7) The angel told the women not to be afraid, and he knows they are looking for Jesus, the one who was crucified. But He is not here for He is risen, just as He said. The angel ask them to look at the place where he lay. Then he told them to go and tell the disciples that He has risen and He is going ahead to Galilee. There you will see Him. 

(v8-10) As the women went away with joy, suddenly Jesus met them and greet them. The women came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. Jesus told them not to be afraid, and tell His brothers (the disciples) to go to Galilee to meet Him. 

After he was resurrected, an angel, and then Jesus, told the women to remind the disciples to meet Him in Galilee. Jesus had already told them this before, in Matthew 26:32: “But after I am risen again, I will go before you into Galilee.”  However, the disciples were still in Jerusalem - either they have forgotten what Jesus told them, or perhaps they have doubts that He will truly rise again. 

(Who resurrected Jesus? Please see the Appendix) 

Other Information Found In The Other Gospels

Matthew left out much of the events that happened between the disciples and Jesus after the resurrection. Here is the summary of those events: 

1. The women told the disciples (John 20:2-10; Luke 24:9-12)

In Luke (v11), the disciples didn't believe the women as their words seemed to the like nonsense. They really doubted that Jesus will come back to live again. This confirms that everyone, including the disciples and the women, thought for sure that He is really dead.

In those days, women are excluded from giving testimony in legal proceeding. You must be a man to be a legal witness.  However, in this case, all the first witnesses are women. It proves that this in not manipulated story to trick their people in believing a false Messiah, as nobody will write that the witnesses are women.   

In John: Peter and John ran towards the tomb. John ran faster and arrived at the tomb first. However Peter went into the tomb and saw the strips of linen (that wrapped the body) lying there. The cloth that wrapped around Jesus' head was lying where Jesus head would be. John went in later and saw this and he believed. Then they didn't go to Galilee but returned to Jerusalem. 

What Peter and John saw in the tomb is very significant. Some skeptic says the body was stolen. If so, why was the body wrapping there - wouldn't they just haul the entire package away? After all, if the man is dead for 3 days, the flesh will be rotten and smelly. Further more, the wrapping remained untouched, as if Jesus had simply passed through them. 

Some scholars even see a priestly echo here: just as the High Priest left behind his linen garments after the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16:23), Jesus—our true High Priest—leaves behind His burial linens in the tomb after His atonement for our sins. 

2. Jesus appeared to Mary Magdalene. (John 20:11-18)

Apparently, it appears that Mary Magdalene stayed behind as the other two women went to tell the disciples. Either that, or she came later than the two women and saw the same thing. Mary looked into the tomb again, and this time she saw two angels sitting on the burial platform. Perhaps at first they did not see the second angel, or the second angel came later. 

Jesus came to Mary, but she couldn't recognize Him. Perhaps she didn't look up, or due to her tears, or perhaps Jesus face still bore the scars and was covered with a hood. Then He called her and she recognized his voice, and she grabbed his him (probably his legs). But Jesus told her not to hold on to Him, as He have not yet ascended to the Father.  

Jesus is not saying she shouldn't touch him, but not to clung to Him. If she (or anyone) clung to him, they are clinging to Jesus before His death. Jesus say to let him go, as He will ascend to the Father. His relationship with his disciples is no longer physical but spiritual. When He ascend to the Father, He will send the Holy Spirit to interact with our Spirit. He is telling her not to hold on to the past, but he will still be with her forever and for eternity. 

Jesus told her to tell the disciples that He will ascend to the Father, so she must have run to the disciples to tell them what she saw. This explains why Luke 24:10 named Magdalene as one of the three women were the witnesses to Jesus' resurrection. 

3. Road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-35)

Two disciples were walking from Jerusalem to Emmaus on the day of Jesus’ resurrection, discussing recent events. Jesus himself joined them, though they didn’t recognize him. They expressed sorrow that the one they had hoped would redeem Israel had been crucified, and that some women reported seeing a vision of angels saying he was alive.

Jesus explained that the Messiah’s suffering and glory were foretold in the Scriptures. As they reached Emmaus, the disciples invited him to stay. During the meal, Jesus took bread, blessed it, broke it, and gave it to them—at which point their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. Then he vanished from their sight.

4. Jesus Appeared to The Disciples (Luke 24:36-49; John 20:19-23)

Jesus appears to his disciples after the resurrection while they’re gathered in Jerusalem. At first, they’re terrified, thinking they’re seeing a ghost. But Jesus reassures them by showing his hands and feet and even eating a piece of broiled fish to prove he’s physically alive.

He then opens their minds to understand how the Scriptures—Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms—foretold the Messiah’s suffering, resurrection, and the proclamation of repentance and forgiveness to all nations, beginning in Jerusalem. Jesus commissions them as witnesses of these things and promises to send what the Father has promised—the power from on high—urging them to stay in the city until they receive it.

It’s a powerful moment of transformation: from fear to faith, from confusion to clarity, and from hiding to being sent.

5. Jesus Appeared to Thomas (John 20:24-29)

Thomas had not been present when Jesus first appeared to the other disciples, and he refused to believe their testimony unless he could see and touch Jesus’ wounds for himself.

Eight days later, Jesus appears again while the disciples are gathered, and this time Thomas is with them. Jesus invites Thomas to touch his wounds and urges him not to doubt but to believe. Overwhelmed, Thomas responds with a profound confession: “My Lord and my God!”

Jesus then says, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” This moment not only affirms the reality of the resurrection but also speaks to future generations of believers—those who would come to faith without physical proof.

(v11-15) The Guard's Report

Continuing Matthew, the guards at the tomb went back to Jerusalem and reported to the chief priests everything that had happened. The chief priests and the elders gave the soldiers a large sum of money and told them to say that the disciples came during the night and stole Him away while we were asleep. They assured them if the governor (Pilate) knows about this, they will satisfy him and keep them out of trouble. So the soldiers did what they told them. And this story has been widely circulated among the Jews till the time of writing of Matthew (around 50-60 AD). 

Roman guards were held to strict standards—falling asleep on duty, especially when guarding something as politically sensitive as a sealed tomb, could result in severe punishment, even death. That’s what makes the chief priests’ bribe and assurance in verse 14 so striking: “If this report reaches the governor, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.”  The irony, of course, is that the very lie they’re told to spread is logically flawed—if they were asleep, how could they know who took the body? And also, why would they take their sweet time to unwrap the body and leave the wrappings in the tomb? 

(v16-20) The Great Commission (Mark 16:14-18)

(v16) The eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 

The disciples finally decided to go to Galilee. This is probably between the resurrection and the ascension of Jesus, which is in the middle of the 40 days. Their delay in following Jesus instructions reflect upon ourselves. We often ignore his calling or delay doing it for one reason or another. May we discipline ourselves so that we can take the action once we hear it from the Lord. 

In the book of John, it tells us more about what they did in Galilee:

1. Jesus Met The Disciples At Galilee (John 21:1-14)

Seven disciples, including Peter, go fishing but catch nothing all night. At dawn, Jesus appears on the shore, though they don’t recognize him at first. He tells them to cast their net on the right side of the boat, and they haul in a miraculous catch of 153 large fish.

John, the beloved disciple, realizes it’s the Lord, and Peter impulsively jumps into the water to reach him. When they come ashore, they find Jesus has already prepared a charcoal fire with fish and bread. He invites them to bring some of their catch and says, “Come and have breakfast.” None of them dare ask who he is—they know it’s Jesus.

2. Jesus Reinstates Peter (John 21:15-23)

Jesus has a deeply personal conversation with Peter after breakfast by the Sea of Galilee. Three times, Jesus asks Peter, “Do you love me?”—mirroring Peter’s three denials before the crucifixion. Each time Peter affirms his love, Jesus responds with a commission: “Feed my lambs,” “Take care of my sheep,” and “Feed my sheep.” This exchange restores Peter and entrusts him with pastoral responsibility over Jesus’ followers.

Jesus then foretells the kind of death Peter will face, indicating that his future will involve sacrifice and martyrdom. He ends with a powerful call: “Follow me.” As they walk, Peter notices the beloved disciple following and asks about his fate. Jesus replies, “If I want him to remain until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me.”

This passage highlights themes of restoration, personal calling, and the cost of discipleship. It’s not just about Peter’s past failure—it’s about his future faithfulness.

(v17-20) When they saw Him, they worshipped him, but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,  and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

The Greek word for "doubted" is distazō, which doesn’t imply outright disbelief, but rather hesitation or wavering. It’s the same word used when Peter walked on water and began to sink (Matthew 14:31). It appears that there are more than 11 disciples there, perhaps some who were not very close to Jesus. Some can't believe that a dead man is alive now.  

He told them that he has the authority in heaven and on earth. Jesus, as the son of God always have this authority; but when he became a man, he limit himself, and became a servant and humbled himself. (Phil 2:6-8). 

But now, He is speaking as the risen, glorified God-man. As Phil 2:9 says: "Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth..."

This "Great Commission" given in Galilee, where most of Jesus ministry unfolded. It's a place that Jesus called most of His close disciples for their purpose and mission. It's a reminder that they started there, but now, they need to continue the mission to the world. 

This is the breakdown of the Great Commission:

a) "Go and make disciples of all nations..." : This is a command, not a suggestion. By saying "Go", Jesus is intentionally sending us out. Make disciples is not just about conversion, but forming a lifelong followers of Jesus. "Nations" refers to all ethnic groups, not just political states. This echoes the Abrahamic promise that all nations would be blessed through his seed (Genesis 12:3).

b) “…baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit…” : Baptizing is a public identification with the triune God, and a public entry into the covenant community. While there are three persons, they are the one, as indicated by the word "name", and not "names." 

c) "…and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.”  The teaching and learning is continuous part of the discipleship. The purpose of learning is to obey the Lord, and to ensure whatever we do is grounded in His Word. 

d) “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”  This is the promise that sustains the mission. Jesus, though ascending, is not absent. His presence—through the Holy Spirit—is continual and empowering. “To the very end of the age” reminds us that this commission is ongoing until His return.

Mark 16:16-18 added that those who do not believe will be condemned. Those who believe will drive out demons, speak in new tongues, and protected from dangers, and they can heal. 

(Note 1: The earliest manuscripts and some other ancient witnesses do not have Mark 16:9-20)

The "new tongues" is glōssais kainais, literally “new languages.” We see this clearly at Pentecost in Acts 2:4–11. This is not the spiritual tongues that only God can understand, which is referred to as glossolalia, referred to in 1 Corinthians 14:2

  

The Ascension In Jerusalem (Luke 24:50–51, Mark 16:19, Acts 1:9–11)

Matthew did not record the ascension of Jesus. This is found at the end of Luke and Mark. 

Luke 24:50-53 says: "When he had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, he lifted up his hands and blessed them. While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven. Then they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy.  And they stayed continually at the temple, praising God."

Bethany is about 3 kilometers east of Jerusalem, situated on the eastern slope of the Mount of Olives, just across the Kidron Valley.

Mark 16:19-20 added: "...he was taken up into heaven and he sat at the right hand of God. Then the disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them and confirmed his word by the signs that accompanied it.'

Acts 1:9 also said that He was taken up before the disciples eyes and a cloud hid Him from their sight. Then two men dressed in white (presumably angels) stood beside them and told them that the same Jesus will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven. 

Conclusion

This ends the blog on the book of Matthew. Every time we read the gospels, we find new nuggets that bless our souls. We also see that there are "apparent discrepancies" among the four gospels. This is because they are telling from their own view points and perspective. This is similar to witnesses of a car accident. They will give different details, depending where were they when they saw the accidents. One may focus from the back, others focus on the front, and others focus from the side. What is most important is that they tell the same story. If the story of Jesus is exactly the same from the four authors, it can only mean one thing - that they colluded with one another to make a false story. 

Despite the dangers from the religious leaders and the Roman empire, they stick with what they each wrote. From cowards hiding in a secret room to become preachers of Jesus' resurrection and ascension, they must have changed their hearts from doubt to certainty, born of encounter. They didn’t merely accept a doctrine—they saw the risen Christ, heard His voice, and felt His Spirit. These witnesses maintain their belief and became martyrs for their faith. 

If you have not accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior, do so now. You don't know when you will pass away from this earth, and by then, it will be too late. If you are a believer, may the study of the gospels inspire you to re-dedicate yourself to surrender everything to God and to be His servant, and to go out and declare the good news to everyone you see. 

Appendix

1. Information About The Stone That Covers The Tomb

Archaeological studies of first-century tombs in Jerusalem offer some fascinating clues. Stones used to seal tombs like Joseph of Arimathea’s were typically 4 to 6 feet (1.2 to 1.8 meters) in diameter and about 1 inch (2.5 cm) thick, shaped like massive stone disks. These stones could weigh between 1 to 2 tons (900 to 1,800 kg)—roughly the weight of a small car. They were often set in a sloped groove so they could be rolled into place more easily, but rolling them back uphill to open the tomb would’ve been a serious challenge.

That’s why the women on resurrection morning asked, “Who will roll the stone away for us?” (Mark 16:3)—they knew it was far too heavy for them alone.

2. Who resurrected Jesus? 

Scripture reveals that God the Father, Jesus Himself, and the Holy Spirit were all involved in the resurrection. It’s one of those moments where the unity of the Trinity shines through:

a) God the Father - “God raised him from the dead” — this phrase appears repeatedly (e.g., Acts 2:24, Romans 10:9, Galatians 1:1). It emphasizes the Father’s sovereign initiative in vindicating the Son.

b) Jesus Himself - In John 10:18, Jesus says: “I have authority to lay it [my life] down and authority to take it up again.”  And in John 2:19: “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” These verses show that Jesus wasn’t a passive victim—He actively participated in His own resurrection, affirming His divine power.

c) The Holy Spirit - Romans 8:11 says: “If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you…” This highlights the Spirit’s life-giving role, not only in Christ’s resurrection but also in ours to come.

It’s a glimpse into the mystery of divine unity and love.