New Testament · Gospels
Gospel of Matthew Chapter 28: The Resurrection and the Great Commission
The Resurrection and the Great Commission
Source: Catholic Bible (NABRE) · Commentary references the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) and Church Fathers
What Is Gospel of Matthew Chapter 28 About?
According to the Catholic Bible, After the Sabbath, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary go to the tomb. An earthquake occurs, an angel descends and rolls back the stone, and announces: 'He is not here, for he has been raised just as he said.' Jesus appears to the women and then to the eleven disciples in Galilee. He gives the Great Commission: 'All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.'
Key Verses from Gospel of Matthew 28
“He is not here, for he has been raised just as he said. (28:6)”
— Gospel of Matthew 28 (NABRE)
“Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. (28:19)”
— Gospel of Matthew 28 (NABRE)
“And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age. (28:20)”
— Gospel of Matthew 28 (NABRE)
Key Themes in Gospel of Matthew Chapter 28
Resurrection
According to Catholic theology, The bodily resurrection of Jesus is the foundation of Christian faith. 'If Christ has not been raised, your faith is vain' (1 Cor 15:17).
The Great Commission
According to Catholic theology, Jesus sends his Church to all nations. The mission is threefold: make disciples, baptize, teach. The Church is missionary by nature.
Trinitarian Formula
According to Catholic theology, The baptismal formula — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit — is the clearest revelation of the Trinity in Scripture and the formula used in every valid baptism.
Catholic Reflection on Gospel of Matthew 28
The last words of Matthew's Gospel are the most comforting in Scripture: 'I am with you always, until the end of the age.' Not 'I was with you' or 'I will be with you someday.' Always. Now. In every Mass, in every prayer, in every act of love. The Risen Christ is not a historical figure we remember — he is a living person we encounter.
What the Catholic Church Teaches About Gospel of Matthew 28
The Resurrection is the central mystery of the Christian faith (CCC 638). The Great Commission is the basis of the Church's missionary mandate — every baptized person shares in this mission. The Trinitarian baptismal formula (Mt 28:19) is required for valid baptism in the Catholic Church. 'Emmanuel' — God with us — from Matthew 1 is fulfilled in the final verse: 'I am with you always.'
References: Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC), Church Fathers, Papal Documents
Frequently Asked Questions About Gospel of Matthew 28
What is Gospel of Matthew Chapter 28 about?▼
After the Sabbath, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary go to the tomb. An earthquake occurs, an angel descends and rolls back the stone, and announces: 'He is not here, for he has been raised just as he said.' Jesus appears to the women and then to the eleven disciples in Galilee. He gives the Great Commission: 'All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.'
What does the Catholic Church teach about "Resurrection" in Gospel of Matthew 28?▼
According to Catholic teaching, The bodily resurrection of Jesus is the foundation of Christian faith. 'If Christ has not been raised, your faith is vain' (1 Cor 15:17).
What does the Catholic Church teach about "The Great Commission" in Gospel of Matthew 28?▼
According to Catholic teaching, Jesus sends his Church to all nations. The mission is threefold: make disciples, baptize, teach. The Church is missionary by nature.
What does the Catholic Church teach about "Trinitarian Formula" in Gospel of Matthew 28?▼
According to Catholic teaching, The baptismal formula — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit — is the clearest revelation of the Trinity in Scripture and the formula used in every valid baptism.
How does Gospel of Matthew Chapter 28 connect to Catholic faith and practice?▼
The Resurrection is the central mystery of the Christian faith (CCC 638). The Great Commission is the basis of the Church's missionary mandate — every baptized person shares in this mission. The Trinitarian baptismal formula (Mt 28:19) is required for valid baptism in the Catholic Church. 'Emmanuel' — God with us — from Matthew 1 is fulfilled in the final verse: 'I am with you always.'
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