Matthew: Chapter 28
Matthew concludes his gospel with the last chapter recording the Resurection of Jesus Christ and the Great Commission.
Jesus Has Risen
After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. There was a violent earthquake and an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and rolled the stone blocking the throne and sat on it. The guards were petrified.
The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: 'He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.' Now I have told you." Matthew 28:5-7
This filled their hearts with joy, though afraid, they rushed to tell the disciples what they have seen.
Suddenly Jesus met them. "Greethings," he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshipped him. Then Jesus said to them, "Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me." Matthew 28:9-10
Jesus, like he said, was risen up on the third day. The disciples and the women seen here were afraid because of all that had transpired. To them, everything happened way too quickly to comprehend. The disciples, were probably also filled with guilt for deserting Jesus towards the end. Peter in particular was heartbroken for denouncing Jesus. But Jesus here provided the serenity they needed. The very first thing Jesus said to them was to not be afraid. Further, he called the disciples "brothers", assuring them that he holds nothing against them.
The Great Commission
The eleven disciles went to Galilee, to the mountain Jesus had told them to go. When they saw Jesus, they worshipped him, but still 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, baptising 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." Matthew 28:18-20
The disciples were afraid, because they thought that they had lost their savior. But Jesus reassured them that he is with them till the very end of the age. Jesus who assured the disciples centuries ago, also assures us. Jesus is with us till the very end of the age.
Yet another year has come to an end. We might have seen a lot of ups and downs, highs and lows this year. Exhilarated with successes or maybe broken down because of unbearable losses. Amidst everything, though we might not understand why things happen they way they do, we have a comforter, who looks after us, and is always by our side, to take care of us, till the very end.
See you next year, with another book to meditate! Wishing you a blessed new year ahead! May the LORD grant us joy and peace, and watch over us now and forevermore. Take care of yourself and each other!
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