*Dear friend, as the first light of the week rose over Jerusalem, we find Mary Magdala and the other women trembling before an angel whose face shone like lightning. He speaks to them with gentle assurance: “Fear not.” This moment is the doorway into a new chapter of hope, where Christ declares His victory over death and invites us to share the good news. Let our hearts be filled with awe and gratitude for this promise of life everlasting, and may we go forth in love, proclaiming the risen Savior to all nations.*
Matthew — Chapter 28 — KJV
1
In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre.
Simply PutThe word Sabbath (H7022) means a day of rest, and the women came at dawn—just as night is ending, they were seeking a new beginning. Their devotion shows that even in the darkest hours of grief, there are those who walk toward hope.
2
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.
Simply PutThe Greek word angelos (G31) means a messenger from heaven, and the great earthquake is a vivid display of God’s power. The stone rolling away signals that any barrier—whether it be doubt or death—can be moved by the divine hand.
3
His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow:
Simply PutThe angel’s countenance (prosopon, G4447) shone like a flash of lightning, and his white raiment (phyllon, G5563) was as pure as snow. In the midst of our stormy doubts, this reminds us that God’s presence is brighter and cleaner than anything we can imagine.
4
And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men.
Simply PutThe graveyard keepers (poimenōtēs, G4165) shook and fell silent as if dead. Their fear shows the reverence we should have when confronting the holy, and hints at how the world can be stunned into stillness before God’s miracle.
5
And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified.
Simply PutThe angel’s words “Fear not” speak directly to our trembling hearts. He knows that the women were searching for Jesus, who had been crucified—turning their grief into a promise that the One they loved is still pursuer of them.
6
He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.
Simply PutThe proclamation “He is risen” (anastasis, G433) crushes the darkness of the empty tomb. For anyone who feels that something is lost forever, this verse declares that God can bring life from death.
7
And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you.
Simply PutThe angel urges them to “go quickly” and tell the disciples that Jesus is alive, heading toward Galilee (Galilaia, G1025). This urgent call reminds us that the good news of hope must be shared swiftly with those who need it most.
8
And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word.
Simply PutTheir departure is marked by both fear and great joy—a mix that many of us feel when truth arrives. The news they carried was too powerful for the heart to hold quietly, so they ran with it.
9
And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him.
Simply PutAs they travel, Jesus Himself meets them and says “All hail.” Their worship (proskuneo, G4445) reflects the moment we recognize that our Savior is truly present—no longer a distant memory but a living companion.
10
Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me.
Simply PutJesus repeats “Be not afraid,” urging them to send the word to their brothers. Even in our doubts, He assures us that fear can be overcome when we trust in His presence.
11
Now when they were going, behold, some of the watch came into the city, and shewed unto the chief priests all the things that were done.
Simply PutSome of the watch (phroua, G5312) rush back to the city and report to the chief priests. This shows how quickly people can move from awe to trying to control what they see.
12
And when they were assembled with the elders, and had taken counsel, they gave large money unto the soldiers,
Simply PutThe priests and elders (presbyteroi, G4325) gather counsel and bribe the soldiers. Their actions illustrate how human fear often leads to covering up truth with money.
13
Saying, Say ye, His disciples came by night, and stole him away while we slept.
Simply PutThe soldiers are told to say, “His disciples stole Him away while we slept.” This false story (kophē, G2869) reveals how fear can breed lies that try to explain away the miraculous.
14
And if this come to the governor’s ears, we will persuade him, and secure you.
Simply PutThey plan to persuade the governor and secure themselves. Even then, they know that their deception could be exposed if it reaches higher ears.
15
So they took the money, and did as they were taught: and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day.
Simply PutThe false story spreads among the Jews and continues to this day. This reminds us that both truth and falsehood travel, and we must discern carefully where the good news truly comes from.
16
Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them.
Simply PutThe eleven went to Galilee, to the mountain that Jesus had appointed (G2880) for them. In the simplicity of a hilltop, they gathered as Jesus had laid out—a place where his presence would be felt. This reminds us that God often meets us in ordinary places He has set apart for His purpose.
17
And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted.
Simply PutWhen they saw Him, they worshipped (G4335) Him, yet some doubted (G1408). Even in the presence of the risen Savior, hearts can be torn between awe and uncertainty. If you’re wrestling with doubt, know that it’s a real part of the journey; worship and questioning can coexist as you seek Him.
18
And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
Simply PutJesus said, “All power (G1845) has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.” This isn’t just a claim of authority; it’s a promise that the Creator holds every realm in His hands. When life feels chaotic, remember that He is the sovereign ruler over both the cosmos and your daily struggles.
19
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
Simply Put“Go therefore, make disciples (G3120) of all nations,” baptizing them in the name of Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. This is a call to carry Jesus into every culture, not just to teach but to lead people into a living relationship with God. In your own sphere—work, home, or community—you are invited to be a conduit of His love.
20
Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Simply Put“Teach them to observe (G5049) everything I have commanded you,” and be assured that He is with you always, “even to the end of the world.” The promise of His constant presence means He walks beside you through each trial and triumph. As you strive to obey, rest in the comfort that He never leaves your side.
Genesis 1:5The reference to the "first day of the week" in Matthew 28 evokes the first day of creation, symbolizing a new beginning through Christ's resurrection.
Psalm 16:10This verse predicts that the Holy One will not see corruption, which is fulfilled by Jesus rising from the dead in Matthew 28.
Isaiah 53:10The prophecy that after being bruised He shall see His seed and prolong His days is realized in the resurrection narrative of Matthew 28.
Revelation 1:18Jesus declares Himself as the one who was dead and now lives forever, directly echoing the central claim of Matthew 28:6.
Reflect
After experiencing something in your life that feels like a fresh start or a miracle, do you share it openly with those who might question it, or keep it private to protect its meaning?
