by
Stan Feldsine - www.tojesusbeallglory.com
Matthew
28 - Introduction
In
chapter 12 of Matthew, the Jewish leaders had come to the point where
they accused Jesus of performing miracles by the power of Beelzebub.
This was the unforgivable sin, and sealed the fate of Israel to
judgment, that of the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple, and
the dispersion of the Jews to the nations in 70AD.
The
Jewish leaders protested and demanded that Jesus show them a sign
that He was their Messiah. Jesus of course, had been showing them
signs through His whole ministry to this point, and refused them any
further signs. Judgment was inevitable at this point.
Jesus
told the Jewish leaders that the only sign they would see from this
point forward would be the sign of Jonah. As Jonah was in the belly
of a whale for three days and three nights, so Jesus would be in the
belly of the earth for three days and three nights. When they saw
Jesus resurrected from the dead on the third day, that would be their
sign validating Jesus's Messiahship.
Mat 12:38-42
Then some of the Pharisees and teachers of the law said to him,
"Teacher, we want to see a sign from you." (39) He
answered, "A wicked and adulterous generation asks for a sign!
But none will be given it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. (40)
For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of a huge
fish, so the Son of Man will be three days and three nights in the
heart of the earth. (41) The men of Nineveh will stand up at the
judgment with this generation and condemn it; for they repented at
the preaching of Jonah, and now something greater than Jonah is here.
(42) The Queen of the South will rise at the judgment with this
generation and condemn it; for she came from the ends of the earth to
listen to Solomon's wisdom, and now something greater than Solomon is
here.
Matt
28:1 - The Dawning of Resurrection Day
Mat 28:1
After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary
Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb.
Mary
Magdalene, the "other Mary", and Salome went to the tomb.
They had intended to anoint Jesus's body with spices, a way to reduce
the stench of the dead body. This activity shows that they were not
believing in or expecting the resurrection.
The
"other Mary" was the mother of James, the son of Alphaeus
(James the Less). She was also the mother of Joseph who was not one
of the disciples. Salome was the mother of James and John, the sons
of Zebedee.
There
were actually several people who were there checking out the tomb.
Luk 24:10
It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the
others with them who told this to the apostles.
Matt
28:2-4 - The Opening of the Tomb
Mat 28:2-4
There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down
from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on
it. (3) His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white
as snow. (4) The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and
became like dead men.
Apparently,
as they were on their way, or just arriving, there was a violent
earthquake. This was the second of two earthquakes, the first marking
the death of Jesus, and this one marking the resurrection of Jesus.
An
angel from heaven came down and rolled back the stone from the tomb.
This would have torn apart the Roman seal on the tomb.
The
Roman guard was filled with fear due to the angel and his appearance
as white as wool and like lightening. They were terrified to the
point they probably fainted and were like dead men.
Matt
28:5-8 - The Visit of the Women
Mat 28:5-8
The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that
you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. (6) He is not here; he
has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. (7)
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." (8) So the women hurried away from the tomb,
afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples.
See
also Luk 24:1-8.
Luk 24:1-8
On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women
took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. (2) They
found the stone rolled away from the tomb, (3) but when they entered,
they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. (4) While they were
wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like
lightning stood beside them. (5) In their fright the women bowed down
with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, "Why
do you look for the living among the dead? (6) He is not here; he has
risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in
Galilee: (7) 'The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of
sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.'"
(8) Then they remembered his words.
See
also: Mar 16:2-8
and Joh 20:1.
These
passage reveal that on Sunday morning, several women went to the tomb
in two separate visits. First, Mary Magdalene arrived alone while it
was still dark. She did see that the stone was rolled back and the
tomb was empty. She did not see the angel. She probably assumed
someone had taken the body, and she left the area.
Later
on, after the sun had arisen, a group of women went to the tomb.
These found the tomb open and without Jesus's body, and they also saw
the angels. The angel told the women what they were seeing, primarily
that Jesus had risen from the dead, thus, no reason to search for the
living among the dead. The angel told the women that Jesus had headed
in the direction of Galilee, as He had told them He would.
Mat 26:32
But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee."
When
the angel reminded them of this, they remembered His words, and ran
to tell the disciples the good news, not speaking to anyone along the
way.
Luke
24:9-12 - The Report to the Apostles
Luk 24:9-12
When they came back from the tomb, they told all these things to the
Eleven and to all the others. (10) It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna,
Mary the mother of James, and the others with them who told this to
the apostles. (11) But they did not believe the women, because their
words seemed to them like nonsense. (12) Peter, however, got up and
ran to the tomb. Bending over, he saw the strips of linen lying by
themselves, and he went away, wondering to himself what had happened.
See
also: Joh 20:2-10.
Joh 20:2-10
So she came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one
Jesus loved, and said, "They have taken the Lord out of the
tomb, and we don't know where they have put him!" (3) So Peter
and the other disciple started for the tomb. (4) Both were running,
but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. (5)
He bent over and looked in at the strips of linen lying there but did
not go in. (6) Then Simon Peter came along behind him and went
straight into the tomb. He saw the strips of linen lying there, (7)
as well as the cloth that had been wrapped around Jesus' head. The
cloth was still lying in its place, separate from the linen. (8)
Finally the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went
inside. He saw and believed. (9) (They still did not understand from
Scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead.) (10) Then the
disciples went back to where they were staying.
Mary
Magdalene arrives back in town where the apostles Peter and John were
and reports to them that someone had taken Jesus's body. The other
women caught up and reported the same, but the apostles did not
believe the women, it sounded to them like they were speaking
nonsense.
Luk 24:9-11
When they came back from the tomb, they told all these things to the
Eleven and to all the others. (10) It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna,
Mary the mother of James, and the others with them who told this to
the apostles. (11) But they did not believe the women, because their
words seemed to them like nonsense.
Nevertheless,
Peter and John take off running to the tomb to check things out for
themselves. John outruns Peter and stops outside the tomb looking in.
Peter, the impetuous fellow he is runs right past John and into the
tomb. After surveying the scene, each comes to a separate conclusion.
John
believes that Jesus was resurrected, raised from the dead.
Joh 20:8
Finally the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went
inside. He saw and believed.
Peter
on the other hand was perplexed and not sure what to make of this.
Luk 24:12
Peter, however, got up and ran to the tomb. Bending over, he saw the
strips of linen lying by themselves, and he went away, wondering to
himself what had happened.
John
20:11-18 - The First Appearance: To Mary Magdalene
Joh 20:11-18
Now Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to
look into the tomb (12) and saw two angels in white, seated where
Jesus' body had been, one at the head and the other at the foot. (13)
They asked her, "Woman, why are you crying?" "They
have taken my Lord away," she said, "and I don't know where
they have put him." (14) At this, she turned around and saw
Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus. (15)
He asked her, "Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are
looking for?" Thinking he was the gardener, she said, "Sir,
if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I
will get him." (16) Jesus said to her, "Mary." She
turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, "Rabboni!"
(which means "Teacher"). (17) Jesus said, "Do not hold
on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go instead to my
brothers and tell them, 'I am ascending to my Father and your Father,
to my God and your God.'" (18) Mary Magdalene went to the
disciples with the news: "I have seen the Lord!" And she
told them that he had said these things to her.
See
also: Mar 16:9-11.
After
Peter and John left the area of the tomb, Mary Magdalene returned
still under the assumption that the body had been removed. The two
angels were still at the tomb, although Mary did not recognize them
as angels. They looked like young men to her.
Joh 20:13
They asked her, "Woman, why are you crying?" "They
have taken my Lord away," she said, "and I don't know where
they have put him."
Jesus's
Resurrected Body
After
she replied to the angel's question, she turned around and saw Jesus
standing there, although she did not recognize Him. He also asked her
why she was weeping. Thinking he was perhaps the gardener for the
property answered him, saying that if He was the gardener if He would
tell her where the body had been taken so she could take care of it.
Jesus
then called her by name and she at that point recognized Him,
reaching out to Him and crying "rabbi!".
Several
times in the appearances of Jesus He was not immediately recognized,
but in all cases eventually recognition came. It would seem that some
things about Him remained the same and some things changed. Mary
apparently did not recognize His appearance right off, but when He
spoke her name she recognized Him.
In
this event, Mary turns out to be the very first person who recognized
Him after His resurrection. It is significant that a woman was the
first because according to Jewish laws, women could not serve as
witnesses. This plays into the authenticity of what was written. If a
man was creating a fabrication of this story, and he wanted to lend
credibility to the record, he would have reported men as having been
the first to see Jesus after the resurrection. The fact the record
shows a woman was the first lends credibility to the fact that this
is an accurate historical record.
Cleansing
the Heavenly Tabernacle
As
Mary recognized Him and began to move towards Him, He told Mary not
to hold on to Him.
Joh 20:17
Jesus said, "Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended
to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, 'I am
ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.'"
Dr.
Arnold Fruchtenbaum gives two explanations for this.
The
first is that Mary wanted to hold on to Jesus, or cling to Him,
preventing His departure, but He had to go.
The
second has to do with the heavenly tabernacle. Jesus's statement that
Mary should not touch Him is specifically related to the high
priests activities on the Day of Atonement.
Dr.
Fruchtenbaum states:
The
high priest began the day by removing the multicolored garments he
wore on a daily basis. Once undressed, he underwent a ritual
immersion, then put on the white garments, symbolizing purity, that
he wore only once a year, on the Day of Atonement. After this, the
priest went through the whole cleansing procedure, and when he
finished, he took off his white clothes, underwent a second ritual
immersion, and put on his multicolored garments. If anyone touched
the high priest between the first and second immersions, it rendered
him unclean and he could not enter the Holy of Holies to sprinkle
the goat's blood upon the mercy seat; he could not make the atonement
with the blood. therefore, until the ritual was completed, the high
priest was untouchable.
It
is possible that some aspect of Jesus's acts of atonement were not
complete, and would be shortly. Until then, He was not to be touched.
Matt
28:9-10 - The Second Appearance: To the Women
Mat 28:9-10
Suddenly Jesus met them. "Greetings," he said. They came to
him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. (10) Then Jesus said to
them, "Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to
Galilee; there they will see me."
After
Mary left the tomb area, and the other women arrived, Jesus greeted
the other women. Their response was to fall at His feet and worship
Him. It is of interest to note that at this point only women had seen
the resurrected Jesus. He told them to tell the disciples to meet Him
in Galilee.
Matt
28:11-15 - Report of the Guard
Mat 28:11-15
While the women were on their way, some of the guards went into the
city and reported to the chief priests everything that had happened.
(12) When the chief priests had met with the elders and devised a
plan, they gave the soldiers a large sum of money, (13) telling them,
"You are to say, 'His disciples came during the night and stole
him away while we were asleep.' (14) If this report gets to the
governor, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble." (15)
So the soldiers took the money and did as they were instructed. And
this story has been widely circulated among the Jews to this very
day.
At
this point the women are on their way to the apostles to remind them
that Jesus would be in Galilee. As they were on their way, the Roman
guards that were watching the tomb went to the chief priests to let
them know what was going on.
The
reaction of the chief priests, that Jesus as no longer in the tomb
which had been sealed, was that of continued disbelief and rejection
of Messiah. Instead of believing, having now the empty tomb to bear
witness to second sign of Jonah, that Jesus would rise after three
days, the chief priest colluded with the Roman guards to perpetuate
the belief that the body had been stolen.
The
chief priests met with the elders and devised a plan to deal with
this. Although the guards had failed under penalty of death to ensure
no one stole the body, the Jewish leaders would not report them.
Instead they bribed the guards not to say anything about it either.
Even
until today there is a belief that Jesus did not rise, but His body
was stolen, thus denying the resurrection. Of course, no body was
ever found.
Luke
24:13-32 - The Third Appearance: The Two on Emmaus Road
Luk 24:13-32
Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus,
about seven miles from Jerusalem. (14) They were talking with each
other about everything that had happened. (15) As they talked and
discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and
walked along with them; (16) but they were kept from recognizing him.
(17) He asked them, "What are you discussing together as you
walk along?" They stood still, their faces downcast. (18) One of
them, named Cleopas, asked him, "Are you the only one visiting
Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in
these days?" (19) "What things?" he asked. "About
Jesus of Nazareth," they replied. "He was a prophet,
powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. (20) The
chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to
death, and they crucified him; (21) but we had hoped that he was the
one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third
day since all this took place. (22) In addition, some of our women
amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning (23) but didn't
find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of
angels, who said he was alive. (24) Then some of our companions went
to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they did not
see Jesus." (25) He said to them, "How foolish you are, and
how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! (26) Did not
the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?"
(27) And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to
them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself. (28) As
they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus continued
on as if he were going farther. (29) But they urged him strongly,
"Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost
over." So he went in to stay with them. (30) When he was at the
table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to
give it to them. (31) Then their eyes were opened and they recognized
him, and he disappeared from their sight. (32) They asked each other,
"Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us
on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?"
See
also: Mar 16:12-13.
The
"two of them" would have been disciples in the circle of
72, not of the 12.
Luk 10:1-2
After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by
two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go.
(2) He told them, "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are
few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into
his harvest field.
Only
one of the two were identified by name, Cleopas. This may have been
the same Cleopas that was the husband of one of the Marys of the
Gospels. He may also have merited a mention by name as it was a
Cleopas that took over the the church from James, the half brother of
Jesus and author of the epistle of James. When James was executed
because of his faith, Cleopas took over the leadership of the church.
It
was a Sunday afternoon that Cleopas and the other with him were
walking towards their hometown of Emmaus. They were discussing the
events of the last few days, how they thought Jesus was one who they
thought would be the redeemer of Israel.
A
third figure joins them in their walk, and they did not recognize Him
right off. This person asked what they were discussing. Their answer
revealed that they were believers who failed to believe the
resurrection had occurred. They had accepted Jesus as their Messiah,
that He was a prophet, that His works and miracles authenticated His
Messiahship. They believed that He was tried, condemned and
crucified.
When
the women reported that Jesus had risen and the tomb was empty, they
did not believe that Jesus was alive. Jesus scolded them for their
unbelief, explaining that all that the prophets had to say about the
Messiah was coming to pass, and if they had known their scriptures
better these things would not have caught them off guard.
As
they arrived at Emmaus, Jesus was invited to have dinner with them,
and He accepted. At the meal, Jesus said the blessing. It would have
been customary for the host to say the prayer of blessing, unless a
rabbi of superior learning was present, then the rabbi would say the
blessing. Jesus saying the blessing must have triggered something in
them, for at that moment they recognized who they had in their
company.
Following
their recognition of who their guest was, He disappeared from their
sight.
Luke
24:33-35 - The Fourth Appearance: To Peter
Luk 24:33-35
They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the
Eleven and those with them, assembled together (34) and saying, "It
is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon." (35)
Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was
recognized by them when he broke the bread.
See
also: 1Co 15:5
a.
These
two then went to the rest of the disciples, but the rest did not
believe either.
Mar 16:13
These returned and reported it to the rest; but they did not believe
them either.
Peter
was the first of the disciples to see the resurrected Jesus. Jesus,
after telling Peter that he would deny Him three times, was also told
that He would be restored. This appearance to Peter would have
brought about that restoration. This appearance to Peter would have
set the stage for him to be the chief of the apostles.
Luke
24:36-43 - The Fifth Appearance: To the Ten
Luk 24:36-43
While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among
them and said to them, "Peace be with you." (37) They were
startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost. (38) He said to
them, "Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your
minds? (39) Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me
and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have."
(40) When he had said this, he showed them his hands and feet. (41)
And while they still did not believe it because of joy and amazement,
he asked them, "Do you have anything here to eat?" (42)
They gave him a piece of broiled fish, (43) and he took it and ate it
in their presence.
See
also: Mar 16:14,
Joh 20:19-25.
As
the discussion among the disciples continued, Jesus appears right
there in their midst, startling and frightening them. They were still
in Jerusalem in spite of being told that Jesus would meet up with
them in Galilee. Jesus finally met them where they were.
When
Jesus appeared to them, they did not believe it was Him, rather, they
thought they were seeing a ghost. Jesus scolded them for their
unbelief.
Mar 16:14
Later Jesus appeared to the Eleven as they were eating; he rebuked
them for their lack of faith and their stubborn refusal to believe
those who had seen him after he had risen.
Jesus
had to try to convince them that He was indeed Jesus. He had appeared
in a resurrected body, which still contained the scars of His
suffering. These scars would not be present in a glorified body.
Jesus's glorification would happen at His Ascension.
Jesus
told them to look at His hands and feet, and to touch them to see
that they were solid matter and not ghostly. He asked for something
to eat when they continued in disbelief.
Between
Jesus's resurrection and the Ascension He gave them three
commissions. The first
was
that Jesus was sending out the apostles with the Son's authority.
Just as Jesus was sent with the Father's authority, the apostles are
sent with the Son's authority.
Joh 20:21
Again Jesus said, "Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me,
I am sending you."
Secondly,
Jesus extended to all the apostles the commission previously given to
Peter. This forgiveness has to do with authority in a judicial sense.
They would be the leaders of the coming church. The would "bind
and loose" in the sense of making the decisions regarding the
daily running of the church.
Joh 20:23
If you forgive anyone's sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not
forgive them, they are not forgiven."
Third,
Jesus breathed on them and said to them "receive the Holy
Spirit". This was not the baptism into the body, but was a
receiving of the Holy Spirit who would impart wisdom and illumination
to them so that they could understand the things that He was telling
them, the spiritual things of God.
Four
times
He had explained to them how He would suffer and die on the cross and
rise again after three days, and four times they had failed to
understand what He was saying. This blessing of the Holy Spirit would
enable them to understand this.
John
20:26-31 - The Sixth Appearance: To the Eleven
Joh 20:26-31
A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was
with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among
them and said, "Peace be with you!" (27) Then he said to
Thomas, "Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand
and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe." (28) Thomas
said to him, "My Lord and my God!" (29) Then Jesus told
him, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are
those who have not seen and yet have believed." (30) Jesus
performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which
are not recorded in this book. (31) But these are written that you
may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by
believing you may have life in his name.
See
also 1Co 15:5
b.
A
week later, Jesus again appears in the midst of the apostles, and
this time Thomas was with them. Thomas had wanted to see to believe,
and Jesus accommodated him. Putting his fingers in the wounds of
Jesus Thomas declared "My Lord and my God"!
Jesus
then said that it is more blessed to believe without seeing then to
see and then believe. The basis for this is that it is more blessed
to trust the word of scripture than to trust our experience.
John
21 - The Seventh Appearance: To the Seven
Joh 21:1-2
Afterward Jesus appeared again to his disciples, by the Sea of
Galilee. It happened this way: (2) Simon Peter, Thomas (also known as
Didymus), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and
two other disciples were together.
Read
John chapter 21.
These
disciples and Jesus finally arrived in Galilee. The seven that Jesus
appeared to at this time were all fishermen who had left that
profession and had been following Jesus for the past 3 years. Hearing
that Jesus would be leaving for a while, and not really understanding
what they were to do next, they had decided to go back to fishing.
They
were catching nothing, when a figure came up and asked them if they
had any food. Saying they had none led the figure to instruct the
fishermen to cast their nets on the opposition side of the boat,
whereupon their nets were immediately filled.
Joh 21:5-6
He called out to them, "Friends, haven't you any fish?"
"No," they answered. (6) He said, "Throw your net on
the right side of the boat and you will find some." When they
did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number
of fish.
This
resembles a similar event when Jesus first called them to follow Him.
Luk 5:4-6
When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, "Put out into
deep water, and let down the nets for a catch." (5) Simon
answered, "Master, we've worked hard all night and haven't
caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets."
(6) When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish
that their nets began to break.
The
Promise of Provision
This
event caused the disciples to recognize the figure as Jesus.
Joh 21:7
Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, "It is the
Lord!" As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, "It is the
Lord," he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken
it off) and jumped into the water.
Jumping
into the water and going ashore, the disciples found that there was
already a fire burning and fish cooking, along with some bread. Jesus
instructed them to bring Him some of the additional fish and to come
have breakfast with Him.
Joh 21:8-12
The other disciples followed in the boat, towing the net full of
fish, for they were not far from shore, about a hundred yards. (9)
When they landed, they saw a fire of burning coals there with fish on
it, and some bread. (10) Jesus said to them, "Bring some of the
fish you have just caught." (11) So Simon Peter climbed back
into the boat and dragged the net ashore. It was full of large fish,
153, but even with so many the net was not torn. (12) Jesus said to
them, "Come and have breakfast." None of the disciples
dared ask him, "Who are you?" They knew it was the Lord.
The
disciples learned, or perhaps had reinforced that they need not be
concerned about their provisions, for Jesus would provide. They only
needed to be concerned about fulfilling their commission.
The
Conversation with Peter
Jesus
took Peter to the side and spoke to him personally. Jesus assured Him
and canceled out Peter's three fold denial with a three fold
affirmation of love.
Joh 21:15-17
When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon
son of John, do you love me more than these?" "Yes, Lord,"
he said, "you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Feed
my lambs." (16) Again Jesus said, "Simon son of John, do
you love me?" He answered, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love
you." Jesus said, "Take care of my sheep." (17) The
third time he said to him, "Simon son of John, do you love me?"
Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, "Do you
love me?" He said, "Lord, you know all things; you know
that I love you." Jesus said, "Feed my sheep.
John
was following along, perhaps listening to the discussion.
Joh 21:20
Peter turned and saw that the disciple whom Jesus loved was following
them. (This was the one who had leaned back against Jesus at the
supper and had said, "Lord, who is going to betray you?")
Jesus
is referring to two different words for love in this discussion with
Peter.
Phileo
- a love that arises out of emotion as a platonic attraction.
Sometimes referred to as brotherly love.
Agape
-
a love that is superior to phileo, a love of will, a determination of
will to love even the unlovable. Sometimes referred to as divine
love.
When
the Bible says to love one another, or other people, it is talking
about agape love, not phileo. It is a command to love even the
unlovable as a force of will.
Q1
- Joh 21:15
When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon
son of John, do you love [agape]
me more than these?" "Yes, Lord," he said, "you
know that I love [phileo]
you." Jesus said, "Feed my lambs."
In
the first question, Jesus asks Peter if he willfully loves Jesus more
than the other disciples do. Jesus asks this because it is exactly
what Peter previously said when he claimed he had the superior
"agape" love.
Mat 26:33
Peter replied, "Even if all fall away on account of you, I never
will."
Jesus
was checking with Peter on this love that he had. But Peter's
response is that he has "phileo" love for Jesus, indicating
that he could no longer love Jesus more than the others did. This was
probably a response to his denying Jesus those three times. He could
not bring himself to claim complete devotion in view of his denials.
In
response, rather than criticizing Peter, Jesus gave Peter his
commission, to take care of the baby believers, the lambs, who need
to be fed with the mild of God's Word. Jesus, as the shepherd of the
lambs, was passing the responsibility over to Peter.
Q2
- Joh 21:16
Again Jesus said, "Simon son of John, do you love [agape]
me?"
He answered, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love [phileo]
you."
Jesus said, "Take care of my sheep."
In
the second question, Jesus dropped the question of whether Peter
loved Him more than the other disciples do. Again He asked Peter if
he has "agape" love of at least equal to that of the other
disciples. Peter's second response is that for now the best he can do
is love Jesus with a "phileo" love equal to that of the
other disciples. Peter had probably learned moderation in his brash
claims.
Q3
- Joh 21:17
The third time he said to him, "Simon son of John, do you love
[phileo]
me?" Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, "Do
you love [phileo]
me?"
He said, "Lord, you know all things; you know that I love
[phileo]
you."
Jesus said, "Feed my sheep.
In
the third time Jesus asked the question of Peter, He asked Peter if
he had "phileo" love. If Peter could not "agape"
Jesus as much as the others, or at least equal "agape" love
as them, could be at least love him as a friend. Peter was grieved at
this third question, and responded that he did "phileo"
Jesus. He was His friend.
Jesus
assured Peter that he would some day "agape" love Jesus. He
would love Jesus at least as much as the others. This would be
fulfilled at the time of Peter's death.
Joh 21:18-19
Very truly I tell you, when you were younger you dressed yourself and
went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your
hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not
want to go." (19) Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death
by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, "Follow
me!"
Matt
28:16-20 - The Eighth Appearance: To the Five Hundred
Mat 28:16-20
Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where
Jesus had told them to go. (17) When they saw him, they worshiped
him; but some doubted. (18) Then Jesus came to them and said, "All
authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. (19) 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, (20) and teaching
them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with
you always, to the very end of the age."
See
also: Mar 16:15-18,
1Co 15:6.
The
eleven disciples finally head off to Galilee, where Jesus started His
ministry. Finding Him there, they worshiped Him, although some of
them still hesitated due to unresolved questions they had about how
they should respond to Him. Several of them had abandoned Him at the
cross and perhaps they were concerned about how Jesus would deal with
this.
Jesus
looks past all that, and informs them that "all" authority
has been given to Him, whether heavenly or earthly authority. The
point being that since Jesus has been given all authority, He has the
authority to delegate authority, which He does in the commission to
His disciples.
The
Great Commission
The
commission Jesus gives to the apostles brings the word to the
Gentiles. Previously, Jesus had sent His apostles only to the lost
sheep of Israel.
Mat 10:5-6
These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: "Do
not go among the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans. (6) Go
rather to the lost sheep of Israel.
Mat 15:22-24
A Canaanite woman from that vicinity came to him, crying out, "Lord,
Son of David, have mercy on me! My daughter is demon-possessed and
suffering terribly." (23) Jesus did not answer a word. So his
disciples came to him and urged him, "Send her away, for she
keeps crying out after us." (24) He answered, "I was sent
only to the lost sheep of Israel."
Now,
with the commission given to the disciples, the command is to go to
all nations.
Mat 28:19
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,
Going
into all the nations, making disciples through going, baptizing and
teaching.
First,
going refers to evangelizing the whole world and preaching the gospel
to all people.
Second,
baptizing, in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. In the OT
there were several different baptisms, such as proselyte baptism,
John's baptism, and so on. This baptism that Jesus is talking about
is a believers baptism, which is the outward expression of the inward
change.
Note
that Jesus refers to "the Father, Son and Holy Spirit" as a
single name. I.E. "in the name of", not the "names"
of. This speaks to the unity of the Godhead. But the three persons
speaks to the tri-union of the three persons.
Note
that Jesus is not saying that the baptism is a requirement for
salvation. In the OT times, baptism usually took place at the same
time that someone was saved. So the baptism was not an additional
requirement to believing, but simply an expression of a salvation
that had already occurred.
Third,
teaching is to pass on to those we are going to and baptizing all
that Jesus had commanded while He was with His apostles.
Obedience
to these three aspects of the commission reveal who the disciples
are.
Matthew
completes his record of Jesus's ministry with a promise from Jesus
that He will always be present with the saints all the way till the
end of the age. That promise does not go away, but will continue as
we extend into the Messianic Age.
Stanley
Tousaint says:
".
. . Matthew uses this command to weave the final thread of his
argument. The purpose of his Gospel was to prove to Israel that Jesus
is the Messiah. The inquiring Jew would ask, 'If Jesus is our King,
where is our kingdom?' Matthew has indicated that the kingdom was
offered to Israel, rejected by them, and postponed by God. At the
present time and until the end of the tribulation the kingdom is
being offered to the Gentiles (Romans 11). Therefore, the disciples
are to disciple all nations. At the end of the age the kingdom of
Israel will be inaugurated by the return of Israel's King."
1Corinthians
15:5-8 - The Ninth Appearance: To James
1Co 15:5-8
and that he appeared to Cephas, and then to the Twelve. (6) After
that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers and
sisters at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some
have fallen asleep. (7) Then he appeared to James, then to all the
apostles, (8) and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one
abnormally born.
After
the appearance of Jesus to Peter, the 12, the 500, He appeared to
James, Jesus's half brother. This visit on the part of Jesus perhaps
setting the stage for James to become the first head of the church at
Jerusalem.
Acts
1:3 - The Tenth Appearance: To the Eleven
Act 1:3
After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many
convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a
period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God.
See
also:
Luk 24:44-48
He said to them, "This is what I told you while I was still with
you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law
of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms." (45) Then he opened
their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. (46) He told
them, "This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise
from the dead on the third day, (47) and repentance for the
forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations,
beginning at Jerusalem. (48) You are witnesses of these things.
The
story that Matthew tells continues into "The Acts of the
Apostles" as He continues to appear to them before His
Ascension. There are still 11 apostles, as Mathias has not yet been
selected as the 12th. Jesus is speaking of Himself as revealed in the
Hebrew Scriptures, and about the Kingdom that is now in abeyance.
Conclusion
and Summary
Act 1:6-7
Then they gathered around him and asked him, "Lord, are you at
this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?" (7) He said
to them: "It is not for you to know the times or dates the
Father has set by his own authority.
The
Gospel of Matthew began with the introduction of Jesus as the
Messianic King and the heralding of the coming of the Messianic
Kingdom.
Mat 3:1-2
In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of
Judea (2) and saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has
come near."
The
genealogy of Jesus is presented to confirm that He is the rightful
heir to the kingdom.
Mat 1:1
This is the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah the son of David, the son
of Abraham:
Throughout
the first 12 chapters of Matthew, Jesus's miracles bear witness to
His divinity and serve as signs that the kingdom is near.
Mat 4:23-24
Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues,
proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease
and sickness among the people. (24) News about him spread all over
Syria, and people brought to him all who were ill with various
diseases, those suffering severe pain, the demon-possessed, those
having seizures, and the paralyzed; and he healed them.
When
John is imprisoned, Jesus takes up the call for the people of Israel
to repent and be baptized. He is explaining goal of their repentance
and teaching them what the standards and characteristics of the
kingdom will consist of.
Mat 4:12-17
When Jesus heard that John had been put in prison, he withdrew to
Galilee. (13) Leaving Nazareth, he went and lived in Capernaum, which
was by the lake in the area of Zebulun and Naphtali-- (14) to fulfill
what was said through the prophet Isaiah: (15) "Land of Zebulun
and land of Naphtali, the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee
of the Gentiles-- (16) the people living in darkness have seen a
great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a
light has dawned." (17) From that time on Jesus began to preach,
"Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near."
Jesus
clarifies that this kingdom message and the standards and
characteristics of the kingdom are to be shared only with the Jewish
people.
Mat 10:5-7
These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: "Do
not go among the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans. (6) Go
rather to the lost sheep of Israel. (7) As you go, proclaim this
message: 'The kingdom of heaven has come near.'
The
rejection of the King and the commission of the unforgivable sin was
coming close. John is said to have a demon, shadowing what was coming
to Jesus.
Mat 11:14-19
And if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to
come. (15) Whoever has ears, let them hear. (16) "To what can I
compare this generation? They are like children sitting in the
marketplaces and calling out to others: (17) "'We played the
pipe for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not
mourn.' (18) For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say,
'He has a demon.' (19) The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and
they say, 'Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax
collectors and sinners.' But wisdom is proved right by her deeds."
As
a nation, represented by the leaders of Israel, the Jewish people
were faced with a decision. Jesus had just healed a demon possessed
man who was blind and mute. By who's power and authority had He done
this?
Mat 12:22-23
Then they brought him a demon-possessed man who was blind and mute,
and Jesus healed him, so that he could both talk and see. (23) All
the people were astonished and said, "Could this be the Son of
David?"
As
the people considered this, the leadership of Israel had had enough,
they attributed the power for healing had come from a prince of
demons, Beelzebul. In so doing they were claiming that the Holy
Spirit was a prince of demons, a blasphemy and heresy.
Mat 12:24
But when the Pharisees heard this, they said, "It is only by
Beelzebul, the prince of demons, that this fellow drives out demons."
This
blasphemy on the part of Israel's leaders solidified their rejection
of both the King and His kingdom. The King would not rule if the
people rejected Him, and if there is no King, there is no kingdom.
Instead of the establishment of a kingdom, there would only be
judgment. This judgment would be poured out in 70AD.
Mat 24:1-3
Jesus left the temple and was walking away when his disciples came up
to him to call his attention to its buildings. (2) "Do you see
all these things?" he asked. "Truly I tell you, not one
stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down."
(3) As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came
to him privately. "Tell us," they said, "when will
this happen ..."
Jesus's
answer to when the judgment would be poured out. It would happen in
about 30 years time.
Luk 21:20-24
"When you see Jerusalem being surrounded by armies, you will
know that its desolation is near. (21) Then let those who are in
Judea flee to the mountains, let those in the city get out, and let
those in the country not enter the city. (22) For this is the time of
punishment in fulfillment of all that has been written. (23) How
dreadful it will be in those days for pregnant women and nursing
mothers! There will be great distress in the land and wrath against
this people. (24) They will fall by the sword and will be taken as
prisoners to all the nations. Jerusalem will be trampled on by the
Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.
Jesus
would no longer provides miracles and healing as a sign of His
Messiahship, from here on they would be on the basis of Jesus's
compassion for the people. The only sign remaining for the people of
Israel would be the sign of Jonah.
Mat 12:39
He answered, "A wicked and adulterous generation asks for a
sign! But none will be given it except the sign of the prophet Jonah.
Jesus
changes His delivery of the truths of the kingdom to that of
parables, so that the believer would understand and the unbeliever
would not.
Mat 13:10-13
The disciples came to him and asked, "Why do you speak to the
people in parables?" (11) He replied, "Because the
knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to
you, but not to them. (12) Whoever has will be given more, and they
will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have
will be taken from them. (13) This is why I speak to them in
parables: "Though seeing, they do not see; though hearing, they
do not hear or understand.
His
message was veiled from the unbeliever as the persecution and
attempted entrapment on the part of Israel's leaders increased. It
would seem though that the disciples were so looking for the
prophesied kingdom that the failed to understand Jesus's
proclamations that He would die, be buried for three days, and then
rise again. They did not understand what He was saying.
Mat 16:21-23
From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he
must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the
elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and that he
must be killed and on the third day be raised to life. (22) Peter
took him aside and began to rebuke him. "Never, Lord!" he
said. "This shall never happen to you!" (23) Jesus turned
and said to Peter, "Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling
block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely
human concerns."
Mat 17:22-23
When they came together in Galilee, he said to them, "The Son of
Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men. (23) They will
kill him, and on the third day he will be raised to life." And
the disciples were filled with grief.
Mat 20:17-19
Now Jesus was going up to Jerusalem. On the way, he took the Twelve
aside and said to them, (18) "We are going up to Jerusalem, and
the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and the
teachers of the law. They will condemn him to death (19) and will
hand him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified.
On the third day he will be raised to life!"
Luke
adds regarding this third teaching of Jesus's death.
Luk 18:34
The disciples did not understand any of this. Its meaning was hidden
from them, and they did not know what he was talking about.
Jesus
endured escalating abuse until finally the day arrived and the Roman
army at the Jewish leaders insistence crucified Him.
Mat 27:45-50
From noon until three in the afternoon darkness came over all the
land. (46) About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud
voice, "Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?" (which means "My
God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"). (47) When some of
those standing there heard this, they said, "He's calling
Elijah." (48) Immediately one of them ran and got a sponge. He
filled it with wine vinegar, put it on a staff, and offered it to
Jesus to drink. (49) The rest said, "Now leave him alone. Let's
see if Elijah comes to save him." (50) And when Jesus had cried
out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit.
This
was devastating to the disciples and they scattered and went back to
their businesses.
Joh 21:3
"I'm going out to fish," Simon Peter told them, and they
said, "We'll go with you." So they went out and got into
the boat, but that night they caught nothing
Jesus
in the meantime rose from the dead and appeared to many people over
the next 40 days. During this 40 days Jesus taught them many things
about the kingdom.
Act 1:3
After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many
convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a
period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God.
At
the conclusion of Jesus's time here on earth as He is about to ascend
to heaven the disciples are continuing in their hope that the kingdom
would be established immediately, and they ask Jesus if He was to
restore the kingdom at that time.
Act 1:6
Then they gathered around him and asked him, "Lord, are you at
this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?"
Alas,
the kingdom would be held in abeyance until the nation of Israel did
come to repent of their sin, something we are still awaiting today.
Mat 23:37-39
"Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those
sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children
together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were
not willing. (38) Look, your house is left to you desolate. (39) For
I tell you, you will not see me again until you say, 'Blessed is he
who comes in the name of the Lord.'"
When
this would happen was not their concern at this time.
Act 1:7
He said to them: "It is not for you to know the times or dates
the Father has set by his own authority.
The
Lord instead had a commission for them, and the mission was no longer
to the lost sheep of Israel but to all the nations.
Act 1:8
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you
will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and
to the ends of the earth."
Mat 28:19-20
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, (20) and
teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I
am with you always, to the very end of the age."
And
so the story continues in the Acts and in the Epistles. Jesus sent us
into the world to make disciples of all nations. He would come again
in the future to bring about the restoration of Israel to
relationship with their King, and establish the kingdom at that time.
