A Study of Matthew Chapter 28

 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.