Go and Tell!
The last chapter of the book of Matthew is all about a mission. A mission to tell the Good News of the resurrected Savior. We often talk about Matthew 28 in the framework of the Great Commission. However, if we back up in this chapter and take a broader look at the context we get much a richer and more meaningful picture.
In the beginning of Matthew 28 we find Mary Magdalene and the other Mary (who could have been either the wife of Clopas [John 19:25], or the mother of James and John [Matthew 27:56]), had come the grave of Jesus. Why they are there isn’t important at this point, what is important is what they found, they found the tomb empty. The two women are told by the angel to “go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead” (v. 7). We will see this pattern repeated time and again following the resurrection and ascension of Jesus where a messenger from God directs human intervention and teaching of the Good News. Verse 8 tells us that they “ran” to tell the disciples and Jesus met them in the way. Jesus then tells them to go and tell his brethren to meet him in Galilee.
In contrast, the soldiers who had been guarding the tomb are compelled to lie about the risen Jesus and what they had seen. Their lies are bought and their earthly security seems to have been more of a priority to them than did their eternal well – being. Not only that, but Matthew goes on to say that their lie was one that continued to be disseminated.
Finally, Jesus meets with his disciples and issues the final charge to go and teach all nations, baptizing them, and teaching them to observe all that He had commanded. Philip would preach Jesus to the Eunuch (Acts 8). Peter would preach words whereby the house of Cornelius would be saved (Acts 11:14). The preaching of the cross is the power of God (1 Corinthians 1:18) that saves those who believe (1 Corinthians 1:21).
Here are a few things we need to take from this chapter:
When God tells us to go, we need to “GO!” We need to go “NOW” and we need to god with “Urgency.” When we go, teach, and do his will, he meets us in the way and never leaves our side. “I am with you always.” “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee” (Hebrews 13:5). We need to be careful what we believe. There are many false prophets and we need to be diligent in testing the things that are said (Acts 17:11; 1 John 4:1).
The Apostle Paul said that “now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2). What are you waiting for? Arise and be baptized and wash away your sins (Acts 22:16). Repent and pray (Acts 8:22). God and share the Good News and you will surely meet Him in the way!