Matthew 28:11-20
Go and Make Disciples
Read the passage
11While the women were on their way, some of the guards went into the city and reported to the chief priests all that had happened.
12And after the chief priests had met with the elders and formed a plan, they gave the soldiers a large sum of money
13and instructed them: “You are to say, ‘His disciples came by night and stole Him away while we were asleep.’
14If this report reaches the governor, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.”
15So the guards took the money and did as they were instructed. And this account has been circulated among the Jews to this very day.
16Meanwhile, the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain Jesus had designated.
17When they saw Him, they worshiped Him, but some doubted.
18Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me.
19Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
20and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
Berean Standard Bible
Read aloud
While the women carry their news, some guards report to the chief priests what has happened. The priests and elders give the soldiers a large sum of money and tell them to claim that the disciples stole Jesus’ body while they slept. They promise to keep the soldiers out of trouble if the governor hears. Matthew says this purchased account is still circulating among the Jews when he writes.
Meanwhile, the eleven disciples go to the mountain in Galilee where Jesus has directed them. They worship Him, though some doubt. Matthew does not hide that hesitation. The commission rests on the risen Lord’s authority, not on an account that makes His followers look faultless.
Jesus declares that His authority extends over heaven and earth. On that authority He sends the eleven to make disciples among every nation. They must baptize these disciples in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teach them obedience to all His commands.
This is a mission to bring people into life as His disciples, not merely to collect listeners or win agreement. Baptism names the triune God to whom they belong, and teaching continues as they learn His ways. Every nation is included in the reach of His command.
Jesus ends with a promise: He is with them always, even to the end of the age. The Gospel that announced Immanuel, God with us, closes with the risen Son pledging His presence. His disciples go into the world under His authority and accompanied by their Lord.
How We Know
Daniel’s vision gives the Son of Man everlasting dominion and service from all nations. Jesus’ declaration of authority and mission to all nations carries that royal scope. Matthew’s opening promise of God with us also finds an answering promise in Jesus’ final words that He will remain with His disciples.
Questions
1 What story do the leaders pay the guards to spread?
AnswerThey instruct the guards to say the disciples stole Jesus’ body while they slept. They also promise protection if the governor hears, making the false account a planned response to the report.
2 What mission does Jesus give the eleven?
AnswerThey are to make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit and teaching them to obey all that Jesus commanded.
3 What supports that mission when the disciples are weak?
AnswerAll authority belongs to Jesus, and He promises His presence to the end of the age. Their confidence can rest in the living Lord rather than in their own certainty or influence.
4 How can our household take part in making disciples?
AnswerWe can explain Jesus’ teaching to someone willing to learn, practice it together and help them join the life of a church. We can also pray for and support that work among other nations.
What This Means for Us
Jesus gives His command to eleven disciples whose weakness Matthew has made plain. Some still doubt, yet the risen Lord comes near and speaks. We do not need to pretend we have never struggled before we can point someone toward Him.
Making disciples takes more than a single conversation. Someone learning to follow Jesus needs His words explained, obedience demonstrated and fellowship with His people. At home that might mean returning to a child’s serious question or helping a new believer understand a command we are also learning to obey.
The authority remains Jesus’ authority. We teach what He commanded rather than demanding loyalty to ourselves. His promise to be with His people gives courage to keep doing that patient work, close to home and across nations, until the end of the age.
Prayer
Risen Lord Jesus, all authority belongs to You. Help us make disciples who know and obey You. Bless those carrying Your gospel among the nations, and keep us confident in Your presence through the work You give us. Amen.