Matthew, a former tax collector turned disciple, likely composed this account in the mid-first century a.d., writing primarily to a Jewish audience to demonstrate that Jesus was the long-awaited Messiah. The narrative concludes the Gospel in a dramatic fashion, moving geographically from a garden tomb outside Jerusalem to a mountain in Galilee. This final chapter captures the pivotal transition from the sorrow of the crucifixion to the dawn of a new era. It addresses the immediate aftermath of the resurrection, the reactions of the Roman guards, and the final instructions given to the eleven remaining disciples. The historical setting is one of political tension and religious upheaval, yet the tone shifts rapidly from fear to triumphant authority.

Character of God. The Lord reveals himself in this passage as the ultimate victor over death and the sovereign holder of all authority in heaven and on earth. His power is displayed not just in the rolling away of the stone or the earthquake, but in his conquest of the grave itself. Despite this display of cosmic power, he interacts with his followers with remarkable gentleness and reassurance. He meets the women with a greeting of joy and explicitly tells them not to be afraid. He shows himself to be a God who delegates his mission, entrusting his message and authority to human partners. He is also a God of enduring presence, promising that he will remain with his people through every age until the very end of history.

Real-World Implication. We often find that the world operates on misinformation and the suppression of inconvenient truths, much like the religious leaders who paid off the guards to hide the reality of the resurrection. This account exposes the fragility of lies, no matter how well-funded or politically protected they may be. For us, this highlights the importance of integrity in a culture that often values optics over reality. It suggests that while deceit may buy time, truth possesses an irrepressible life of its own. Furthermore, the instructions to go and teach remind us that our faith is not meant to be a private possession but a shared reality. It implies that our legacy is found in who we teach and how we invest in the lives of others, rather than in what we accumulate.

Practical Application. We can practice the principles found here by cultivating a sense of awareness regarding the Lord's presence in our daily routines. Just as the women went about their duty of tending to the body and found a miracle, we can look for the divine in the mundane tasks of life. When we encounter fear or uncertainty, we can recall the command to not be afraid, leaning on the assurance that we do not walk alone. We should also look for opportunities to mentor or guide others, sharing the wisdom we have gained over a lifetime. This might look like offering counsel to a younger neighbor or simply modeling patience and hope to our families. By living with confidence in the Lord's authority, we can navigate the complexities of modern life with a steady and peaceful heart.