Matthew 28
1 Now after the Restful Day, as it began to dawn on the beginning of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb. 2 Behold, there was a great earthquake, for a messenger of the Lord descended from the sky and rolled away the stone from the door and sat on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. 4 The tomb guards shook with fear, and were like ghosts. 5 The messenger said to the women, “Don’t be afraid, I know that you’re here for Joshua, who has been crucified. 6 He is not here, for he has woken up, just like he said. Come, see the place where the Lord was lying. 7 Go quickly and tell his students, ‘He has awoken from the Big Sleep, and he goes before you into Galilee; there you will see him.’ Behold, I have told you.”
8 They departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to bring his disciples word. 9 As they went to tell his disciples, behold, Joshua met them, saying, “Rejoice!”
They came and took hold of his feet, and worshiped him.
10 Then Joshua said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Go tell my brothers * that they should go into Galilee, and there they will see me.”
11 Now while they were going, behold, some of the guards came into the city and told the chief priests all the things that had happened. 12 When they were assembled with the elders and had taken counsel, they gave a large amount of silver to the soldiers, 13 saying, “Say that his disciples came by night and stole him away while we slept. 14 If this comes to the governor’s ears, we will persuade him and make you free of worry.” 15 So they took the money and did as they were told. This saying was spread abroad among the Jews, and continues until today.
16 But the eleven disciples went into Galilee, to the mountain where Joshua had sent them. 17 When they saw him, they bowed down to him; but some doubted. 18 Joshua came to them and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. 19 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 teaching them to observe all things that I commanded you. Behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.
