Wednesday, May 28 – Matthew 28, Mark 16 – Additional Reading: The Desire of Ages, chapters 84–86

1. What caused the earthquake on Resurrection morning? (Matthew 28:2)

2. Where did Jesus instruct the disciples to go? (Matthew 28:7)

3. Where did Jesus sit after His ascension? (Mark 16:19)

We continue reading the resurrection account and Jesus’ final encounters with His disciples, including His farewell and ascension. Today, we focus on Matthew 28 and Mark 16. The four Gospels and Acts work together to tell this beautiful story.

The resurrection of Jesus is foundational to the Christian faith. Paul puts it this way:
“And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins! Then also those who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable. But now Christ is risen from the dead and has become the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep.” 1 Corinthians 15:17–20

After His resurrection, Jesus met with His disciples on several occasions. Luke summarizes the purpose of these appearances: “To whom He also presented Himself alive after His suffering by many infallible proofs, being seen by them during forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God.” Acts 1:3

On resurrection day, Jesus appeared to:

1. Mary Magdalene (John 20:15–17)

2. Mary Magdalene again, with Mary the mother of James and Joseph, and Salome, the mother of James and John (Matthew 28:1,9)

3. Peter (Luke 24:34)

4. Two disciples on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13–32; Mark 16:12)

5. The disciples, without Thomas (Luke 24:33–48)

Between His first and second appearance to Mary Magdalene and the other women, Jesus ascended briefly to the Father. Notice the message He gives through Mary: “I am ascending to My Father and your Father, and to My God and your God.” (John 20:17)

Ellen White writes:

“Jesus refused to receive the homage of His people until He had the assurance that His sacrifice was accepted by the Father. He ascended to the heavenly courts, and from God Himself heard the assurance that His atonement for the sins of men had been ample, that through His blood all might gain eternal life. The Father ratified the covenant made with Christ, that He would receive repentant and obedient men, and would love them even as He loves His Son.” The Desire of Ages, 790

Later appearances include:

1. To the Eleven, with Thomas present (John 20:26–29)

2. To seven disciples by the Sea of Galilee (John 21)

3. To more than 500 believers in Galilee (1 Corinthians 15:6)

4. To James, His brother (1 Corinthians 15:7)

5. To the Eleven on the Mount of Olives, at the time of His ascension (Luke 24:50–51; 1 Corinthians 15:7)

On Resurrection Day, Jesus instructed the disciples to go to Galilee. It is estimated that they spent about three weeks there, during which Jesus appeared to them at least twice. These meetings focused on their mission. One of the most important gatherings took place on a mountain in Galilee.

Ellen White describes it: “They made their way to the place of meeting by circuitous routes, coming in from every direction, to avoid exciting the suspicion of the jealous Jews. With wondering hearts they came, talking earnestly together of the news that had reached them concerning Christ.

From group to group the disciples passed, telling all they had seen and heard of Jesus, and reasoning from the Scriptures as He had done with them.

Suddenly Jesus stood among them. No one could tell whence or how He came. Many who were present had never before seen Him; but in His hands and feet they beheld the marks of the crucifixion; His countenance was as the face of God, and when they saw Him, they worshiped Him.

“Clothed with boundless authority, He gave His commission to the disciples: “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations,” “baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I commanded you: and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.” Matthew 28:19, 20” DA 819

My beloved friends, Jesus is alive! He has sent us to make disciples of all nations, teaching and baptizing. As we go, He has promised to be with us always, even to the end. Don’t those words make your heart beat faster? Let them resonate in your heart today.

May God grant you a very blessed day.