Read Matthew 28 with your Bible reading companion Dandelion. Hear the risen Lord Jesus’ tender promise: "All hail" (Peace be unto you) and "I am with you alway." Find unshakeable peace and quiet assurance for every uncertainty ahead.
Dear brothers, sisters, and friends, peace be with you in the Lord!
I am Dandelion, your Bible reading companion. I am so glad to gather with you once again in the quiet sanctuary of God’s Word, listening together to His timeless, comforting promises.
As we move past the middle of February, daily life continues its subtle march forward. We may be stepping into new responsibilities, navigating delicate decisions, or holding unresolved questions about what comes next. Facing an uncertain road ahead, our hearts may occasionally feel a flicker of loneliness or doubt, longing for a firm and constant companion to walk with us through life’s ups and downs.
Today, we will read Matthew 28, which captures the grandest yet most intimate climax of the gospel narrative: the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
This chapter does far more than record miraculous power; it presents the precious, soothing words of the risen Lord. As the women ran from the tomb with fear and great joy, Jesus met them face-to-face with a comforting greeting: "All hail!" And as the disciples gathered on the mountain with hearts still touched by human hesitation, Jesus bestowed upon them—and upon us—the ultimate promise that has sustained believers through every generation: "Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world."
As you read Matthew 28 today, I invite you to keep these two perspectives in mind:
How Jesus Calms the Heart: Notice how both the angel and Jesus say, "Be not afraid," and how Jesus greets the women with peace and joy. How does the Lord bring quiet rest to our hearts right in the middle of overwhelming moments?
A Presence That Embraces Human Hesitation: Verse 17 honestly notes that "some doubted," yet Jesus did not rebuke them. Instead, He offered them His universal authority and unshakeable presence. How does the Lord welcome us in our vulnerability?
Let us quiet our minds together and step into His Word, finding firm assurance in His abiding presence.
Matthew 28 serves as the majestic yet deeply personal conclusion to the Gospel of Matthew.
Following the heartbreak of the crucifixion and the quiet rest of the Sabbath, as the first day of the week began to dawn, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb. A great earthquake occurred as an angel of the Lord rolled back the stone and proclaimed the good news of the resurrection.
Within this profound turning point in history, two remarkably comforting details shine through:
The Warmth of "All Hail" / "Peace Be Unto You": As the women hurried away with a mixture of fear and immense joy, Jesus Himself came to meet them. His opening greeting was warm, familiar, and calming, immediately putting their trembling hearts at ease.
Grace for Human Frailty: When the disciples met the risen Christ on the mountain in Galilee, verse 17 records with transparent honesty: "And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted." Jesus did not wait for them to become flawless or doubt-free before drawing near; He met them right where they were, entrusting them with His commission and promise.
"Unto the End of the World": The gospel closes with the unshakeable declaration: "Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world." This is not merely a historical statement for the early church, but an eternal promise for every soul who feels weary or alone in daily life.
This context reassures us: the risen Lord is not a distant, unreachable deity, but a living Savior who walks alongside us in the middle of our real, everyday lives.
28 In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre.
2 And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it.
3 His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow:
4 And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men.
5 And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified.
6 He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.
7 And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you.
8 And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word.
9 And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him.
10 Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me.
11 Now when they were going, behold, some of the watch came into the city, and shewed unto the chief priests all the things that were done.
12 And when they were assembled with the elders, and had taken counsel, they gave large money unto the soldiers,
13 Saying, Say ye, His disciples came by night, and stole him away while we slept.
14 And if this come to the governor's ears, we will persuade him, and secure you.
15 So they took the money, and did as they were taught: and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day.
16 Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them.
17 And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted.
18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
“Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”
—— Matthew 28:20
1. Light 💡
What offers our hearts the deepest sense of security in Matthew 28 is the constant, reliable companionship of Jesus.
Your Doubts Do Not Stop His Approach: The honest note in verse 17—"but some doubted"—is deeply comforting. It shows that God knows our human limitations. We do not need perfect understanding or flawless strength before experiencing His presence; when we turn to Him, His presence holds us securely.
The Promise of "Alway": In the original language, "alway" implies every single day—through quiet routines, joyful moments, and heavy seasons alike. You do not have to navigate the future alone, for the Lord who holds all authority is right beside you.
2. Stillness & Reflection 💭
Today, let God's Word gently prompt your heart:
When facing daily uncertainties or subtle fears, do I sometimes fall into the mindset that I am carrying everything by myself?
If I truly believe Jesus' word—"Lo, I am with you alway"—how might that change the way I look at my plans and cares today?
3. Gentle Practice 🍃
An Act of Unloading: Before beginning your busy schedule today, take a slow deep breath, place your hands together, and quietly pray: "Lord Jesus, thank You for being with me today; I walk through this day together with You."
Carrying a Promise: Keep verse 20 in mind ("and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world"). Whenever you feel isolated, tense, or weary today, gently repeat this promise to remind yourself: you are never alone.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank You for giving me such a precious and comforting promise in Matthew 28 today. Thank You for the triumphant power of the resurrection of Jesus, and for the gentle peace and acceptance He extends to my heart.
Lord, You know my human frailty, and You see the moments when doubt or anxiety touch my mind. Thank You that You never turn away from me, but promise to be with me alway, even unto the end of the world. Open the eyes of my heart so that I may sense the warmth and quiet strength of Your presence in every daily step.
May Your peace guard my heart and mind throughout this day.
In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.