The Resurrection and Great Commission: Jesus’ Authority and Our Response

Nov 16, 2025

Devotional

Day 1: The Resurrection of Jesus—Foundation of Our Faith

The resurrection of Jesus is not just a miraculous event but the very cornerstone of Christian faith, distinguishing Jesus from every other religious figure in history. The reality of the empty tomb, the testimony of eyewitnesses, and the transformation of the disciples all point to the truth that Jesus truly rose from the dead, conquering sin and death. Without the resurrection, our faith would be futile, and we would remain in our sins, but because Christ is risen, we have hope, forgiveness, and new life. This truth calls us to move beyond mere admiration of Jesus as a great teacher and to embrace Him as the living Lord and Savior who has defeated death for us. [37:54]

Matthew 28:6-7 (ESV)
“He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and behold, he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him. See, I have told you.”

Reflection: In what ways does the reality of Jesus’ resurrection challenge or encourage you to live differently today, knowing that death and sin have been defeated?

Day 2: Wrestling with Doubt—An Invitation to Deeper Faith

Doubt is not a disqualification from following Jesus but an invitation to press in and trust Him more deeply, even when we do not fully understand. The disciples themselves, even after seeing the risen Christ, experienced hesitation and uncertainty, yet Jesus met them with grace and called them forward. True faith is not the absence of questions but the willingness to bring our doubts to Jesus, allowing Him to strengthen our trust and lead us into greater understanding and obedience. When we waver, we are invited to lean in, not walk away, and to let our questions draw us closer to the One who holds all authority. [40:23]

Matthew 28:16-17 (ESV)
“Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted.”

Reflection: What is one area of your faith where you feel hesitant or unsure? How can you bring that doubt honestly to Jesus and ask Him to meet you there?

Day 3: The Authority of Christ—Lord of Heaven and Earth

Jesus declares that all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Him, making Him not just a wise teacher but the sovereign Lord over all creation. This authority is rooted in His sinless life, sacrificial death, and victorious resurrection, and it means that He alone has the power to forgive sins, give new life, and command our allegiance. Believing in Jesus’ authority transforms how we see ourselves, our world, and our mission, calling us to trust Him fully and to live under His loving rule in every aspect of our lives. [42:12]

Matthew 28:18 (ESV)
“And Jesus came and said to them, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.’”

Reflection: Is there an area of your life where you struggle to recognize or submit to Jesus’ authority? What would it look like to surrender that area to Him today?

Day 4: The Great Commission—Living and Teaching the Way of Jesus

Jesus commissions His followers to go and make disciples of all nations, not just by sharing His teachings but by living them out and teaching others to do the same. This call is not about private belief alone but about public allegiance, demonstrated through baptism and a lifestyle that reflects the love and commands of Christ. We are invited to partner with Jesus in His ongoing work, empowered by His presence, to bring restoration and hope to our communities and the world. [43:32]

Matthew 28:19-20 (ESV)
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Reflection: Who is one person in your life you can intentionally encourage or disciple this week, helping them to observe and live out the teachings of Jesus?

Day 5: Christ With Us—Never Alone in the Mission

Jesus promises His continual presence with His followers, assuring us that we are never alone as we live out His mission and face the challenges of life. This presence is not just a comforting idea but a powerful reality—Christ surrounds, empowers, and sustains us in every circumstance. Whether in moments of joy or struggle, we can rest in the truth that Emmanuel, “God with us,” is not just for Christmas but for every day, giving us courage and hope as we partner with Him in the restoration of all things. [45:31]

Matthew 28:20b (ESV)
“And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Reflection: Where do you most need to remember and rely on Jesus’ presence with you today? How might this assurance change the way you approach your relationships, work, or challenges?

Sermon Summary

After a long journey through the Gospel of Matthew, we arrive at the final, climactic moments of Jesus’ earthly ministry. The story has taken us from the anticipation of the Messiah, through his teachings, miracles, betrayal, crucifixion, and now to the resurrection. The resurrection is not just the happy ending to a tragic story—it is the pivotal event that changes everything. Without it, Jesus would be just another prophet or martyr. But with it, he is revealed as Lord, Savior, and the one with all authority in heaven and on earth.

As the disciples are told to return to Galilee, they retrace the steps of their journey with Jesus, passing through places filled with memories of his power and compassion. This return is not just geographical; it is a spiritual invitation to remember, reflect, and prepare for what comes next. Meanwhile, the religious leaders, confronted with the reality of the empty tomb, choose to double down on deception rather than face the truth. Their response highlights the absurdity and futility of resisting God’s work—no amount of scheming can undo what God has accomplished.

The resurrection stands as the central claim of Christian faith. Historical arguments, eyewitness accounts, and the transformation of Jesus’ followers all point to its reality. The disciples, who once fled in fear, became bold witnesses, even to the point of death, because they knew the resurrection was true. Theories that attempt to explain away the resurrection require more faith in the improbable than simply believing that God raised Jesus from the dead.

Yet, even in the presence of the risen Christ, some disciples doubted. This doubt is not a disqualifier but an invitation to deeper trust. The Greek word for “doubt” here means to waver or hesitate, not to reject. Jesus meets us in our hesitation, calling us to lean in, to trust, and to step forward in faith.

With the resurrection as the foundation, Jesus gives his followers the Great Commission: to go, make disciples, baptize, and teach others to live out his teachings. This is not just about knowledge, but about transformation—living in such a way that the love and authority of Jesus are evident in every aspect of life. And he promises his presence: “I am with you always, to the end of the age.” This is the ongoing reality of Emmanuel—God with us—not just at Christmas, but every day.

The challenge is personal: Now that we know what we know, do we truly believe? Will we respond with wholehearted obedience, surrender, and love, partnering with Jesus in his ongoing work of restoration in our lives and in the world?

Key Takeaways

1. The Resurrection Is the Foundation of Faith The resurrection is not an optional add-on to the Christian story; it is the very heart of it. Without the resurrection, Jesus’ life and teachings lose their ultimate significance. The resurrection is the proof that sin and death have been defeated, and it is the source of hope and new life for all who believe. To doubt or minimize the resurrection is to undermine the entire Christian faith. [37:17]
2. Doubt Is an Invitation, Not a Disqualification Even those who saw the risen Jesus hesitated and wavered. The presence of doubt does not mean the absence of faith; rather, it is an opportunity to press in, to ask deeper questions, and to trust more fully. Jesus does not reject those who doubt, but calls them to greater trust and deeper relationship. Our moments of hesitation can become turning points of faith if we bring them honestly to Jesus. [39:04]
3. The Great Commission Is a Call to Embodied Discipleship Jesus’ command is not just to teach his words, but to teach others to observe and live out his teachings. Discipleship is not merely about acquiring knowledge, but about transformation—becoming people who love, serve, and live in the way of Jesus. This requires both public declaration (like baptism) and daily practice, shaping every area of life. [43:32]
4. Jesus’ Presence and Authority Empower Our Mission Jesus does not send his followers out alone. He promises his ongoing presence—Emmanuel, God with us—and grants his authority to continue his work. This partnership with Jesus is the source of courage, strength, and hope as we seek to live out and share the good news. We are not left to our own resources; Christ is with us, before us, behind us, and within us. [45:31]
5. Faith Must Become Personal and Lived It is not enough to inherit faith or know the right answers. Each person must wrestle with the question: Do I truly believe? Has this story changed my life? Faith becomes real when it moves from head knowledge to heartfelt trust and daily obedience. The invitation is to respond to Jesus’ love with our whole lives, imperfectly but sincerely, trusting in his grace and power. [49:48]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[10:59] - Recap: The Journey Through Matthew
[12:55] - Returning to Galilee: Remembering the Journey
[15:56] - The Religious Leaders’ Response
[19:03] - The Absurdity of the Cover-Up
[22:10] - The Centrality of the Resurrection
[25:12] - Historical Evidence for the Resurrection
[27:10] - Medical and Historical Analysis
[30:56] - Early Accounts and Eyewitnesses
[36:37] - The Resurrection: Everything or Nothing
[39:04] - Doubt and the Invitation to Trust
[41:37] - The Authority of Jesus
[42:51] - The Great Commission
[44:50] - Emmanuel: Jesus With Us Always
[48:39] - Personal Reflection and Response
[54:12] - Responding to the Gospel
[56:46] - Closing Prayer and Worship

Bible Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Resurrection and the Great Commission
(Based on Matthew 28 and the sermon summary above)

Bible Reading

Matthew 28:1–20 (ESV)
(Key focus: verses 16–20)

> 16 Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them.
> 17 And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted.
> 18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.
> 19 Go therefore 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 that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

1 Corinthians 15:17–19 (ESV)

> 17 And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins.
> 18 Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished.
> 19 If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied.

Observation Questions

What instructions did the angel and Jesus give to the women and the disciples after the resurrection? (Matthew 28:6–10)
How did the religious leaders respond when they heard the tomb was empty? What did they tell the guards to do? ([19:03])
According to Matthew 28:17, what was the disciples’ reaction when they saw the risen Jesus?
What specific commands does Jesus give in the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18–20)?

Interpretation Questions

Why is the resurrection described as the foundation of Christian faith, and what does Paul say are the consequences if it didn’t happen? ([37:17])
The sermon points out that some disciples doubted even when they saw Jesus. What does the Greek word for “doubt” mean in this context, and how does that shape our understanding of faith and doubt? ([39:04])
The religious leaders chose to cover up the resurrection rather than accept it. What does their response reveal about the human heart when confronted with uncomfortable truth? ([19:03])
Jesus says, “I am with you always, to the end of the age.” How does this promise relate to the mission he gives his followers? ([45:31])

Application Questions

The resurrection is described as the “pivotal event that changes everything.” How does believing in the resurrection affect the way you view your own life, struggles, or future? ([37:17])
The sermon says that doubt is not a disqualifier but an invitation to deeper trust. Can you think of a time when you hesitated or wavered in your faith? How did you respond, and what would it look like to “lean in” to Jesus in those moments? ([39:04])
The Great Commission is about making disciples, not just converts. In your daily life, what are some practical ways you can help others “observe” or live out Jesus’ teachings, not just know about them? ([43:32])
Jesus promises his presence and authority as we go out on mission. Are there areas in your life where you feel alone or under-resourced? How might remembering “Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me, Christ in me” change your approach? ([45:31])
The sermon challenges us to move from inherited or head knowledge faith to personal, lived faith. What is one area where you sense God inviting you to respond with wholehearted obedience or surrender? ([49:48])
The disciples’ journey back to Galilee was both a physical and spiritual journey of remembering and preparing. Is there a place, practice, or memory that helps you remember God’s faithfulness? How can you intentionally revisit it this week? ([12:55])
The religious leaders’ response was to double down on deception. Are there areas in your life where you are tempted to avoid or cover up uncomfortable truths rather than face them with honesty before God? What would it look like to bring those into the light? ([19:03])

Sermon Clips

“As they had begun their journey from Galilee and done all these incredible things and watched Jesus do all this stuff, they've made it to Jerusalem. and this horrible stuff happened to Jesus and he says now go back through go back up to where it all began and they start having these memories like I was just wondering this week like did they go to the towns and did they have to revisit people that Jesus healed from the sick or made or the blind that he couldn't see and then they had to say well where's Jesus now why isn't he with you did they know what happened did they avoid those towns because they didn't want to have to explain what that what that meant right”

“Jerusalem was supposed to be the place. That's where you went to meet God. And yet they had just killed their savior. So as they're going away from it, they're getting reminded again as they're outside of that that whole religious system. They're getting away and reminding all the things that Jesus had said. Oh yeah, I remember right there where he healed the leper. Well, I remember on this mountain where he gave this huge uh this sermon and it was incredible and it changed our life. This is where he that river in the Sea of Galilee is where he calmed the sea. You know that kind of thing. All these memories would come back and you can imagine their conversation as they're walking.”

“They falsely found fault in Jesus wanting to get rid of him because he they were jealous of his attention, everything that he got, his prowess, right? They got him arrested. They got him condemned. They convinced the Romans to crucify him. They should have won. They should be feeling great. It should be all over now. However, they get some odd news that I don't think anyone's ever gotten this news before from the guards at the tomb where they had laid Jesus.”

“What's debated is that this same man came back to life. Okay? So, everyone's like, "Yeah, sure, he lived. He died, but he died just like everyone else." It's only the Christians that say he actually came back to life. So, if the gospels, if what they're telling us is completely accurate 98% of the time, except for their biggest moment, they're saying everything about Jesus is true, but the biggest moment we just made up.”

“The second biggest argument is earliest accounts or early accounts. So many early accounts from those who witnessed and wrote about the appearing of Jesus after his death. Some of who were even opposed to the way of Jesus. If you know this person, most notably Saul of Tarsus, who later was the Apostle Paul. Nobody denies that Paul or Saul was a real person. and that his writings not just in our our Bibles but in Greek literature are actually widely known.”

“The disciples didn't merely believe in the resurrection. They knew whether it was fact or fiction. Had they known it was a lie, they would never have been willing to sacrifice their lives for it. Nobody willingly dies for something they know is false. They proclaim the resurrection to their deaths for one reason alone. They knew it was true.”

“If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile. You are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost. If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pied. Like think of the implications of that. The story of Jesus's life and death is crucially important, but it means nothing if he did not also raise from the dead.”

“But the belief in the resurrection is everything and is the power of God to spread to the rest of the world. That there is actually now life where there was once death. Where sin led to death, the forgiveness of sins in Christ now can lead to life. This is the message that Jesus has for the world and the message he gave his followers in his resurrection to spread.”

“If we’re truly to believe Jesus is the one he says he is, then we need to wholeheartedly believe what he says next in his great commission. Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me." We’re going to walk through this a little bit next week, but a huge theme in Matthew is the idea of authority.”

“Because of his sinless life, then becoming sin on the cross, dying with that sin, raising to new life, sinless once more with the ability and full authority to forgive all sins, free people from death to life. This makes Jesus no less than Lord and Master of all things.”

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always to the end of the age. If you believe I have all the authority, that I have truly won over death, over sin, I can give life and life to the fullest, go tell my story.”

“Teach them what I taught and how to live out those teachings. How can you teach that if you don't do it? How can you teach that if you don't actually put that into practice in your own life? So many churches start with the what Jesus taught. Our hope, my hope is that we would be a church that explores the how, right? Taking what Jesus taught and then how does that fit into your life? How does that change you as a human being?”

“Jesus himself said that the mark of his disciples wasn't just knowledge but rather how we love one another. That's an active lifestyle of his teachings. Jesus says to not just teach people how to obey privately but to publicly declare their allegiance through baptism and practice. Right? The ancient uh practice of baptism is very much alive today and we celebrate that here.”

“He is always Emmanuel, not just at his birth, right? The God who is with his people wasn't just a point in time. He it is part of his character. He is a God who is with his people. He is Emanuel then, now and forever will be. Jesus right here, he is affirming a his deity and b that it is actually the presence of Jesus that is with his followers to the end.”

“If you are stuck in any pattern of life, if you feel the chains of sin on you, if you feel like you just cannot get freedom from anything, I tell you, there is a savior. There is a savior of Jesus Christ. And it's not just for you. It's not just for you to be a better person. It's not just for that. It's for you to partner with God to say, "Come on the journey with me as we restore so many things that are bigger than just our lives. I can use you. We can partner together in your life, your influences, your workplace, your family. I you can be such a mighty light in the darkness."”

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