After the suffering, trial, and crucifixion described in the previous chapter, the narrative opens at the close of the Sabbath. As the first day of the week begins to dawn, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary come to the tomb where Jesus had been laid.

Suddenly a great earthquake occurs. An angel of the Lord descends from heaven, rolls back the stone from the entrance, and sits upon it. His appearance is like lightning, and his clothing shines white as snow. The guards posted at the tomb are overcome with fear and become like dead men.

The angel speaks first to the women, telling them not to be afraid. He knows they are seeking Jesus who was crucified, but the tomb is empty. Jesus has risen just as He said He would. The women are invited to see the place where His body had been laid. They are then instructed to go quickly and tell the disciples that He has risen and will go ahead of them into Galilee.

Leaving the tomb with both fear and great joy, they run to carry the message. As they go, Jesus Himself meets them on the road. They fall before Him, taking hold of His feet and worshiping Him. Jesus repeats the instruction that they should go and tell His brothers to go to Galilee, where they will see Him.

While the women are on their way, some of the guards go into the city and report everything that has happened to the chief priests. The leaders gather together and decide on a response. They give the soldiers a large sum of money and instruct them to say that the disciples came during the night and stole the body while the guards were asleep. They promise to satisfy the governor if the report reaches him. The soldiers accept the money and spread the story, which continues circulating among the people.

Meanwhile, the eleven disciples travel to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had directed them to go. When they see Him there, they worship Him, though some still struggle with uncertainty.

Jesus then speaks to them with a declaration that gathers together the meaning of what has occurred:

“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.”

The authority that has been revealed throughout the Gospel—in teaching, healing, forgiveness, and command over creation—now stands openly declared following the resurrection. The path that led through rejection and crucifixion has not removed that authority; it has confirmed it.

Because of this authority, the disciples are now sent outward. They are instructed to make disciples among all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to observe everything Jesus has commanded.

The mission that began with the proclamation of the kingdom within Israel now extends outward to the nations. The authority of the King is not confined to one place or people but reaches across the world.

The Gospel concludes with a promise that anchors this commission:

“I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

The King who was rejected, crucified, and raised now stands with His followers as they carry the message of the kingdom forward. The authority revealed in His life continues through the witness and obedience of those who follow Him.

The Gospel of Matthew closes with the risen King standing among His followers. The authority promised throughout the Gospel now stands openly declared: “All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.” Yet the reign of the Son does not advance through earthly dominion but through faithful witness. The disciples are sent to carry the message of the kingdom to the nations, teaching and baptizing in His name. The royal authority revealed in the life of the Son now begins to move outward through the obedience of those who follow Him.

Mark’s Gospel now turns our attention to another dimension of this same Son. If Matthew has revealed the King and His rightful authority, Mark reveals how that authority operates through service. The Son who possesses all authority walks among men not to be served, but to serve. The narrative moves from royal proclamation to active ministry, where the authority of the Son confronts sickness, demons, opposition, and suffering as the Servant carries out the will of the Father.