Matthew 28

1 Now late on the Sabbath, as it was growing light toward the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to look at the grave. [a] 2 And look, a great earthquake happened; for a messenger of the Lord came down out of heaven and came and rolled away the stone and was sitting on it. [b] 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. 4 And from fear of him those keeping watch were shaken and became like dead men.

5 But the messenger answered and said to the women, “As for you, do not be afraid; for I know that you are looking for Jesus, the one who was crucified. [c] 6 He is not here; for he was raised, just as he said. Come, see the place where he was lying. 7 And go quickly and tell his disciples that he was raised from the dead — and look, he is going ahead of you into Galilee; there you will see him. Look, I have told you.” 8 And going away quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, they ran to report it to his disciples.

9 And look, Jesus met them, saying, “Greetings.” And they came and took hold of his feet and bowed to him. † 10 Then Jesus says to them, “Do not be afraid. Go, report to my brothers that they are to go away into Galilee, and there they will see me.”

11 While they were going, look, some of the guard came into the city and reported to the chief priests everything that had happened. [d] 12 And when they had gathered with the elders and taken counsel, they gave a considerable sum of silver to the soldiers, 13 saying, “Say, ‘His disciples came by night and stole him while we were sleeping.’ 14 And if this is heard before the governor, we will persuade him and set you free from worry.” 15 And they took the silver and did as they were taught. And this word has been spread about among Jews to this very day. †

16 But the eleven disciples went into Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had appointed them, 17 and when they saw him they bowed down; but some doubted. [e] 18 And Jesus came to them and spoke to them, saying, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go, therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, immersing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, [f] † † 20 teaching them to keep everything I have commanded you. And look, I am with you all the days, until the completion of the age.” [h]