A Tale of Two Commissions

This masterful conclusion to Matthew's Gospel presents us with a striking contrast between two commissions, two ways of responding to the resurrection of Jesus Christ. We witness the guards who were stationed at Jesus' tomb returning to the religious leaders with news of the miraculous events they witnessed, only to be bribed into spreading lies. Meanwhile, the eleven disciples journey to Galilee where they receive the Great Commission from their risen Lord. What makes this passage so compelling is how it reveals the fundamental divide that Jesus' resurrection creates in all of humanity. This isn't just ancient history; it's a mirror held up to our own lives, asking us which commission we're following. Are we living for small-minded, short-term, self-preserving purposes, or are we embracing the large-scale, eternal, Christ-advancing truth that calls us to make disciples wherever we go?