Resurrection Morning

28 After the Sabbath, p as the first day of the week was dawning, * Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to view the tomb. 2 Suddenly there was a violent earthquake, because an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and approached the tomb. He rolled back the stone and was sitting on it. q 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his robe was as white as snow. r 4 The guards were so shaken from fear of him that they became like dead men.

5 But the angel told the women, “Don’t be afraid, because I know you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. s 6 He is not here! For He has been resurrected, just as He said. Come and see the place where He lay. t 7 Then go quickly and tell His disciples, u ‘He has been raised from the dead. In fact, He is going ahead of you to Galilee; you will see Him there.’ Listen, I have told you.” v

8 So, departing quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, they ran to tell His disciples the news. 9 Just then w Jesus met them and said, “Good morning!” They came up, took hold of His feet, and worshiped Him. x 10 Then Jesus told them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell My brothers to leave for Galilee, and they will see Me there.” y

The Soldiers Are Bribed to Lie

11 As they were on their way, some of the guards came into the city and reported to the * chief priests everything that had happened. 12 After the priests z had assembled with the elders and agreed on a plan, they gave the soldiers a large sum of money 13 and told them, “Say this, ‘His disciples came during the night and stole Him while we were sleeping.’ 14 If this reaches the governor’s ears, a we will deal with b him and keep you out of trouble.” c 15 So they took the money and did as they were instructed. And this story has been spread among Jewish people to this day. d

The Great Commission

16 The 11 disciples traveled to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had directed them. e 17 When they saw Him, they worshiped, f but some doubted. 18 Then Jesus came near and said to them, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. g 19 Go, therefore, and make disciples h of i all nations, j baptizing k them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, l I am with you always, m to the end of the age.” n