Read in context
This closing scene follows Jesus’ resurrection. Read Matthew 28:1–20. The disciples meet Him in Galilee, and His commission comes with a declaration of authority and a promise of presence.
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How to study Matthew
Matthew presents Jesus as the promised King who fulfills Scripture and calls His disciples to live under His gracious rule.
Connect the ending to Jesus’ teaching: Matthew 28:16-20
Read the passage before comparing your answers with the worked notes. Each example separates what the text says, how its meaning follows from context, and one possible response. Use a Bible and paper or your preferred study tool.
Matthew 28:16-20 · BSB · Berean Standard Bible
16 Meanwhile, the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain Jesus had designated. 17 When they saw Him, they worshiped Him, but some doubted. 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
Scripture text source · Public domain
1. Observation · what does it say?
Question: What surrounds the command to make disciples?
Example answer: Verse 17 records worship and doubt. Verse 18 names Jesus’ authority in heaven and on earth. Verses 19–20 call for making disciples of all nations, baptising, and teaching obedience to His commands. The final promise concerns His continuing presence. Authority and presence frame the task.
2. Meaning · how does the context explain it?
Question: What sort of activity does making disciples include here?
Example answer: The passage names baptism and teaching people to observe Jesus’ commands, so discipleship is more than securing an initial response or passing on information. The commission rests on the risen Jesus’ authority and is sustained by His presence. The text does not ground it in the disciples’ flawless confidence.
3. Application · one possible response
One possible response: “With my church’s support, I will invite someone who wants to learn to read a Gospel passage with me regularly, allowing questions and discussing how to follow Jesus.” This responds to teaching and ongoing discipleship without pressuring someone or treating one conversation as the whole task.
Connect the ending to Jesus’ teaching
Try it yourself: What will the disciples teach people to obey?
Read the final commission, then revisit a section of Matthew 5–7. Identify one command Jesus has actually taught rather than substituting a personal preference. Note how the ending’s emphasis on authority and presence supports the continuing work of discipleship.
A reading to avoid
Do not reduce the commission to a travel programme, a numerical target, or coercive persuasion. Keep Jesus’ teaching and authority, and the learner’s continuing formation, in view.
Pray and revisit
Risen Jesus, help us make disciples faithfully under Your authority and in reliance on Your presence.
After trying your response, return to the passage: what did you learn, what did you do, and what still needs thought? You can revise your notes as your understanding grows.
Why Matthew matters
Matthew connects Jesus with Israel's story, highlights fulfilled Scripture, and teaches what discipleship under the King looks like.
How to approach it
Trace repeated words such as kingdom, fulfill, righteousness, disciple, and authority. Watch how Jesus teaches, heals, confronts hypocrisy, and forms His people.
Recommended study method
Use this site's cross-reference guide for Old Testament quotations. In the app, Inductive Study provides guided prompts for a passage such as Matthew 28:16-20.
Suggested starter passages
Begin with Matthew 5-7, Matthew 13, Matthew 16:13-28, Matthew 26-28, and Matthew 28:16-20.
Links to Bible study methods
Matthew works well with cross-reference study, inductive study, and character study.
Matthew study checklist
Use this checklist to keep Matthew grounded in the text rather than turning it into disconnected moral lessons.
- Notice how Matthew presents Jesus as King and Messiah.
- Follow repeated kingdom language.
- Check Old Testament references in context.
- Ask what Jesus teaches disciples to believe and do.
- Let the cross and resurrection shape your application.
Start studying Matthew
Open Matthew in Bible Study Tutor and use guided study prompts to observe, interpret, apply, and pray through the passage.
Common questions
What is the best way to start studying Matthew?
Start with Matthew 5-7 to hear Jesus' kingdom teaching, then study Matthew 26-28 to see how His death and resurrection complete the story.
Why does Matthew quote the Old Testament so often?
Matthew shows that Jesus is not disconnected from Israel's Scriptures. The quotations help readers see promise, fulfillment, and continuity in God's plan.
Which study method suits Matthew best?
Cross-reference study is especially useful for fulfillment passages, while inductive study helps with longer teaching sections and narrative scenes.
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