Matthew 28:16 is a simple, yet significant statement. Let's break it down:
"But the eleven disciples...": This highlights that Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus, is no longer part of the group. There are now only eleven of the original twelve apostles.
"...went into Galilee...": Galilee was a region in northern Israel, and it was significant in Jesus' ministry. He spent much of his time teaching, performing miracles, and gathering followers there. It was familiar territory for the disciples.
"...to the mountain where Jesus had sent them.": This is the crucial part. It indicates that Jesus had previously instructed the disciples to meet him at a specific mountain in Galilee. The Bible doesn't explicitly say when or how Jesus gave this instruction, but it implies that he had communicated it to them before his crucifixion and resurrection. This obedience to Jesus' instruction is important.
What it means:
Obedience and Faithfulness: The disciples followed Jesus' directions despite the recent trauma of his crucifixion. This demonstrates their willingness to obey him even when things were uncertain or confusing.
Prepared Encounter: The fact that they were going to a pre-arranged location suggests that Jesus intended to meet them after his resurrection. It was a planned event, not a chance encounter.
Transition: This verse sets the stage for the Great Commission, which follows in verses 19-20. The meeting on the mountain is where Jesus will give the disciples their mission to go and make disciples of all nations.
Continuity of Ministry: By meeting them in Galilee, where much of his ministry took place, Jesus is reinforcing the continuity of his work and the disciples' role in carrying it forward.
In short, Matthew 28:16 describes the disciples' obedience to Jesus' prior instruction to meet him in Galilee, setting the scene for a pivotal encounter where he commissions them to spread his message to the world.
Matthew 28:16 is a simple, yet significant statement. Let's break it down:
"But the eleven disciples...": This highlights that Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus, is no longer part of the group. There are now only eleven of the original twelve apostles.
"...went into Galilee...": Galilee was a region in northern Israel, and it was significant in Jesus' ministry. He spent much of his time teaching, performing miracles, and gathering followers there. It was familiar territory for the disciples.
"...to the mountain where Jesus had sent them.": This is the crucial part. It indicates that Jesus had previously instructed the disciples to meet him at a specific mountain in Galilee. The Bible doesn't explicitly say when or how Jesus gave this instruction, but it implies that he had communicated it to them before his crucifixion and resurrection. This obedience to Jesus' instruction is important.
What it means:
Obedience and Faithfulness: The disciples followed Jesus' directions despite the recent trauma of his crucifixion. This demonstrates their willingness to obey him even when things were uncertain or confusing.
Prepared Encounter: The fact that they were going to a pre-arranged location suggests that Jesus intended to meet them after his resurrection. It was a planned event, not a chance encounter.
Transition: This verse sets the stage for the Great Commission, which follows in verses 19-20. The meeting on the mountain is where Jesus will give the disciples their mission to go and make disciples of all nations.
Continuity of Ministry: By meeting them in Galilee, where much of his ministry took place, Jesus is reinforcing the continuity of his work and the disciples' role in carrying it forward.
In short, Matthew 28:16 describes the disciples' obedience to Jesus' prior instruction to meet him in Galilee, setting the scene for a pivotal encounter where he commissions them to spread his message to the world.