Matthew 28:1–20
HOMI675: Preaching from the New Testament
June 10, 2023
Make sure sermon ideas are clear and
well worded.
Plan with the dynamics of oral
communication.
Design the presentation to follow the
text.
Design the presentation to engage the
audience.
Balance development for the whole man.
Plan for the audience and the occasion.
This exercise involves planning the design of your sermon for an oral presentation. This form
follows the motivated sequence outline combined with the traditional introduction-body-
conclusion format.
Introduction Attention
Jesus has just been crucified in front of his believers and placed in a tomb.
Before the crucifixion, Jesus told everyone that he would return in three days.
After three days, the two women named Mary visited the tomb but found that
Jesus was not there. To their amazement, Jesus was already moving to meet
the disciples at Galilee. From there, Jesus commanded the disciples to make
nations across all nations.
Need
No matter where you are in your spiritual journey, Jesus is always with you,
even when you do not believe he is present. In Matthew 28, Jesus
commanded us to spread the Gospel to everyone so they, too, can have the
power of God on their side.
BRIDGING SENTENCES
Matthew 28:16-20 shows us that he always follows through with any
statement he makes to us. Jesus told us that we would resurrect in three days,
and it occurred. He always told us that he would bless us with the Holy Spirit
once he ascended to Heaven, which also happened.
[Subject: Believe Modifier:] Fulfillment
Textual Idea:
Have the belief that Christ is always with us.
Sermon Idea:
This passage brings us to the days when people were initially following Christ,
and in the process of following him, they witnessed a man that could produce
miracles that no other individual could produce. His miracles increase society’s
belief that he is the Son of God. Many people encountered challenging times
during that period, but their faith helped them overcome all obstacles.
Interrogative:
How does your belief in Christ help advance the kingdom of God?
Transition:
Jesus has risen on the third day after his resurrection. Although many did
not believe he could return after death, Jesus had a mission assigned by
God that he must fulfill.
Body Satisfaction
Like many apostles, you must believe in the power of Jesus Christ. Our belief
in Christ, sets the foundation for our ability to advance the kingdom.
DIVISION 1 STATEMENT
When believing in Christ, we can better accept God's teaching.
Explanation
Christians must believe that Christ is part of the Holy Trinity. The trinity
includes Father and the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. It is hard to become a
Christian until you accept into your lives as the Lord and Savior.
Illustration
The initial benefit of accepting Christ is that he is forgiven for our sins and
receives protection from those entities that can cause spiritual harm to us.
Argumentation
It is important to remember that Jesus endured a lot of oppression while he was
on Earth. The religious leaders during that period felt that Christ was a threat to
their power base. In response to their insecurities, they plotted to have Jesus
crucified. Jesus dies on the cross for our sins, so it our job to spread his
greatness to the world.
Application
To accomplish anything in life, we must first believe it is possible. To have
Christ in our lives daily, we must accept him as our Lord and Savior.
Without acceptance, receiving the blessings he has in store for us is
impossible.
Transition (Div. 1 to Div. 2)
In Matthew 28, the women and the disciples began to fully accept Christ as
their Lord and Savior after witnessing Christ’s resurrection. Once they
accepted Christ, they were more willing to accept that Jesus had risen.
DIVISION 2 STATEMENT
Knowing that Jesus has risen allows you to accept him as your Lord and
Savior.
Explanation
Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb to see if Jesus
was there after the Sabbath. As the first group of people at the tomb, they could
report what they witnessed to all those who inquired about Jesus whereabouts.
Illustration
The resurrection of Jesus Christ solidified his position as Son of God.
Many people were hesitant to accept the public into their lives because
they had not seen him fulfill any miracle they deemed God worthy. That
all changed when they witnessed him resurrect and then ascend to Heaven.
Argumentation
Like those of the past, some may have difficulty believing that Jesus is who
he says he is. In our current society, science has conditioned us to question
anything we do not see (except for air). Those not fortunate enough o
witness Christ's miracles needed tangible evidence before they accepted
Christ as their Lord and Savior.
Application
Matthew 28: 5-6 states, “The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid,
for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6 He is not
here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.”
Many of us are looking for Jesus Christ. The women went to the tomb to
see the physical presence of Jesus, but found nothing. Jesus is always on a
mission, and his mission involves everyone else. To see Jesus's blessing
for us, we must be willing to accept him.
Transition (Div. 2 to Div. 3)
Jesus took it upon himself to connect with his disciples to prove God's
power. Jesus bestowed knowledge upon his disciples that would be used to
enhance the word.
DIVISION 3 STATEMENT
When you receive the lessons of Christ, it is important to study and connect to
the word of God frequently.
Explanation
Receiving the lessons of God allows us to obtain a heightened level of
knowledge that gives us the keys to life. Like the old saying stated “when
the student is ready to learn, the teacher appears.” The ultimate miracle of
resurrecting was all the evidence the people needed to accept and study
the lessons he provided.
Illustration
Studying the word of God is one of the most productive things we do.
Understanding God’s word will help us bypass many unnecessary
challenges that life brings.
Argumentation
Some may believe that you should accept Christ’s after you witness his
great, but that is the opposite of how we should think as Christians. If one
were to think like that, one should expect not to achieve anything great in
life because greatness requires faith.
Application
Once you accept Jesus into your life, you should be obligated to study God's
word. Accepting Christ does not mean just saying that you believe in him. It
means that you diligently understand him and work to advance the kingdom
of God.
Transition (Div 3 to Div 4)
Once you are confident in your knowledge of Christ, begin finding those
who also need Christ in their lives.
DIVISION 4 STATEMENT
In Matthew 28:18-20, Jesus wanted us to make disciples across all nations.
Explanation
The most important resource for any church to survive is the “people.”
Without people, the world may never know about the power of God. Jesus is
the reason why many churches implement discipleship programs in their
ministry. Jesus commanded us to spread the Gospel to produce more
disciples.
Illustration
Imagine a world where only a select few could process knowledge. If you
have a decent understanding of history, you would know that was the reality
in the past. The consequence of only the elite having knowledge leads to
tyranny and corruption.
Argumentation
Many people who are not considered socialites do not believe it is necessary
to spread the word of God to others unaware of his greatness. I am sorry to
say this, but that sounds extremely selfish. Why would you not want to make
people aware of something so great that it would change their lives for the
good?
Application
The word of God is meant to uplift our well-being. Without the word of
God, we may still be enslaved to the programming of the devil. Every day
that goes by is another day that we could introduce someone to Christ.
Transition (Div. 4 to Div. 5)
To excel as a disciple, one must do well as a teacher and preacher.
DIVISION 5 STATEMENT
Disciples must comprehend the Gospel to increase their chances of converting
those to Chris via conversions, lectures, and speeches.
Explanation
The Church must teach and produce disciples. This is why disciple-making
programs are a must in the Church. Without these programs, fulfilling the
Great Commission for generations would become difficult.
Illustration
Imagine a world where everyone received the Gospel? Imagine how many
people you could influence if you had the answers to the questions that all
nonbelievers tend to ask? When you’re a good teacher and preacher,
people feel compelled to hear what you say about God.
Argumentation
Some people do not understand how competence and charisma can enhance
the effectiveness of your teachings. When people enjoy the teachings, it
make ot easier for them to accept the words they hear.
Application
Every day we have on Earth is another day that we must spread how great
God has been to us. Each disciple should strive to become a teacher of the
word. Teaching helps us become competent in our Biblical knowledge. Most
evangelists have built their notoriety on their ability to articulate the Gospel
in a manner others can comprehend.
Transition (Div. 5 to Concl.)
When we accept Christ into our lives, we will obtain salvation from our sins.
In return, we must command and make disciples who will also produce more
disciples.
Conclusion Visualization
In the book of Matthew, Jesus wanted the people to believe and follow him.
The book shows how people eventually understood how powerful Jesus was
after his resurrection. Imagine how much the world could have benefitted if
they believed in Christ 100% before his crucifixion.
Reiteration
Have the belief that Christ is always with us.
Action
Believing in Christ means that living in a manner pleasing to Christ is
mandatory.
Introduction
Interest
Analogy
Personal
Need
Element
Historical
Context
Textual Idea
Sermon Idea
Interrogative
As a child, I grew up in a Christian home. My parents instilled belief in
Christ into every aspect of my life. From prayer to serving, I was made
aware of how I should act to please God. Now, like most children my
age, we knew we were supposed to act righteously, but we did not
understand why. For adolescents, words like “resurrection” and “Christ
dying for our sins” are hard to understand. Because I was so young
when I heard about Jesus, it was hard for me to believe everything my
pastor told me about the books in the Bible. This lack of understanding
primarily came from my inability to believe what I do not physically
see. Little did I know that God was watching over my entire life until I
got to this point where I am now t he teacher.
As a Christian leader for my Church, I am learning that many new to
the Church want to see Christ appear. I wish I was joking when I said
that, but unfortunately, many people are only concerned with the
physical aspects of this world. If I could be honest, I felt that way too
when I was a child. This ignorance was due to my misunderstanding of
the Bible, specifically Matthew 28. As a Christian Leader, I help the
new attendees believe that Christ is our Lord and Savior.Hebrews 11:6
ESV)“And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever
would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards
those who seek him.”
Have belief that Christ is always with us.
This passage brings us to the days when people were initially following
Christ and following him, they witnessed a man that could produce miracles
that no other individual could produce. His miracles increase the society’s
belief that he is the Son of God. Many people encountered challenging times
during that period, but their faith helped them overcome all obstacles.
How does your belief in Christ help advance the kingdom of God?
Attentio
n
divisions
Transition
Main
Stated here
Jesus has risen on the third day after his resurrection. Although many
did not believe it was possible for him to return after death, but Jesus
had a mission assigned by God that he must fulfill.
Like many of the apostles, you all must believe in the power of Jesus
Christ. Our belief in Christ, sets the foundation for our ability to advance
the kingdom.
Body Division # 1 When believing in Christ, we can better accept God's
teaching.
Explanation Matthew 28:
1-10 Historical
Cultural
Principle
This passage begins with the day after the Sabbath. Jesus has been
“dead” for three days, and Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went
to look at the tomb (v.1). The women were so concerned about Jesus
whereabouts for many reasons. Primarily to see if he was or alive.
Based on his status, would have decided the fate for many people in
the world. If Jesus was still in the tomb died, all of the believers
would have lost hope that they would be released from oppression.
Luckily, he was not in the tomb and the angel came to give them the
good news. Matthew 28:5-7 states, “The angel said to the women,
“Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who
was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and
see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples:
‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee.
There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.” We all experience
spiritual beings that manifest in our life, letting us know that Jesus is
with us. it is our job to listen and believe what God tells us.
Illustration
Analogy - Opinion
In the Army, we must participate in an exercise many may know as
Airborne Operations. Now the concept of this operation is simple. A
group of highly trained and qualified individuals places a parachute
on their backs, aboard a plane, fly up 1200 ft above the ground, and
jump out of a moving plane. For many beginners, this is probably
one of the most nerve-racking activities they will do. The scariest
part about jumping out of the plane is the 3-6 seconds you have
waiting for your parachute to open. Jumping out of a plane is like
for new believers in Christ. They are unaware of what life will be
like once they give themselves to God. Some will accept and receive
his blessings on day one, while others will receive his blessings on
month one.
Argumentation
Cross-reference
Reason
Becoming a believer can be difficult for some, but once you set into
your faith, you will receive all of the blessings God has to offer. In
today’s society, stress, depression, and anxiety are rampant
(figuratively speaking). What makes it worse is that people really
believe they themselves or others can fix their issues. Stressed-out
people are going to others stressed out to relieve stress. I know that
sounded a little strange to hear but it is true. The only way to seek
the peace you deserve is through God.
Application
Descriptive
Do you sometimes feel that you are lost spiritually from time to
time? Is it possible to be a Christian without believing in Christ?
Will believing in Christ be enough to receive salvation? To
accomplish anything in life, we must first believe it is possible. To have
Christ in our lives daily, we must accept him as our Lord and Savior.
Without acceptance, receiving the blessings he has in store for us is
impossible.
No matter where we are in our Christian journey, believing is always
the first and most important step, so always put God first.
Restatemen
t
Transition In Matthew 28, the women and the disciples began to fully accept
Christ as their Lord and Savior after witnessing Christ’s
resurrection. Once they accepted Christ, they were more willing to
accept that Jesus had risen
Division # 2 Knowing that Jesus has risen allow you to accept him as your
Lord and Savior.
Explanation
Matthew 28:
11-15
Historical Cultural
Principle
This passage continues after Mary Magdalene and the other Mary
went to look at the tomb to see if Jesus was there after the Sabbath.
After finding out where Jesus went, the women told the good news.
Shortly after the chief finds out that Jesus has been resurrected, they
devised a plan to give the soldiers money. The soldiers were to tell
people that Jesus’s disciples came during the night and stole him
away while we were asleep. Like the Chiefs of that period, they
refuse to believe Christ's resurrection as God intended. For some, it
is better to tell a lie to feel better at the moment than tell the truth
and lose control of others.
Illustration
Analogy – Personal
In life, people will spread lies about you to prevent the world from
realizing how great you are. God has blessed us with a unique skill
that can change the world. Knowing that we all have greatness
within us, it is our job to find and cultivate that skill. While on your
journey, you will meet people who view your greatness as a threat.
Their insecurities will cause them to spread unnecessary lies about
you preventing you from finding favor from the world.
Argumentation
Cross-reference
Acts 16:31
Like those of the past, some may have difficulty believing that Jesus
is who he says he is. In our current society, science has conditioned
us to question anything we do not see (except for air). Those who
were not fortunate enough to witness Christ miracles needed
tangible evidence before they accepted Christ as their Lord and
savior. Acts 16:31 states, “And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus,
and you will be saved, you and your household.” So before you
achieve a blessing from the Lord, you must believe and accept him.
Application
Descriptive
Restatement
Matthew 28: 5-6 states, “The angel said to the women, “Do not be
afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified.
6 He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the
place where he lay.” Many of us are looking for Jesus Christ. The
women went to the tomb to see the physical presence of Jesus, but
found nothing. Jesus is always on a mission, and his mission
involves everyone of else. To see Jesus's blessing for us, we must be
willing to accept him. This applies to our daily life. Some of us look
in a tomb to find what is in our souls. Christ’s spirit is consumed by
those who believe in him. We no longer have to look for him
because he always comes to us.
Transition Jesus took it upon himself to connect with his disciples to prove
God's power. Jesus bestowed knowledge upon his disciples that
would be used to enhance the word.
Division # 3 When you receive the lessons of Christ, it is important to study and
connect to the word of God frequently.
Explanation
Mattew 28: 16-
20
Historical Cultural
Principle
This passage explains it is one of my favorites, which discuss “The
Great Commssion.”Before ascending to Heaven, he commanded his
disciples to spread the Gospel. Matthew 28:18-20 states, “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, and teaching them to obey
everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always,
to the very end of the age.” Receiving the lessons of God allows us to
obtain an heightened level of knowledge that gives us the keys to life.
Like the old saying stated “when the student is ready to learn, the
teacher appears.” The ultimate miracle of resurrection was all the
evidence the people needed to accept and study the lessons he
provided.
Illustration
Analogy –personal
Studying the word of God is one of the most productive things we as
people do. Understanding God’s word, will help us bypass many
unnecessary challenges that life brings. I have been at this Church
for three years. During those years, I have experienced this Church
transformation due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Our Bible study and
discipleship programs were the largest contributors to our success
during that period. Our ability to connect to people during our
toughest time in this decade led to our Church increasing its member
numbers.
Argument
Cross-reference
Matthew 21:22
Some may believe that you should accept Christ’s after you witness
his greatness, but that is the opposite of how we should think as
Christians. If one were to think like that, one should expect not to
achieve anything great in life because greatness requires faith.
Matthew 21:22 states, “And whatever you ask in prayer, you will
receive, if you have faith.” A question I ask many people I speak to
is “How is your prayer life?” One with a strong prayer life has the
tools required to rid themselves of wickedness.
Application
Descriptive
Prescriptive
What is the best strategy to spread the word of God? Are Christian
leaders required to produce disciples? Does God accept other means
of serving him without discipleship? Once you accept Jesus into
your lives, you should be obligated to study God's word. Accepting
Christ does not mean just saying that you believe in him. It means
that you diligently understand him and work to advance the
kingdom of God.
Transition
Conclusion
Visualization
Reiteration
Action
Transition (Div. 3 to Concl.)
Once you are confident in your knowledge of Christ, begin finding those
who also need Christ in their lives.
In Matthew 28:18-20, Jesus wanted us to make disciples across all
nations. The disciples fully understood their role in that mission.
Lucky for them, they received the word from Jesus himself. Their
belief in Christ, has allowed them to make disciples of all the nations
they encountered. Although they experienced all kinds of atrocities,
such as imprisonment, mutilation, and death, they continued to
spread the good news of the Lord.
To accomplish anything in life, one must first believe that they could
accomplish the goal they set for themselves. Without this belief,
there is no point in even trying. Many people understood knew how
powerful Christ was to the world, but for those who questioned
God’s purpose for Christ. I suggest they read the following verse.
John 3:16 states,“For God so loved the world that he gave his only
Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal
life.
Appeal
As we continue our life’s journey, we shall always place God first.
