Matthew  ◦   Chapter 28

1 When the Sabbath was over, early on Sunday, as dawn approached, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to visit the tomb.

2 Suddenly, there was a powerful earthquake, for an angel of God came down from heaven, went to the tomb, rolled back the stone blocking the entrance, and then sat on the stone.3 The angel radiated light like lightning, and his clothing was an intense white — whiter than snow.4 The guards were so terrified that their hands and knees shook; and then they passed out.

5 The angel turned to the women and said, "Don't be frightened. I know you are here looking for Jesus who was murdered on a cross.6 You'll be happy to know that he is no longer here, for-just as he told you-he has arisen from the dead. Come and see for yourselves: the tomb where he was placed is empty.7 Go as quickly as you can and tell his disciples: 'Jesus is alive. He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. Go there and you will see him for yourselves.' Now I have told you what you need to know."

8 The women ran away from the tomb as fast as they could. They were excited and trembling with joy as they rushed to find the disciples.9 Unexpectedly, Jesus appeared to them and said, "Good morning!" They fell down before him, grabbed hold of his feet and worshipped him.10 Jesus smiled and said, "Don't be frightened. Go and tell my friends-those tied to me by the bonds of brotherly love-to go to Galilee, and I will meet them there."

11 While the women were on their way to tell the disciples, some of the guards recovered and then went into the city and reported to the senior pastors and church lawyers all that had happened at the tomb.12 When the church leadership met with the local politicians, they scrambled to figure a way out for themselves. They decided to bribe the soldiers with large sums of money.13 They proposed, "Here is what we want you to do: Tell the people, 'We fell asleep, and while we were sleeping, his disciples came and stole the body.'14 Don't worry. If the governor hears about this, we will speak to him and you won't get into trouble."15 So the soldiers took the bribe and told the lie the church leaders gave them. And this false account has spread widely among the Jews and is still told today.

16 The eleven disciples went to the mountain in Galilee, where Jesus had instructed them to go.17 When they saw him, they poured their hearts out in worship and adoration to him; but some had doubts that this was really Jesus.18 Then Jesus walked up to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.19 So go and spread the Remedy to the entire world: Teach the people of every nation, immersing their hearts and minds into the character and methods of the Father and of the Son and the Holy Spirit,20 and teach them to live in harmony with the law of love-the design protocols upon which life is built-exactly as I have instructed you. And you can be sure that I am always with you — all the way, right through to the very end of time."