He Is Risen: Go and Make Disciples
Matthew 21 through 28
By Will Bourne · Bourne Again Media LLC
Matthew 21–28 · 21–28
The journey of this volume
What does the risen Jesus make possible for people still carrying grief, failure, or hesitation? Matthew’s final movement passes through Jerusalem, conflict, the cross, and the empty tomb into a commission grounded in Christ’s authority and presence. Begin with chapter 28, where witnesses meet the living Lord and disciples are sent to teach His way. This journey invites worship, truthful hope, and formation that reaches toward every nation.
How can Christ’s presence shape one ordinary act of disciple-making?
What you’ll explore
- Resurrection and truthful witness
- Grace for failed and hesitant disciples
- Mission beneath Christ’s authority
- Teaching that becomes practiced obedience
Sent with the presence of Christ
Begin with Matthew 28 in your Bible. Read Matthew 28 from the women’s visit to the tomb through the meeting in Galilee. Notice worship, hesitation, authority, teaching, and the promise of presence.
The following reading summarizes Chapter 28, “The Risen Lord,” with a selected excerpt from the manuscript.
Matthew 28 begins with a real tomb and the announcement that the crucified Jesus has risen. Grieving women become witnesses, and Jesus meets them with reassurance and a message for His disciples.
The meeting in Galilee includes worship and hesitation. Christ comes near rather than requiring a performance of certainty. Will joins truthful witness with patient teaching and space for honest questions.
The commission rests on Jesus’ authority. Making disciples means people learn His way, receive baptism, and practice His commands. The promise of His presence sustains ordinary, costly service while keeping every human ministry accountable to Him.
Sent with the presence of Christ
The promise gives steadiness when mission is hidden, costly, ordinary, or resisted. Christ is present when disciples teach children patiently, translate faithfully, serve a neighbor, repent of harm, protect the vulnerable, form a local church, cross a boundary with humility, or endure without visible recognition.
Will Bourne · From Commentary 28, “The Risen Lord,” in He Is Risen: Go and Make Disciples
Following Christ through this movement
The Gospel’s opening promise of Immanuel reaches its closing assurance: the risen King remains with His disciples. His cross reveals the self-giving shape of His reign, and resurrection vindicates Him.
Mission receives its authority, message, practices, and endurance from Christ. It crosses boundaries through witness and love, respecting people’s dignity rather than treating them as territory or measures of institutional success.
Continue in Scripture
Matthew 1:21–23 · Acts 1:1–8 · Colossians 3:12–17
Read these passages alongside the selected manuscript chapter. Keep each literary and historical setting in view while following the biblical witness toward Christ and faithful practice today.
A question to carry
Where do I need room for honest questions within faith? Who could I serve through patient teaching, prayer, or a practical example of Jesus’ way?
Stay with one person or situation that comes to mind. Notice what this passage brings into view before deciding how to respond.
Back to section choices ↑One faithful step
Choose one relationship in which learning is welcome. Share a short passage or one practice of Jesus with humility, listen to the other person’s questions, and identify a small act you can practice together without pressure.
Back to section choices ↑A prayer for the journey
Risen Jesus, meet us with truth and grace. Teach us to receive Your authority and share Your way with humility. Holy Spirit, form patient witnesses whose teaching becomes love, and steady us in Christ’s enduring presence. Amen.
Back to section choices ↑The formation emphasis in this volume
Will’s final commentary follows resurrection into practiced discipleship. The risen Lord receives witnesses and hesitant followers, then sends them under His authority and continuing presence.
The formation emphasis is teaching that becomes obedient participation in Jesus’ way. Patient service, truthful witness, humility, and accessible welcome keep mission centered on the King rather than human control.
Editorial summary of Will Bourne’s manuscript.
Back to section choices ↑