Catholic Bible Study – Matthew 28:1-20

Podcast: Catholic Bible Study
Host: Augustine Institute (Tim Gray & Dr. Michael Barber)
Episode: 40 – Matthew 28:1-20 (Final Episode in Series)
Date: December 16, 2025

Overview

This episode marks the culmination of an in-depth series on the Gospel of Matthew, focusing on Chapter 28: the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. President Tim Gray and Dr. Michael Barber of the Augustine Institute Graduate School of Theology examine the Resurrection narrative, its theological significance, and the final commissioning of the disciples. The discussion brings out the new creation inaugurated by Christ, the pivotal role of the Resurrection for Christian faith, the nature of Christian witness, and the mission given to the Church.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Setting the Scene: The Resurrection Morning

[00:00–02:22]

• The episode opens with the dramatic arrival of Mary Magdalene and "the other Mary" at Jesus' tomb "towards the dawn of the first day of the week."
• Dr. Barber observes a deliberate echo to Genesis—a "dawning of the new creation."
  • “We start with the book of the Genesis of Jesus Christ. And so here we have the dawning of the new creation.” (B, 01:39)
• The Resurrection is framed as a cosmic event: not just a personal miracle, but the inbreaking of a new creation.

2. New Beginning Through Christ

[02:22–03:44]

• Dr. Barber connects the idea of resurrection to baptism:
  • In baptism, "we die with Christ and we rise to new life… A new beginning is truly possible." (B, 02:46)
• Tim Gray adds:
  • “Every saint has a past, but every sinner can have a future in Christ.” (A, 03:44)

3. The Angelic Encounter—‘Do Not Be Afraid’

[04:16–06:09]

• The recurring biblical motif of the angelic reassurance ("Do not be afraid") is examined:
  • “Bookends” in Matthew: Joseph hears it at Jesus' conception, the women hear it at the empty tomb.
  • Dr. Barber points out the “terror” and awe of encountering an angel and insists the message is the same: divine reassurance.

4. The Role of Women Witnesses

[06:23–08:08]

• The Resurrection is first entrusted to women—a significant apologetic and historical note:
  • “If the story of the resurrection was invented... this isn’t the way the story would have been told.” (B, 06:23)
  • The choice underscores the authenticity of the narrative given prevailing biases toward women’s testimony in ancient culture.

5. The Invitation: ‘Come and See’ / The Sabbath Rest

[08:08–10:10]

• Jesus’ Sabbath rest in the tomb is seen as a fulfillment of the law:
  • “He fulfills the law by resting completely on the Sabbath.” (B, 08:26)
• Tim offers a succinct explanation of how "three days" are reckoned in the Jewish calendar.

6. Biblical Fulfillment: Hosea and ‘On the Third Day’

[09:42–10:10]

• The prophecy in Hosea 6 is referenced—God’s restoration “on the third day,” fulfilled in Christ’s resurrection.

7. Meeting the Risen Christ—Mercy and the New Commission

[10:10–13:05]

• The women encounter the risen Jesus; He greets them and repeats, “Do not be afraid.”

• Jesus calls the disciples “my brothers” despite their abandonment—highlighting divine mercy:

  • “God’s grace is bigger than our sin.” (A, 11:52)

• Jesus tells the disciples to meet Him in Galilee—a return to their origin and a place for deep reflection.

8. Returning to Galilee: Theological and Spiritual Implications

[13:05–14:51]

• Dr. Barber notes that meeting in Galilee, not Jerusalem, is a theological break: restoration is not merely geographic but is found in Christ’s presence.
  • “The restoration isn’t a geographical relocation... Rather, it’s bringing people to Jesus that’s important.” (B, 14:51)
• Tim Gray suggests returning to spiritual beginnings can refresh faith.

9. The Guards’ Testimony and Fulfillment

[14:51–19:46]

• The account of the tomb guards is highlighted for its apologetic purposes—showing the resurrection was not a body-theft.
• Tim connects the phrase “all had been accomplished” (v.11) with Matthew 5:18, indicating the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets—Christ’s death and resurrection mark a new creation.
  • “Now at the end of Matthew, all is accomplished.” (A, 17:48)
• Dr. Barber corrects misunderstandings about “the Jews to this day,” clarifying no intent of a divisive anti-Jewish polemic.

10. The Mount and Worship of Jesus

[19:46–22:55]

• The disciples meet Jesus on a mountain; Tim references its possible connection to the Transfiguration.

• The act of worship is emphasized:

  • “That they worship Jesus... is hugely significant.” (B, 20:58)
  • Dr. Barber tells how even a Jewish scholar acknowledged this worship as a claim to divinity for Jesus.

• The disciples’ initial doubts are acknowledged, underscoring the authenticity of the narrative.

11. The Great Commission

[23:45–27:44]

• Jesus declares: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing... and teaching...” (A, 23:45)

  • Dr. Barber links this to Daniel 7’s prophecy; the “kingdom of heaven” is now present.
  • Baptism is the entry into the new creation:
    • “My baptism... that’s when the Trinity entered into my soul.” (Recalling Pope Paul VI, A, 25:29)
  • The baptismal formula—“in the name...” (singular)—shows unity, supporting the Trinity.

• The Gospel’s structure closes with an “inclusio:” “I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

  • Linking to the start: Jesus is “Emmanuel, God with us.”

12. Summary of Matthew’s Theological Arc

[27:44–28:02]

• Themes: Jesus as new David, new Moses, new creation, new exodus.
• The narrative of Israel—exodus, law, creation—is fulfilled and embodied in Jesus:
  • “The entire story of salvation history of Israel is... recapitulated in the life of Christ.” (A, 28:02)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “We start with the book of the Genesis of Jesus Christ. And so here we have the dawning of the new creation.”
  (Dr. Barber, 01:39)
• “Every saint has a past, but every sinner can have a future in Christ.”
  (Tim Gray, 03:44)
• “If the story of the resurrection was invented... this isn’t the way the story would have been told.”
  (Dr. Barber, 06:23)
• “He fulfills the law by resting completely on the Sabbath.”
  (Dr. Barber, 08:26)
• “God’s grace is bigger than our sin.”
  (Tim Gray, 11:52)
• “The restoration isn’t a geographical relocation... Rather, it’s bringing people to Jesus that’s important.”
  (Dr. Barber, 14:51)
• “Now at the end of Matthew, all is accomplished.”
  (Tim Gray, 17:48)
• “[The disciples] worshiped him... When I see a bunch of Jewish fishermen fall down and worship a man who goes on to say, ‘all authority in heaven and earth is given to me,’ there’s only one logical conclusion... this figure is God.”
  (Dr. Barber, relaying a Jewish scholar’s perspective, 20:58)
• “My baptism... that’s when the Trinity entered into my soul.”
  (Tim Gray, 25:29)
• “I am with you always.”
  (Jesus, quoted by Tim Gray, 26:19)

Important Timestamps

• 00:00–01:39 – Introduction; recap and significance of episode 40.
• 01:39–02:22 – Theological significance of dawn and new creation.
• 04:16–06:09 – The angelic message and ‘do not be afraid.’
• 06:23–08:08 – Women as witnesses; apologetic/historical angle.
• 10:10–13:05 – Jesus’ appearance, mercy for the disciples, commission to Galilee.
• 14:51–19:46 – The guards’ report and the theme of fulfillment.
• 19:46–22:55 – Worship on the mountain; the significance of worshiping Jesus.
• 23:45–26:19 – The Great Commission and baptismal formula.
• 27:44–28:02 – Recapitulation of Israel’s story in Jesus.

Conclusion

This episode synthesizes the grand narrative arc of Matthew’s Gospel, bringing out the stunning theological implications of Christ’s resurrection. The Resurrection inaugurates a new creation, supercedes the old law, and empowers the Church’s mission. The disciples are recommissioned despite their failures: the mercy of Christ and the centrality of worship come to the fore. In closing, Tim Gray and Dr. Barber stress the importance of continuing the apostolic mission—teaching, baptizing, and building a Church that is truly “God with us.”