Jesus has universal and divine authority over all things. And as the risen Lord, He states His mission for His world. Make disciples of all the nations, and He ensures the success of this enterprise by promising His presence with His disciples to the end of the age.

Jesus’ resurrection was revealed through an angelic announcement and Jesus’ own bodily appearance. The very first two witnesses were the two women named Mary. These women who were witnesses of His death and burial also became the first to hear the angelic announcement and witness Jesus’ risen self. And how did they react to Jesus’ resurrection? With worship!

Supernatural signs accompanied Jesus’ death which confirmed His identity as the Son of God. Matthew also begins to build a case for Jesus’ resurrection by first confirming His death and burial and thus precluding the possibility of the Jewish rumor that the disciples stole Jesus’ body.

Jesus sufffered greatly and died for our sins.

Jesus was innocent. There was in Jerusalem a landmark that testified of this. Pilate and his wife also testified of His innocence. Pilate even washed his hands to absolve himself of guilt, because he knew he was condemning an innocent man to the crucifixion. If Jesus was innocent, then for what purpose did He die? This is the question we ponder as we look at Matthew’s account of Jesus’ trial before the Roman tribunal.

Unlike all others in this scene, Jesus testified of the truth. The Jewish tribunal was filled with liars who falsely accused Jesus. The Sanhedrin would entertain false testimonies to kill the man they hated. Simon Peter lied through his teeth for fear of arrest or worse. But Jesus is not like any of these. He testified of the truth and willingly gave up His life for our atonement. There is no Savior like Him!