How does Matthew 28:8 connect with the Great Commission in verses 18-20?

Resurrection witnesses on the move (v. 8)

“So they hurried away from the tomb in fear and great joy, and ran to tell His disciples.” (Matthew 28:8)

• The women experience two strong emotions at once—holy fear and overflowing joy.

• Their immediate instinct is movement: they run.

• Their purpose is proclamation: they carry the news of the risen Lord to His followers.

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Shared patterns between v. 8 and vv. 18-20

• Movement: “they ran” (v. 8) parallels “go” (v. 19).

• Message: the women announce resurrection life; the disciples are to announce gospel life to “all nations.”

• Emotion: fear is met by Christ’s reassuring presence in v. 10; in v. 20 He promises, “I am with you always.”

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From first messengers to global disciple-makers

1. The empty-tomb witnesses show how resurrection reality propels believers outward.

2. Jesus’ authority (“All authority…,” v. 18) turns that initial sprint into an enduring, worldwide mission.

3. What began as one relay of news becomes an ongoing cycle:

• hear the risen Lord’s victory,

• respond in worship and obedience,

• pass the truth on through making disciples, baptizing, and teaching.

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Continuity of authority, presence, and urgency

• Authority: the same Savior who conquered death (proved in v. 8) now commands global outreach (vv. 18-20).

• Presence: the women meet Him on the road (v. 9); the Church is promised His abiding presence to “the very end of the age” (v. 20).

• Urgency: the women run; the Church must not delay in its mandate (cf. Acts 1:8).

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Practical threads to weave into today’s walk

• Let resurrection joy override paralyzing fear; Christ’s victory empowers obedience.

• Keep the gospel movemental—disciples are formed in motion, not passivity.

• Trust the unbroken chain: risen Lord → absolute authority → ever-present help → bold witness (cf. 2 Corinthians 5:14-15).