What did Jesus instruct his disciples? "Tell my brethren to go to Galilee" (Matthew 28:10) and "I am ascending to my Father and your Father" (John 20:17).

I. Introduction to the Post-Resurrection Instructions

After rising from the dead, Jesus gave specific directives to His followers that appear in multiple Gospel accounts. Two significant statements are found in Matthew 28:10 and John 20:17. These verses focus on (1) where the disciples should go to encounter the risen Christ, and (2) the essential announcement of His ascension. Exploring these instructions will highlight the continuity of Scripture, the historical context supporting the accounts, and the theological implications for all who read them.

II. Context of Matthew 28:10 – “Tell My Brethren to Go to Galilee”

In Matthew 28:10, Jesus says, “Do not be afraid. Go, tell My brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see Me.” This statement follows the women’s discovery of the empty tomb and their sudden encounter with the resurrected Christ.

1. Immediate Setting

The setting is early in the morning of the resurrection Sunday (Matthew 28:1). The women—Mary Magdalene and the other Mary—had come to the tomb, found it empty, and encountered an angel who announced that Jesus had risen. Shortly thereafter, they met Jesus Himself, who affirmed that they should communicate the message to the disciples.

2. Significance of Returning to Galilee

Galilee was the region in which Jesus had spent much of His earthly ministry (Matthew 4:12–25). It was sometimes referred to as “Galilee of the Gentiles” (Isaiah 9:1–2), underscoring the inclusive nature of Christ’s mission. Telling the disciples to return there reinforced the continuity of His teaching ministry and set the stage for further instructions, culminating in what is traditionally called the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18–20).

3. Historical and Archaeological Considerations

Numerous archaeological findings—including first-century fishing boats near the Sea of Galilee, synagogues uncovered in Capernaum, and excavations of sites like Chorazin and Bethsaida—corroborate the geographic details mentioned in the Gospels. These historical confirmations reinforce the reliability of Matthew’s account and situate Jesus’ directive within a real, identifiable location.

III. Context of John 20:17 – “I Am Ascending to My Father and Your Father”

John’s Gospel offers an intimate perspective on Jesus’ instruction immediately after His resurrection. In John 20:17, Jesus tells Mary Magdalene, “Go to My brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to My Father and your Father, to My God and your God.’”

1. Emphasis on Relationship

By saying “My Father and your Father,” Jesus highlights the shared relationship believers have with God. This underscores a core scriptural teaching: through Christ, the faithful become children of God (John 1:12; Romans 8:15–17). The repeated phrase “My God and your God” underscores both Jesus’ divine mission and the disciples’ access to the same divine Father.

2. Foreshadowing the Ascension

This instruction points forward to the ascension, which would occur forty days after the resurrection (Acts 1:3, 9). The ascension serves as a pivotal moment when Jesus’ earthly ministry concludes, and the disciples are entrusted with preaching the gospel worldwide (Matthew 28:19–20; Acts 1:8).

3. Manuscript Evidence and Reliability

Early papyri such as P66 and P75 (dating to the second and third centuries) contain portions of John’s Gospel and confirm the wording of key passages surrounding the resurrection narrative. The remarkable consistency found in these early manuscripts undergirds the message’s reliability. Extensive analysis by textual scholars illustrates the care with which scribes preserved the original words from generation to generation.

IV. Theological Insight into Christ’s Instructions

1. Encouragement and Commission

Both Matthew 28:10 and John 20:17 convey an element of encouragement—“Do not be afraid” (Matthew 28:10) and “Go… and tell them” (John 20:17). These directives remind all readers that the resurrection conquers fear, instilling hope and the responsibility to communicate the truth to others.

2. Affirmation of Divine Authority

Jesus’ instructions reveal His divine authority and identity. In Matthew, the recognized Messiah summons His followers to meet Him where everything began (Galilee), while in John, He proclaims the reality of His ascension. According to the New Testament, these truths are foundational for salvation (Romans 10:9; 1 Corinthians 15:3–4).

3. Unity of Purpose Among Believers

Jesus refers to the disciples as “My brothers,” indicating the solidarity and unity He expects among followers (Matthew 28:10; John 20:17). The Kingdom of God is not for isolated individuals but for a community bonded by faith in Christ’s resurrection and forthcoming commission.

V. Broader Implications and Applications

1. Fulfillment of Prophecy

The resurrection appearances, including the instructions for the disciples, align with Old Testament prophecies (Isaiah 53:10–12; Psalm 16:10). The unity between these texts underscores Scripture’s consistency.

2. Historical Credibility of the Resurrection

Many historical analyses—ranging from reports by early Christian witnesses (1 Corinthians 15:3–8) to non-Christian writers like Josephus (Antiquities of the Jews, Book 18)—support the claim that Jesus was perceived as crucified, buried, and that His followers sincerely believed He rose from the dead. These affirmations provide external corroboration for the biblical accounts.

3. Commission to Proclaim the Message

Before ascending, Jesus underscores that His followers should testify of His victory over death. The earliest disciples, empowered by the reality of the resurrection, traveled across the known world proclaiming Christ’s message (Acts 1:8; Acts 2:14–36). This global mission continues today among all who embrace Him as risen Lord.

VI. Conclusion

Jesus’ instruction to His disciples—“Tell My brothers to go to Galilee” and “Go to My brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to My Father and your Father’”—weaves together both practical and deeply theological themes. The directive to gather in Galilee highlights the continuity of Christ’s earthly ministry, while the announcement of His ascension underscores the eternal scope of His mission.

These passages draw believers into a shared relationship with God as Father, reinforcing the unity exemplified in Christ’s redemptive work. Historically, they are bolstered by archaeological discoveries and manuscript evidence. Spiritually, they exemplify the enduring call to trust Jesus’ risen power and to proclaim confidently the message of His resurrection to every generation.