Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. (Matthew 28:16-17)
I took my 4th-grade grandson to a local golf course that offered group lessons for young people just becoming acquainted with the game. The pro gathered them on the practice green and discussed putting, then allowed them to roll a few putts. Then he moved on to talk about chipping from just off the green.
He stressed the importance of hitting down on the ball and then demonstrated the technique. Watching the kids when it was their turn to do it was interesting. Despite what they had heard and seen from the pro, many of the kids doubted and did the exact opposite.
Because they wanted the ball to pop up in the air, hitting down was contrary to their thinking. They tried to hit up on the ball with predictable results.
There was also doubt when Jesus arrived, indicating he was the long-awaited Messiah. The Jews expected a leader like David, the greatest king in their history, who led Israel to become a mighty military power.
They believed that when the Messiah came, he would lead them to conquer their enemies and create a new kingdom for Israel. But Jesus had a different kingdom in mind – not an earthly kingdom, but a heavenly one. And therefore, many doubted he was the Messiah.
Surely, the one group that would have no doubts would be Jesus’ twelve disciples. After all, they were the ones who dropped everything to follow him. They walked with him daily for three years, absorbing his teaching and witnessing his miracles. At the end of his time with them, Jesus was arrested, tortured, and crucified.
But then came the miracle of Easter morning, and over the next 40 days, the remaining eleven disciples interacted with the resurrected Christ several times. They saw him, talked with him, ate with him, and saw his scars from the cross. It confirmed what he had been trying to teach them: He was the Messiah, the Son of God, resurrected from the grave. Now, there could be no doubt.
Let there be no doubt – Jesus died to be our Savior and lives to be our Lord.
With that in mind, it’s interesting to read Matthew 28:16-17, the two verses immediately preceding the Great Commission at the close of Matthew’s gospel. “Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted.”
After all they had been through with Jesus, some doubted. While that is hard to comprehend, we can take heart in knowing that they overcame their doubts. Filled with the Holy Spirit, the disciples did go on to fulfill the Great Commission, sharing the good news of the gospel. Tradition says that all but John died as martyrs accomplishing that task.
Some people today have doubts regarding what the Bible says about Jesus. They find it hard to accept the miracle of the resurrection, that Jesus died and then was raised from the dead. But as Paul wrote, “And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless, and so is your faith.” (1 Corinthians 15:14). Let there be no doubt – Jesus not only died to be our Savior, He lives to be our Lord.
Prayer: Father, help us to overcome any doubts we may have and to put our complete trust in you.