Matthew 28:16-17

“When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted.” vs. 17

According to Matthew Jesus had instructed Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to tell the disciples that he had risen and  would meet them in Galilee. And even though it’s likely that the disciples were skeptical of the women’s story, Matthew tells us they did go. And sure enough Jesus met them on the mountain just as he said he would. They responded by worshipping him, probably bowing down before him, but then Matthew adds this interesting tidbit, “some doubted.” 

It’s almost as though the resurrection of Jesus wasn’t as clear cut as we might think it was. There was something about his appearance there on the mountain that made them wonder. Perhaps they had, like us, learned from experience that if something is too good to be true, it probably isn’t! But still in spite of their doubts they did worship him. 

In that respect they weren’t unlike ourselves. Many of us regularly worship and in the last couple of months we’ve heard many scriptures and sermons related to the resurrection of Jesus. And probably some have been sitting there worshipping while also entertaining doubts of all kinds. Can something so wonderful really be true? 

If that’s the case it’s good news to know that some of the disciples felt the same way. Jesus didn’t scold them, he gave them a mission–and that’s what he does with us. Doubters evidently can be effective witnesses too!

Thought for the Day: What do I do with my doubts during worship?