Some Near-Term Doubt

Scripture: 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

Observation: After the resurrection, Jesus meets the core disciples. In other accounts, this occurs in Jerusalem before moving on to some other locations, and Thomas is explicitly called out as doubting that Jesus has resurrected until he sees him personally, then even he believes. In this account, they go to Galilee and worship him, but some doubt.

It is not clear what they doubt. Do they doubt he is alive? That he ever died? That they should worship him? That his continued teachings are accurate? That he has, in fact, been granted all authority in heaven and on earth (verse 18)? That they should, in fact, proceed in an evangelical ministry without his presence?

Matthew leaves this completely up to interpretation, however given the context - just the 11, at a time of worship, with Jesus face-to-face - it seems most likely the 'doubt' is about the future and if they should continue "following" Jesus after he leaves them ... and the vagueness leaves the possibility that the doubter is Matthew himself.

Application: Thomas doubted Jesus has risen, until he saw Jesus. "Doubting" Jesus while interacting with him, then, is about doubting what to do next. It's about doubting and trusting instructions. The Israelites today did the same thing, collecting manna incorrectly because they didn't trust God's instructions. Now, perhaps Matthew is unsure if he should trust the instruction and direction in his life.

This helps me when I find it hard to trust. When I wonder about the turns in my life and the short-term path, that is a form of distrust, and I'm probably in good company with that. It is also encouraging to see that Matthew - or any/all of the 11 - overcame that distrust and became great servants of Jesus. And I will overcome any doubt ... which is really in the form of worry, and sometimes more about self-doubt that I am worthy of instruction or love or guidance.

I trust in the world long-term, and I strive to trust in Jesus at all times and in every circumstance. Sometimes I doubt little things, despite evidence of God's love all around me. I will continue my efforts to believe not only in the resurrect Christ, but in the daily protection, promises, and instructions of the Lord.

Prayer: Lord, again today I seek to walk with you, and this begins with trusting where you would have me go. Like a child, I desire to humbly take your hand and simply go with you. Thank you for your continued love. Amen.