How does the disciples' reaction in Matthew 28:17 inspire our personal faith journey? The Moment on the Mountain “ ‘When they saw Him, they worshiped Him, but some doubted.’ ” (Matthew 28:17) Worship in Full View of Resurrection Power • Seeing Jesus alive validated every promise He made (cf. Matthew 16:21; 17:23). • Their first instinct—“they worshiped Him”—shows that the only proper response to the risen Lord is adoration (Revelation 5:12). • True worship springs from encountering the living Christ, not merely hearing about Him (John 20:28). Honest Doubt, Honest Disciples • “But some doubted” underscores Scripture’s candor; God records their hesitation without rebuke. • Doubt didn’t disqualify them from apostleship; Jesus still commissioned all of them (Matthew 28:18-20). • Their uncertainty reminds us that faith grows in real time, within imperfect hearts (Mark 9:24). How Their Reaction Lights Our Path 1. Authenticity is welcomed. – The Lord values transparent hearts more than polished appearances (Psalm 51:6). 2. Worship precedes understanding. – Bowing before what we know of Christ opens our eyes to what we don’t yet grasp (John 7:17). 3. Doubt is a doorway, not a dead end. – When surrendered to Jesus, questions become catalysts for deeper conviction (James 1:5-6). 4. Commission follows confession. – Those who worship—even while wrestling—receive purpose and power for mission (Acts 1:8). Steps for Our Personal Faith Journey • Acknowledge both awe and questions before God each day. • Ground worship in the historical reality of the resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:3-8). • Invite Scripture to answer doubt; faith comes by hearing the word of Christ (Romans 10:17). • Choose obedience while clarity unfolds—just as the Eleven obeyed the Great Commission. • Encourage fellow believers who struggle, knowing the original disciples stood in the same tension. Living the Lesson The disciples’ mixed reaction assures us that mature faith isn’t the absence of doubt but the decision to worship Christ amid it. As we continually behold the risen Lord through His Word and Spirit, our worship deepens, our questions find resolution, and our mission gains unstoppable momentum. |
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