Past the Doubt

Matthew 28:16-17 Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had appointed for them. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted.
 
WHAT do you think about the end of this passage, “some doubted”? Isn’t it odd Mathew would write of doubt at the culmination of Jesus’ time on earth?
    This is a good lesson in reading all the gospels and the New Testament to know more of Jesus. If you were to read only Matthew’s account of Jesus’ resurrection and ascension, you would miss several key references to the disciples overcoming doubt.
    For example, the disciples’ did not believe the women’s report on that first Resurrection Sunday: Mark 16:11 When they heard that Jesus was alive and that she had seen him, they did not believe it. Unless you also read Luke’s account of Jesus rising and then walking to Emmaus with two men to reveal God’s complete plan of salvation from the Old Testament. You would also miss in Luke 24 how some disciples doubted the two men’s report of that walk with Jesus.
    Luke also reveals Jesus overcoming Thomas’ doubt; while John reveals Jesus forgiving Peter’s denial. Further, reading Acts 1, you know the more detailed account of Jesus’ last conversations with his apostles. They still wanted to know in Acts 1: 6b “Lord, are you at this time going to Israel?”  
    Thus, when we read Matthew’s brief account of Jesus resurrection, his appearance to the disciples, and his ascension, we must be aware that about 40 days have passed. When Matthew expressed some doubted, he likely is summarizing the disciples overcoming their doubts to come under the full authority of the Lord Jesus Christ.  
    How do we know Jesus is alive? The gospels teach us we are to personally encounter living Christ. That’s why it is essential to spend time in God’s Word, the entire Bible to know the full extent of God’s salvation story for you. Meeting Jesus means we form our mind, heart and hands around God’s Word. Regular, devoted worship in your church, at home and at work lead you directly to him. Speak of his love to others. Introduce him to people who do not know him.
    In these ways, your living Lord will be more alive in you.
 
Jesus Teaches: Doubt goes away when you encounter the living Savior.