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. Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age. –Matthew 28:16-20
Imagine being one of the small group of disciples who gathered on a mountain to meet Jesus for the very first time after just witnessing his brutal death and burial. What thoughts might be going through your mind as you see the resurrected Jesus? Would you be ready to fully embrace Jesus?
Interestingly, in Matthew 28:17 we are told that some of the disciples worshiped Jesus while others doubted. The word “doubted” carries the idea of being double-minded or hesitant. It’s as if they wanted to believe but were struggling to embrace Jesus like those who worshiped him.
Stop for a moment and ponder this scene. As you consider Jesus, do you identify with the worshiper or the doubter? Is Jesus the center of your affections or do you find yourself mired in doubt? Maybe you are a worshiper one week and a doubter the next, the very nature of being human.
Regardless of your heart’s posture, don’t miss what happens next!
Jesus gives both the worshipers and the doubters the same mission, “make disciples of all nations.” This is fascinating! Jesus doesn’t expect us to have it all figured out, but he does expect us to be obedient. In other words, there is room for both worshipers and doubters to follow Jesus. This is great news!
Remember the first words Jesus said to his earliest followers, “Come follow me.” That invitation remains today to both worshipers and doubters. There is no one like Jesus who meets us in our doubt and can transform us into worshipers. We don’t need to have it all figured out before we follow Jesus, our relationship with Him is dynamic, often moving back and forth from doubt to worship.
To follow Jesus is to go where he leads. His mission is clear, “make disciples.” Is that your mission? Whether you are a worshiper or a doubter, the invitation remains the same, join Jesus on his mission. Be a Difference Maker and watch God not only change the world, but change you along the way.
reflect and respond
How would you describe a worshiper?
How would you describe a doubter?
Are you currently a worshiper or doubter? How do you know?
How tightly is your personal mission aligned with the mission of Jesus? What examples can you point to?
What is your next move as a Difference Maker?
