Matthew 28:16-17 is about the disciples doubting the resurrection of Jesus but ultimately worshipping Him as the risen Lord, reflecting the journey of faith and belief that many may go through when faced with incredible events or truths.
16 Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them.
17 And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted.
Setting the Scene for Matthew 28:16-17
After Jesus’ resurrection, the disciples were instructed to go to Galilee, where they would see Him. In Matthew chapter 28, we find the scene where the eleven disciples traveled to the mountain in Galilee where Jesus had directed them. The disciples present were Peter, James, John, Andrew, Philip, Thomas, Bartholomew, Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, and Simon the Zealot.
As they gathered on the mountain, a sense of anticipation and wonder filled the air. The disciples had experienced the rollercoaster of emotions from the crucifixion to the resurrection of Jesus. Now, they stood in awe, waiting to see Him once again. The surroundings were serene, with the sun casting a warm glow over the landscape, creating a peaceful setting for this significant encounter.
Suddenly, Jesus appeared before them, and they fell to their knees in worship, but some doubted. This moment was a pivotal one, as Jesus approached them with all authority in heaven and on earth, commissioning them to go and make disciples of all nations. The disciples were about to embark on a mission that would change the course of history, spreading the message of salvation to the ends of the earth.
What is Matthew 28:16-17 about?
How incredible must it have been for the disciples to witness Jesus resurrected after His crucifixion! Imagine the overwhelming awe and adoration they must have felt in that moment. Their act of worship was a deeply profound response to seeing the miraculous power of God at work, conquering death itself.
The disciples’ worship is a powerful reminder of the significance of Jesus’ resurrection. It solidified their belief in His divinity and reinforced their devotion to Him as their Lord and Savior. It serves as a model for us today, encouraging us to worship and glorify Jesus for His triumph over sin and death, and for the hope and salvation He offers to all who believe in Him. When we encounter the resurrected Christ in our lives, let us respond with worship and reverence, acknowledging His power, grace, and love.
Understanding what Matthew 28:16-17 really means
The passage in Matthew 28:16-17 takes us to a significant moment in the biblical narrative, known as the Great Commission. Here, Jesus imparts final instructions to His disciples following His resurrection and before His ascension. The scene unfolds on a mountain in Galilee, a place where Jesus had previously performed miracles and shared profound teachings with His followers.
As the eleven disciples gather in obedience to Jesus’ directive, we witness their commitment despite the absence of Judas. Their journey to the mountain, as instructed by Jesus, symbolizes a place of divine encounter and revelation. This setting underscores the weight of the message Jesus is about to impart to them.
Upon seeing Jesus, the disciples respond with a mix of worship and doubt. Their act of worship acknowledges Jesus’ divinity, while their doubt reflects the human struggle to fully grasp the reality of the resurrection. This juxtaposition of faith and uncertainty among the disciples serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities inherent in the journey of faith.
Drawing parallels from related passages such as the Transfiguration in Matthew 17:1-9 and Thomas’ doubt in John 20:24-29, we see a common thread of human frailty and the need for tangible experiences to solidify belief. The narrative continues in Acts 1:9-11 with the Ascension of Jesus, emphasizing the disciples’ mission to spread the Gospel following the Great Commission.
In our contemporary context, the disciples’ reactions resonate with believers today who grapple with faith and doubt. Their example challenges us to embrace both aspects of our spiritual journey, recognizing that doubt does not negate our ability to worship and serve God. Just as the disciples were obedient to Jesus’ call, we are called to follow His instructions even when the path ahead seems uncertain.
Consider Sarah, a young woman facing challenges and doubts in her faith journey. Despite her uncertainties, she chooses to attend a church service and encounters God in a profound way. Like the disciples on the mountain, Sarah experiences a divine encounter that strengthens her faith and reassures her that doubt is a natural part of the believer’s walk.
In conclusion, the passage in Matthew 28:16-17 invites us to navigate the tensions between faith and doubt, obedience and uncertainty. It encourages us to seek moments of divine encounter in our lives and affirms that wrestling with doubt does not diminish our capacity to worship and follow Christ. Just as the disciples found themselves on the mountain with Jesus, may we too find ourselves in moments of revelation and encounter with the divine in our daily lives.
How can we worship Jesus even when we doubt?
Even when we doubt, we can still worship Jesus by acknowledging His authority and trusting in His power. Some doubted even as they were worshiping Jesus in the mentioned verse. This shows that doubt is a normal part of the faith journey, but it should not hinder our worship of Jesus. We can bring our doubts to Him, asking for clarity and understanding, while still recognizing His greatness and offering Him our devotion.
Additionally, we can worship Jesus by focusing on His character and past faithfulness. Reflecting on the ways He has worked in our lives and in the lives of others can help strengthen our faith during times of doubt. We can also seek a deeper understanding of His teachings and spend time in prayer and meditation, allowing His truths and presence to bring peace and assurance to our hearts. An intentional choice to fix our gaze on Jesus, rather than on our uncertainties, ultimately requires worshiping Him in times of doubt. Our worship becomes an act of faith that honors and pleases Him as we continue to seek Him, surrender our doubts to Him, and trust in His sovereignty.
Application
Embrace the mission given in Matthew 28:16-17 to spread the word of Christ like a dedicated worker striving for success in their career or a caring parent nurturing their family. Let us take on this task of making disciples in our everyday interactions, just like we excel in our work or pour love into our families. Are you prepared to ignite hearts with the message of Christ through your own example and kindness?
Reverend Michael Johnson is an experienced Church Minister with a profound expertise in spirituality and guidance. With a serene presence and a compassionate heart, he has faithfully served his congregation for over 20 years, leading them on a spiritual journey towards inner peace and enlightenment. Reverend Johnson’s extensive knowledge of religious philosophies and profound understanding of human nature have made him a trusted confidant and mentor to many, as he seamlessly weaves his profound wisdom into life teachings. Reverend Johnson’s calming demeanor and empathetic nature continue to uplift and heal souls, nurturing a sense of unity and tranquility within his community.