Matthew 28:17

MATT 28:17

When they see Jesus, the disciples worship him, but some doubt remains. This nuanced moment acknowledges the human struggle even among the faithful: faith and doubt can coexist in the same moment. It also shows the accessibility of Jesus—he meets them in a state of worship and invites them deeper into the mission, despite lingering uncertainty. Matthew is honest about the disciples’ humanity, which makes the subsequent commissioning more compelling: imperfect people are invited to participate in God’s transformative work.

This verse foregrounds the mystery of faith. It affirms that worship and doubt are not mutually exclusive and that God’s grace can empower believers to respond despite questions. It also emphasizes the universal scope of the Great Commission: Jesus appears to believers who are diverse in their spiritual readiness, indicating that the gospel is not for the impeccably confident alone but for ordinary people who bring their questions before him.

Practically, it’s a reminder that doubt can coexist with faith. If you’re struggling, bring your questions to Jesus and close the gap through community, study, and prayer. Encourage open, honest conversations within your church or small group where people can express doubts and still move toward mission. Implement practical steps: set aside time for honest dialogue about faith, pair newcomers with mature mentors, and provide spaces for spiritual exploration that maintain reverence for Scripture while acknowledging genuine questions.

Cross-References: Mark 9:24; James 1:6-8; John 20:25-29; Romans 14:23; Hebrews 11:1