They worshipped him even though some doubted. Matthew 28:17 [Sunrise May 7 2013]

They worshiped him even though some doubted. Matthew 28:17 [Sunrise May 7 2013]

Day 37  Worship and Doubt

Then the eleven disciples left for Galilee, going to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him—but some of them doubted! Matthew 28:16 (NLT)

Early in this devotional series we looked at the story of “doubting” Thomas (Many a Doubt: Day #4)  and his response of worship (“My Lord and My God!” Day # 5 ).

The Matthew 28 account gives a very interesting insight into the interaction of worship, faith and doubt.

Not all of those who experienced the truth of resurrection, whether by eye witness or first hand account,  believed the same thing at the same time.

“Some doubted” and yet they worshiped him completely.

One understanding of “worship” is human response to the divine revelation of God.

Clearly the Messiah was adored wholeheartedly, even by those who still had twinges of doubt.

There are times I have more doubt than faith. How about you?

We only need a mustard seed. We take our doubt, we place it on the altar of the finished work of the cross,  and offer it as a sacrifice of praise too.

Here I think, worship is perhaps more of a catalyst and less of a response. I’m thinking that choosing to worship while still having doubt actually increases faith and belief, and decreases doubt. What do you think? Would you agree with that idea?

Here’s what other thinkers have to say about this passage in these commentary  excerpts:

Worship

Worshipped (προσεκύνησαν) Prostrated themselves. The first time that the disciples are described as doing so. – Vincent’s Word Studies

With divine adoration, as the eternal Son of God; for so he was now declared to be by his resurrection from the dead, – Gill’s Exposition

They worshipped him – Paid him honour as the Messiah. – Barnes Notes

Doubt

All that see the Lord Jesus with an eye of faith, will worship him. Yet the faith of the sincere may be very weak and wavering. But Christ gave such convincing proofs of his resurrection, as made their faith to triumph over doubts. – Matthew Henry

The expression simply intimates, that they did not all believe at that time. – Clarke’s Commentary

But some doubted – As, for example, Thomas, John 20:25. The disciples had not expected his resurrection; they were therefore slow to believe. The mention of their doubting shows that they were honest men that they were not easily imposed on that they had not previously agreed to affirm that he had risen – that they were convinced only by the strength of the evidence. Their caution in examining the evidence; their slowness to believe; their firm conviction after all their doubts; and their willingness to show their conviction even by their “death,” is most conclusive proof that they were “not” deceived in regard to the fact of his resurrection. – Barnes Notes on the Bible

 May the spirit of God stir our hearts to worship and believe through every moment of doubt.

Let’s Pray:

I invite you to pray with me.

Jesus we worship and adore you as the Messiah, the promise of God fulfilled. Thank you that you are the Good Shepherd, and your sheep hear your voice. When all else seems unclear, may we hear the voice of the Master calling – “follow me”. We love you. May your kingdom come , and will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.  Amen. 

Be Still My Soul

Be still, my soul: begin the song of praise
On earth, believing, to Thy Lord on high;
Acknowledge Him in all thy words and ways,
So shall He view thee with a well pleased eye.
Be still, my soul: the Sun of life divine
Through passing clouds shall but more brightly shine.

Words: Ka­tha­ri­na A. von Schle­gel, translation Jane L. Borth­wick

About This Devotional Series

According to the historical church calendar, the Easter season is the 50 day period from Resurrection Sunday to Pentecost Sunday.  I’ll post a fresh devotional thought with my sunrise photo of that morning, everyday through Pentecost, commenting as the Spirit inspires. Check out the rest of the series here.

Invite your friends.

If this series is helpful to you,  please forward and share with your friends through e-mail, Twitter, Facebook – whatever, just click the share buttons on this page.  Join us on the journey from Easter to Pentecost! 

Would you like more devotionals like this? 

I’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment.