And when they say him they worshiped him, but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all the I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always to the end of the age."
Matthew 28: 17-20
I would like nothing better and nothing more than to personally see and talk to Jesus. I think it would be the best experience in the entire universe!
So why do the disciples doubt even after they see and talk with the risen Jesus Christ? What is happening here?
What did they doubt?
I do not believe that some doubted Jesus was the Messiah. After all, they just worshiped him! Such a theory does not fit the context. I think a clue to Matthew's intent is found in what Jesus does next.
Immediately after the confession of their doubt, Matthew records that Jesus gives the disciples the great commission. "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples..."
I think these early Christ-followers doubted that God could use them.
Why?
They had rejected him. Peter might have been one of the biggest doubters as he had sworn his fidelity to Jesus and then denied him three times in an evening. These Christ-followers had more questions than answers. In the last week of Jesus' life, they had fought over who was the greatest. They no longer had the assurance of Jesus' presence in a physical sense. From the biblical accounts, it is obvious the risen Jesus did not show up on command. He had appeared, but when would be the next time?
They were living and believing just like we often do today! How could Jesus use them? They were so disappointing. They were struggling. They did not have all the answers. They now did not have Jesus' physical presence. How could God use them?
"Surely I am with you always, even to the very end of the age."
Jesus concludes with words of promise and hope. Words of Grace into the midst of the disciples fear and doubt. He was not leaving them as orphans! He would lead them! He would work in, through, and even in spite of them. He would use their strengths, their weaknesses, their sin, their doubt, and their times of faith. He knew their past, but He did not condemn. He gave a command to go and make disciples sandwiched between the promise of His power and authority (it is really about Him and not us), and his promise of abiding presence.
How can God use you? How can He use me?
Real ministry is about trusting in His grace that He can use you even with and in our weaknesses. His power works through broken vessels (2 Cor. 4:7). The keys to being used by God are three:
1.) Recognize and confess that we are broken "jars of clay." Don't put on airs or think your answers will change anything or anyone. Confess your need for God to work!
2.) Ask God to work through us. Ask Jesus to use you at work, at home, or where ever you find yourself. Walk in partnership with Him! Talk with Him about people and situations.
3.) Be open to God's leading. In other words, have your eyes open to opportunities to love God and neighbor. Sometimes this means speaking. Often it just means going out of your way to express love and concern. As you do this, you will be amazed at the opportunities that will arise to speak about what God has done in your life.
Authentic grace means that God can use people like the disciples, like you, and like me! Do not fear for Jesus is the risen King!
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