But Some Doubted

When they saw him, they worshiped, but some doubted. (Matthew 28:17 CSB)

“…but some doubted.” I find this a very curious phrase in Matthew’s Gospel. Mostly because of when it occurs. Let me set the stage for you. This incident takes place on the Mount of Olives moments before Jesus ascends into heaven.

The eleven disciples are there amongst others. It is my belief this is also the incident Paul spoke of in 1 Corinthians 15:6. “Then he appeared to over five hundred brothers and sisters at one time; most of them are still alive, but some have fallen asleep.” (CSB)

We know none of the eleven disciples were the doubters because this takes place after Thomas saw Jesus. There for, there had to be others. Yet, some of the people there still doubted. Why?

It is difficult to fathom the reason. Standing on the mountain before them is the resurrected Christ. There was no doubt of His death on the cross. It was widely known and verbally publicized. Were they then doubting His resurrection? I don’t believe so. The evidence of the resurrection stood before them.

This caused me to dig around a little and then I discovered the Greek word used for doubt here is different from the one used for Thomas’ doubt. The word used for Thomas’s doubt means “without faith or trust.”

The Greek word used for doubt in this scripture means “to hesitate or waver.” That is a significance difference in meaning. So, some people there actually hesitated or wavered. We know this because there were only 120 committed disciples in the upper room.

This applies to Christians in churches throughout America. The church may have 250 people attending regularly on Sunday morning, but only forty on Sunday night and less on Wednesday night bible study. Why is this so?

It’s because they hesitate or waver to commit to attending these services. It is a matter of desire and passion. We make time to do what we are passionate about. How many men complain about getting up for work every morning at 6 a.m., yet eagerly jump out of bed at 5 a.m. to go fishing or golfing?

What about you? Are you one of the “…but some doubted” group? Are you fully committed to Jesus and your church? Are you willing to do whatever it takes to become a fully committed disciple of Jesus?
These are questions all of us need to ask ourselves.

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father. I have honestly examined myself and my intents. Forgive me for the areas where I have hesitated or wavered in serving you. From this moment forward, I will serve you passionately with 100% dedication. I thank you for forgiving me and ask you to show me any areas where I am not fully committed. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

Additional Scriptures

Proverbs 16:3; Matthew 22:37; 1 Kings 8:61; Psalm 37:5