Matthew 28:17
And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted. Matthew 28:17 (KJV)
“Matthew 28:17 is part of the final verses of the Gospel of Matthew, commonly known as the Great Commission. Jesus had risen from the dead, and before ascending to heaven He appeared to His disciples on a mountain in Galilee. This verse records the disciples’ mixed response upon seeing the resurrected Christ.
Worship in the Presence of the Risen Christ: The verse begins by stating that when the disciples saw Jesus, they worshiped Him. This response highlights their recognition of His divine nature and their reverence for the living God. Worship reflects their faith and acknowledges Jesus as the Son of God.
Doubt among the Disciples: The latter part of the verse reveals that “some doubted.” Even after witnessing the risen Lord and worshiping Him, some disciples still experienced doubt. This illustrates the human struggle with faith even in the presence of miraculous events. Doubt does not necessarily equal disbelief; it can arise from fear, uncertainty, or the complexity of the situation.
Understanding the Doubts: The disciples’ doubts expose the tension between faith and questioning that can accompany the Christian journey. Doubts are not uncommon and do not invalidate one’s faith. Jesus, in His compassion, understands our doubts and is willing to engage with them.
Responding to Doubt: While the text does not record Jesus directly addressing the disciples’ doubts, He proceeds to give them the Great Commission, granting authority and promising His continual presence. In the following verses He commissions the disciples, assuring them that He will be with them always, inviting a faith that embraces both trust and honest questioning.
Application: Matthew 28:17 challenges believers today to be honest about their doubts and to seek understanding. Rather than allowing doubt to paralyze faith, we can bring our questions and uncertainties to Jesus. He invites a relationship where doubts can be transformed into a deeper, more mature faith. God desires us to worship Him in spirit and truth (John 4:24) while acknowledging the reality of our doubts.
In summary, this verse captures the mixed response of the disciples upon seeing the resurrected Jesus. Some worshiped Him, others doubted. The passage highlights the complex nature of faith and doubt and underscores the importance of bringing our doubts to Jesus and seeking His guidance.
