Matthew 28:16-20

Be Still: Father, thank you for your kindness towards me. Please speak to me today through your word and fill me with your Spirit. Amen

Read: Matthew 28:16-20

When they saw him, they worshipped him, but some doubted. (v17)

Encounter:  This is wild to me. The eleven disciples have spent three years with Jesus, they’ve seen the miracles, they’ve heard the incredible teaching, they’ve watched as he raised a man from the dead. It’s forty days since Jesus died and was resurrected and, in that time, he’s appeared to the disciples multiple times. He’s eaten meals with them, chatted with them, they’ve seen the holes in his hands. They’ve seen it all! And now here they are with Jesus for the last time before he ascends into heaven….and some of them are still doubting?! I mean talk about faith as small as a mustard seed, right?

If I was Jesus, I’d have separated the sheep from the goats right there and then. I’d have sent the doubters home and commissioned the ones with faith to carry my kingdom into the world and make disciples. But he doesn’t. He commissions them all. The ones with faith and the doubters both get the same commission and the same promise, that Jesus will be with them always, to the very end of the age. 

Apply: Do you struggle with doubt? Have you seen God do amazing things in your life but still from time to time, you wonder if it’s all real? You’re in great company. Some of the greatest heroes of our faith felt exactly the same. The good news is that doubt doesn’t disqualify you from the great commission! We’re all called to go and make disciples of all nations! We don’t have to pretend to have figured it all out; we can take our doubts with us. Jesus promises that he’ll be with us too!

Devote: Thank you Jesus that you are sending me into the world to make disciples of all nations. Please fill me with your Holy Spirit.