In this story, the disciples see the risen Jesus. They worship him, but Matthew makes sure we know that some of them doubt. It is not “either/or,” it is “both/and.” Many of us know that exact mixture. We sing, pray, and even serve, while a quieter voice inside asks, “Is this real? Am I fooling myself? Will I ever feel certain?”
What comforts me is that Matthew does not treat doubt as a scandal to be hidden. Doubt is simply a part of the story. It is present even on the mountain, in the very moment when the resurrected Jesus is about to speak words that will send the church out into the world. In other words: Jesus does not wait for perfect inner clarity before trusting imperfect people with holy work.
Notice
too what the disciples do with their doubt. They still show up. They still climb the mountain. They still place themselves in the presence of Christ. That is already faith. Sometimes faith is not the absence of doubt; it is the choice to keep turning toward Jesus when doubt is loud.
This week’s reflections will move, verse by verse, through what we often call the Great Commission. But today sets the tone: the
commission begins with fragile, complicated disciples. That matters because the mission of God is not carried by superheroes. It is carried by people like us: worshipful and weary, hopeful and hesitant.
If you are doubting today, you are not disqualified. If you are worshipping today, you are not finished growing. The risen Christ can hold both.
Where do you feel both worship and doubt living side by side in you right now? What simple act of “showing up” might be your faith today?
