“And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted.”– Matthew 28:17 (KJV)
“When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some of them doubted.”– Matthew 28:17 (NLT)
“When they saw him, they fell down and worshiped him, but some of them doubted.”– Matthew 28:17 (MSG)
What Does Matthew 28:17 Mean?
Matthew 28:17 captures a moment of worship and doubt among the disciples after the resurrection of Jesus. This statement comes right after the significant event of Jesus rising from the dead, which is the cornerstone of the Christian faith. When we read this verse, we see a mixture of faith and uncertainty, which reflects the human experience. Some of the disciples fell to their knees in worship, recognizing Jesus as the risen Lord, while others were filled with doubt, unsure of what to believe.
This dual reaction shows us that even the closest followers of Jesus faced moments of uncertainty. It’s easy to imagine what they were feeling: overwhelmed by emotions, stunned by the reality of the resurrection, and grappling with their faith. This moment is significant, as it reminds us that doubt is a natural part of belief. It doesn’t mean we lack faith; it means we are human, and we are learning to trust.
Matthew 28:17 Explanation and Commentary
The number of people who worshiped versus those who doubted tells us something essential about the nature of faith. When we think about worship, we often picture an atmosphere filled with joy and certainty. Yet, this verse paints a more complex picture. Worship is not always about having everything figured out or being filled with absolute certainty. Sometimes, our worship can stem from a place of confusion or doubt.
This chapter of Matthew comes at a critical turning point in the biblical narrative. After the crucifixion, the disciples are confronted with the reality of Jesus’ resurrection. It’s a time of fear and uncertainty for them; they had seen their leader suffer unspeakable torture and death. The moment they saw Jesus alive again must have been filled with various emotions: joy, relief, and also confusion. Some of them responded by worshiping, while others hesitated. This mix reflects how we might feel in our own lives, facing moments of clarity and moments of confusion.
In many ways, this passage connects with our daily lives. We often face challenges that make us question our beliefs. We might find ourselves in situations where we doubt the goodness of God or our faith in His plan for our lives. Yet, despite the doubts we have, the invitation to worship remains. In those moments, we can lay aside our uncertainties and focus on the truth of who Jesus is and what He represents.
This verse encourages us to embrace moments of worship, even in our struggles. We can remember that worship can be an act of faith in itself, affirming our beliefs through our actions, even when we are unsure in our hearts.
Context of Matthew 28:17
To understand this verse, it helps to look at the surrounding context. Matthew 28 narrates one of the most important events in Christian belief: the resurrection of Jesus Christ. After being crucified, buried, and then rising from the dead on the third day, Jesus appears to His disciples, providing them with encouragement, instruction, and hope for the mission that lies ahead.
The passage also portrays women as key witnesses to the resurrection. Before Jesus appears to the disciples, an angel tells the women at the tomb that Jesus has risen. Their role in this narrative reflects the profound significance of their faith and courage. They were the first to witness the resurrected Christ and were entrusted with the message of His return.
In the verses leading up to Matthew 28:17, we see the angel giving directives to the women, telling them to inform the disciples that Jesus would meet them in Galilee. This context establishes a foundation of hope and direction for the followers of Jesus at a time when their hope had seemed shattered.
The appearance of Jesus in this chapter symbolizes the overcoming of death, sin, and despair. It marks the fulfillment of His promises and the assurance that the followers are not alone. In this moment of revelation and transformation, we see that worship and doubt can coexist. Recognizing our doubts is part of our journey; we can still come before God, worship, and seek understanding.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Matthew 28:17
There are key elements to examine in Matthew 28:17 that can enhance our understanding of its meaning. The first part emphasizes the response of the disciples: “they worshiped him.” This act of worship is central to the Christian faith. Worship signifies a recognition of Jesus’s divine nature and authority. It is an expression of love, gratitude, and submission to the Savior.
However, we are also told that “some doubted.” This is incredibly significant. It highlights that worship can be a part of our experience, even amidst uncertainty. This duality is essential for many of us, as we navigate our spiritual journeys. We may have moments of profound worship and adoration, but we can also struggle with doubts that weigh on our hearts.
Understanding these layers allows us to normalize our doubts and support one another in our faith journeys. It shows us that we are not alone in our questions and struggles. This open dialogue about doubt can lead to deeper conversations about faith, hope, and the promises of God.
Furthermore, this passage invites us to continue worshiping despite our uncertainties. It encourages us to press into faith, to bring our doubts before God, and to seek deeper relationships with Him. It’s a reminder that our worship may not always look perfect or polished; it can come from a place of yearning and searching.
Lessons to Learn From Matthew 28:17
This verse offers profound lessons for us. One significant lesson is the importance of reconciliation between faith and doubt. We must recognize that doubt does not disqualify us from experiencing faith; it can be a part of our journey, propelling us to seek answers and deeper understanding. Just as the disciples experienced doubt, we too can embrace our imperfections and trust God to guide our inquiries.
Another lesson lies in the power of worship. Worship can serve as a bridge between our difficulties and our relationship with God. When we choose to worship, even amid confusion, we open ourselves up to experience His presence and love. Worship can help us realign our hearts and minds, reminding us of God’s faithfulness and sovereignty in our lives.
Additionally, this verse teaches us the importance of community. The disciples experienced both disbelief and assurance together. They were there for one another, a reflection of how we are called to support one another in our own faith journeys. We can find strength in shared experiences and encouragement from fellow believers.
Finally, we can take comfort in knowing that Jesus is aware of our struggles. He understands our doubts and invites us into His presence. Through worship, we can come before Him as we are, laying our questions and uncertainties on the altar, trusting that He can handle them and provide peace amidst the storms.
Final Thoughts
Matthew 28:17 is an invitation to recognize the beauty of worship in the midst of doubt. It encourages us to engage honestly with our feelings, knowing that both worship and questions can coexist within our hearts. Just as the disciples came together, both worshiping and doubting, we can do so as well.
In our faith journey, we can hold onto the promise that Jesus is with us, guiding us as we traverse through uncertainties. The path may not always be clear, and there may be times when doubt creeps into our hearts. Still, we are called to worship. Let’s be encouraged to seek the Lord, celebrate His resurrection, and invite others into this experience.
Let us continue exploring the depths of biblical wisdom together by discovering more on topics like [Matthew 11](https://biblerepository.com/matthew-11/) or exploring narratives from the beginning of creation in [Genesis 18](https://biblerepository.com/genesis-188/) and [Genesis 17](https://biblerepository.com/genesis-187/). Each passage can inspire us and strengthen our faith in God.