How Does Jesus Deal with Your Doubts?

June 07, 2023

By Brooke Holt

“When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted.” Matthew 28:17

Some things just seem too good to be true, don’t they? It can be that perfect day on the beach, the trip of a lifetime, the birth of a child you have prayed fervently for, or the wedding day of that long-awaited child. Life is full of joys and sorrows that can feel overwhelming to the point of seeming surreal. The disciples had that kind of experience during this post-resurrection time with Jesus.

These men had suffered such intense heartbreak as their teacher, friend, and Messiah was nailed to a cross. That heartbreak turned to hope as Mary declared Jesus was alive and that he would meet them in Galilee. Now in Galilee, Jesus was standing before them, and it felt far too good to be true. As they stood face to face with Jesus, we read about two responses – worship and doubt.

Before you judge the “doubting” disciples, let’s consider what is taking place. The word doubt comes from the Greek word “distazo”. The root, dis, means twice or two ways. It can also mean “to hesitate”. These disciples know for certain that Jesus was crucified, that he died, and that he was buried. They longed to believe he was standing before them. But they didn’t understand how; they were in shock. Their minds were going in two different directions – simultaneously thinking: this is impossible and this is a miracle’!

Jesus met them in their belief and in their doubt. He fully understood their doubts, and he received their worship. Whatever these men felt and thought did not change the truth. Jesus was crucified, dead, buried, and then Jesus was resurrected on the third day.

Jesus will continue to reassure these disciples and to call them out of doubt and into faith. Then Jesus will commission these imperfect people to do his kingdom work. Jesus will do the same for you.

Jesus understands your times of doubt and confusion, and he longs to meet you in these places. These doubts do not disqualify you for kingdom work. Rather, they invite you to experience the resurrected Jesus. He longs to reveal himself to you today no matter your struggle or what questions you have.

Reflection:

Will you bring all your doubts, hesitations, and questions to Jesus today and then allow him to reveal himself to you and to move you from doubt to faith and worship? We would love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

Recommended Resource:

Let's face it, the Christian life is hard. Relationships take work. Christians forget. Sometimes it is tempting to go back to the days when God was not the center of our lives - to backslide. We are all faced with tremendous pressures to drift away from intimacy with Jesus and the community of the Church. However, the Lord invites us to pay attention, to move forward, to draw near, and to live lives of worship. Draw Near: Hebrews on Christian Worship is a small group Bible study on the Book of Hebrews intended to lead participants into a deeper intimacy with the living God in the context of New Testament worship. Draw nearer to God in authentic worship today!