Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:16-20.
Even with God’s physical revelation of the risen Jesus, some still have doubts. In this encounter with Jesus, seeing is not necessarily believing. How could they witness the divine miracle of the risen Jesus and still have doubts? We see that there is no guarantee that we will receive the blessing of belief, with or without physical proof.
Some of the eleven still have doubts because they cannot see Jesus with their hearts. Faith is kept from them. What might be keeping us from faith? How might the Lord soften our hearts today?
Jesus gives them his authority to baptize in the name of the triune God – Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Without this command and power, they will have no authority to forgive and baptize. Even in our weaknesses and doubts, God invites His people to join Him in His will for the world, in His mission of reconciliation and salvation for His people.
Jesus’ holy command is all-inclusive: the disciples must share the gospel with all peoples, all nations, with all authority from above, and with the constant presence of Jesus. Jesus is our advocate with the Father, our forgiveness and justification before God, and our hope to the end of the age.
God is calling us to be a part of His mission of salvation for His creation. Are we ready to leave our plans behind and follow Him today?