Journal Matt 28 (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation are mine)
Scripture: Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them.
And when they saw [Jesus] they worshiped him…but some doubted.
And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” Matt 28:16-20a
Observation: Yep, the Great Commission—the same commission found in Mark 16:15, Luke 24:45-47, and Acts 1:1-8. All of them have a singular theme, with variations.
But what about here?
Application: I wonder about the Disciples that doubted.
All saw Jesus. It is indicated that all recognized him here. All worshipped.
Why did some doubt and who doubted?
It is written that Thomas doubted, “I will not believe until I stick my hand into His wounds…”, a pretty gutsy thing to say; Tom was obviously dramatic, theatrical, and didn’t mind getting his hands gooey with blood. I wonder why Tom chose this to make a stand. He was sent out to heal folks, cast out demons, preach the coming kingdom…but now? “You all are obviously fooled and delusional,” Tom says, “Me? I want to touch His appendix and squeeze His liver before I believe…”
Jesus appeared, lifted his robe, and said, “Here I am, Tommy, try Me…”
Thomas came around and believed…and probably felt foolish for the rest of his life. Maybe the Others never let him forget it. “Hey, remember when Tom here challenged Jesus? Stick his hand into the wounds? Remember the look on Tom’s face?” “Come on, stop teasing me…You guys are bad…”
How did this episode help the Disciples start on the Commission? How did they begin? It did help, I think. Had to. God would not have included the story in the Scriptures if He didn’t want us to think about it.
Taking all the Commission stories and making it a synthesis, the best clue is found in Luke 24: “…repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem.” (Luke 24:47)
Maybe the next clue is, “…make disciples…teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” (Matt 28:19-20)
My question to myself is: Am I taught to observe all He has commanded? This is a “face in the mirror” question, one that is not dependent on outside actions (like preaching, reading, and studying), but is wholly dependent on my personal intention: Do I want to increase and excel in godliness?
Ok, that may be too much for this posting. How about preaching the Gospel? Do I start from “…dead in our sin…”, and repent? Or do I start from “Jesus has a wonderful life for you if only you will confess “He is Lord?”” I think the dynamics are tremendously apart from one another.
Confession: I am frightened to preach from Sin, Repent, and be saved for fear of offending the listener. Shucks, even confessing believers can be offended—I was, for a long time.
The question continues, “Is this ground zero for preaching the Gospel and committing to the Commission?”
So, to be clear, I am challenging myself with this post. I am horrible at evangelizing but getting better as the Holy Spirit brings folks. Right now, I am focusing on stretching out to strangers in the grocery store to lay hands and pray for them and continuing to review reciting the Gospel story from when it started: From before Time began.
Prayer: Father, in my weakness, you are made strong. Help me to be courageous.
AMEN.
Ricky Two Shoes