The following is one of the most puzzling events in scripture. “Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had appointed for them. When they saw him they worshiped him; but some doubted” (Mt 28:16).
What did they doubt? He was standing in front of him. They had touched him (John 20:19, 27; 1 John 1:1). They had eaten fish and bread with him (Luke 24:30-35; John 21:9-13). Surely they could not have been doubting he was alive.
We need to turn to Acts 1:1-3 to get a possible explanation. There we find out that Jesus had been telling them things pertaining to the kingdom of God. He told them that they would make disciples of all nations. They would baptize people and teach them to observe all Jesus had told them (Mt 28:18-20). Maybe those who doubted were remembering how they had failed him, fleeing in the garden and leaving Jesus to face the Romans alone. It must have been difficult for them to see themselves as mighty men of God.
They now knew how weak they were in their own strength. But they were about to be filled with the Holy Spirit and be transformed into steadfast witnesses of eternal life in Christ Jesus (Acts 1:8).
