Doubtful Discipleship

Doubtful Discipleship

Scripture:

Matthew 28:16

But the eleven disciples proceeded to Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had designated. 17 When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some were doubtful. 18 And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Observation:

The commission from Jesus Christ is a set of instructions for his disciples. They are to continue his ministry by going out and making more disciples but only because the authority which has been given to Jesus. These disciples are to go and make more disciples and baptize them. Finally he reminds them that he will always be with them. While this all sounds really good, we read that the eleven gathered to worship him and receive these instructions but some continued to be doubtful. It is with this doubt that they listened to his instruction but it leads us to question whether they all overcame their doubt, or whether it led to doubtful discipleship.

Application:

I have to confess that I have never really paid that much attention to the verses preceding the great commission and was a bit surprised to learn that some of the disciples continued to be doubtful. Yet, I believe we may just find ourselves right there with the eleven, questioning our faith and trust in Jesus. We may be doubtful disciples, and the result may be doubtful discipleship.

The opening of the book of Acts leads into the activities of the disciples and their lives and ministry. We hear much of some of them, and others seem to disappear from the pages of history. Could it have been a difference between belief and doubt. The faith of the disciple may have a direct affect on their disciples. I'm afraid that doubtful disciples will raise up more doubtful disciples. Believing disciples will raise up believing disciples.

The faith of the disciples was witnessed by the fruit of those whom they discipled. This commission is for all of God's children, for we are all called to make disciples. But if we were to examine our fruit what would be found? Believing disciples, or doubtful disciples. Our own faith will determine our fruit and so, before we become frustrated with those around us and what may appear to be a lack of faith, maybe we ought to examine ourselves. If we were on the mountain with the disciples today would we be a doubter? If so, then we will be engaged in doubtful discipleship. 

Prayer:

Thank you, Lord for all you have done for us. Please help me in my unbelief and empower me to make disciples. Amen.

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