Suffering With HopeSample

Resurrection, Doubt, and Worship 

“But some doubted” (Matthew 28:17). This detail demonstrates the author’s deep realism (resurrection confuses people) and confidence (such a Lord as this resolves such doubts). Two competing responses seem to be put together: “They worshiped him, but some doubted,” or it could be translated “some hesitated.” Why or what is it they doubt? They “see” Jesus, so their hesitation is not about his physical presence. No, the doubt or hesitation is about the worship. Some begin to worship, and they are worshiping one who is staring right back at them through human eyes. What does this say about God’s identity, about his commitment to his creation in general and humanity in particular?

To glorify and worship any other than the true God would have been considered blasphemous and punishable by stoning. But now the disciples were looking at Jesus, their former rabbi, their teacher and friend; only this Jesus did not appear to be merely their earthly master but, to echo Thomas’s stunning confession, Jesus is recognized as “My Lord and my God” (John 20:28). Any person encountering God should respond with worship. Thus the apparent dilemma: worship the risen Jesus or not? There is no neutrality. But those who worship a risen Savior discover God’s intention for their bodies and what the gospel means for their present suffering.

Only as we look at the resurrected Jesus can we find courage to live through our pain, questions, and struggles. Looking at the risen Messiah we are brought to worship the one God who so loved his people that he became one of his people, took on true flesh and blood, including our pains, hunger, and weakness. He took it all the way to the grave. And then in the power of the Spirit of God he rose from the dead to declare God’s great victory over sin, death, and the devil. This same Spirit of God is then poured out on us, securing our eventual bodily resurrection (Romans 8:11). Looking at the risen Christ we discover the depth of God’s love, his solidarity with us, and his compassionate power, which will make all things new through Jesus the firstborn from the dead. Hesitations should cease and worship should begin.

From Embodied Hope by Kelly M. Kapic.