But some doubted
The Gospel for Sunday tells of one of Jesus’ resurrection appearances, but has an surprising statement.
“When they saw [Jesus], they worshiped him;” nothing surprising there. We would expect that to be the reaction to seeing the resurrected Jesus!
But Matthew continues, “but some doubted.” (Click here for the full passage.) How could you doubt when looking Jesus in the face?
Stepping back for a moment, this would have been a completely overwhelming experience for the disciples, and it would have been difficult to even believe one’s own eyes. I can make sense of doubting in a moment that defied all previous experience, but I want to think about the implications for us.
First, having some doubt does not mean we are not Christian or not followers of Jesus or just ‘bad’. Those who think carefully and take faith seriously will naturally have times of doubt. Indeed, the only road to a confident faith is through asking the really hard questions and grappling with doubt. In my experience, those to claim to never doubt are either lying to themselves, or never actually considered what our faith teaches.
Jesus is quite friendly to doubt – remember how He responded to Thomas (click here to read the story). What Jesus universally condemns is hypocrisy.
Second, doubt doesn’t mean that Jesus does not send us on mission into the world. He immediately sent the disciples out, apparently including the doubters. Not only are we not rendered unworthy by our moments of doubt, but we are still called into service! It is both my personal experience and my observation of others that engaging in service to God and one another is the best antidote to doubt.
The critical distinction I believe is this: Doubt that seeks truth and confidence is good and right. Doubt that simply seeks to doubt, or is just an excuse to not step out in faith and service is not worthy of the Christian.
So, do not run from or deny your doubt. Look for truth. Pray for confidence. Step out in faith. You will find God there!
And if there are things that you doubt and you want to talk about it, come out for “Tapping the Big Questions,” an open conversation I host at Intracoastal Brewery (map), first Tuesday of every month (including next Tuesday, June 6) 7 – 8:30 p.m.
This column appeared in the June 4, 2023 edition of St. John’s eNews. Click here for the complete issue.
If you are reading this at a different time, you may click here for the current eNews.
