TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL PASSAGE

16 Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. 17 And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted. 18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 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, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Matthew 28:16–20

DEVOTIONAL

by Stephanie Reloj

Faith and doubt often coexist in our spiritual journey. We may find ourselves questioning and unsure, especially when faced with significant challenges or uncertainties. These doubts can make us feel unworthy or incapable of fulfilling God’s calling. However, the Bible shows us that doubt does not disqualify us from being used by God.

In Matthew 28, after His resurrection, Jesus meets His eleven disciples on a mountain in Galilee. This moment, known as the Great Commission, is crucial in the New Testament. When the disciples saw Jesus, they worshiped Him, but some doubted. Despite these doubts, Jesus entrusted all eleven with the monumental task of making disciples of all nations, baptizing them, and teaching them to obey His commands.

Significantly, Jesus did not rebuke the doubters. Instead, He included them in His commission. This inclusion underscores that faith and doubt can coexist, and God’s work can proceed through us despite our uncertainties. Jesus’ understanding of human frailty and His grace toward His disciples is profoundly comforting. With this, we can trust that just as Jesus commissioned the doubting disciples, He calls us to serve Him despite our uncertainties. We can move forward in faith, trusting that He understands and supports us.

Also, Jesus’ commission to make disciples of all nations highlights the universal scope of the gospel. The disciples were not to limit their message to the Jewish people but were to extend it to the Gentiles as well. This was a radical expansion of their mission, emphasizing that the Gospel is for everyone. This universal mission compels us to break barriers and extend Christ’s love to everyone.

Jesus instructed the disciples to baptize “in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” This directive reveals the doctrine of the Trinity, affirming the unity and distinctiveness of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. By including Himself, Jesus also declares His deity, affirming His divine nature and authority. Understanding and acknowledging the doctrine of the Trinity deepens our faith and enriches our worship. We recognize the comprehensive work of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in our salvation and mission.

Overall, we should rely on Jesus’ authority and presence. It assures us that we are empowered for the mission He has given us. His promise of continual presence encourages us to persevere, knowing He is always with us.

 

PRAYER