When We Worship

“And they worshipped him, but some doubted” (Matthew 28:17).

The Bible tells us that after the resurrection of Jesus, his appearance was changed.  We can imagine a glorified body that had been through death and then resurrected victorious by God the Father would have been transformed from its former state. 

Whatever one believes about the Shroud of Turin, the relic many believe to be the burial cloth of Christ, exactly how the image came to be imprinted on the cloth continues to be a mystery.  Some scientists conclude that only intense radiation of billions of watts, could have created the image, with its particular qualities.   A source of intense power but one that did not incinerate the cloth, a source of power unknown on the earth – could this be the power that transformed Jesus’s body? 

We’re told in Matthew’s gospel that after Jesus’s resurrection, after the disciples were told, they “went to Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had directed them.”   
Matthew gives us precious little detail about this encounter, but includes this line, “And they worshipped him, but some doubted.” 

I wonder why he included that line and why anyone would have doubted Jesus when he was there in front of them.  Was it all too much for their senses, having seen him in agony three days before, having seen him seemingly defeated, that he would be standing before them?  Was his changed body too much to take in?  Even though he had told them several times what would happen, was it all too incomprehensible?

“And they worshipped him, but some doubted.”

Even in their doubt, they worshipped him.

Then Matthew says, “And Jesus came and said to them..”. 

As they worshipped, Jesus came to them. 

And as if to answer their doubts, before he gives them the Great Commission, Jesus says, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” 

He was telling them his position, confirming his power in all of Heaven and earth. 

He then gives them their charge and a promise, “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, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.  And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:19-20). 

We can doubt and still worship.  In fact, without doubt, we don’t really have faith. 

But when we worship, He comes to us.  When we worship, our faith is strengthened as we honor the one who has all authority in heaven and on earth. 

When we worship, we are reminded that he is with us, to the end of the age.