Matthew 28:16–20 — “They Worshipped… But Some Doubted”

Matthew 28:16–20 — “They Worshipped… But Some Doubted”This passage takes place after the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The eleven disciples go to Galilee, to the mountain Jesus appointed. This is not случай—this is divine appointment and obedience. Even in their uncertainty, they showed up.Verse 17 is the tension point: “When they saw Him, they worshipped Him—but some doubted.”The word for worshipped is proskuneō—it means to bow down, to reverence, to submit. This is not casual acknowledgment. This is recognition of Jesus’ divine authority. They are responding to the resurrected Christ.But at the same time, some doubted. The Greek word used is distazō—it does not mean outright unbelief, but hesitation, wavering, uncertainty. It’s the picture of being pulled in two directions internally.So here is the exegetical reality: They are physically present with Jesus… They are acknowledging Him as Lord… Yet internally, some are still wrestling.This reveals something critical: Faith and doubt can coexist in the same moment.The text does not rebuke them. Instead, in verse 18, Jesus moves toward them and declares: “All authority (exousia) in heaven and on earth has been given to Me.”He doesn’t address their doubt first—He establishes His authority.Then He gives the Great Commission: “Go therefore and make disciples (mathēteuō)… teaching (didaskō) them…”Here’s the theological weight: Jesus commissions worshippers who are still working through doubt.He does not wait for perfect faith. He calls them while they are still growing.And then He closes with a promise: “I am with you always…”So the structure of the text shows: Presence → Worship → Tension (doubt) → Authority → Commission → PromiseThe takeaway: You don’t have to have it all figured out to follow Jesus. You can worship Him and still be processing. What matters is that you respond, submit, and continue in obedience.God is able.