Even a Little Faith Counts, Matthew 28:16-20

I have to confess something to you. My faith has a lot of room for improvement. Do I shock you? I hope not. I am a normal person on this faith journey just like everyone else. When I write these devotions, I write them for myself as well.

When I read today’s passage I saw that I was in good company. In today’s verses we read, “Jesus' eleven disciples went to a mountain in Galilee, where Jesus had told them to meet him. They saw him and worshiped him, but some of them doubted.” Here they are, only a short time since the crucifixion. Jesus has sent messages through some women that the disciples were to go to Galilee to meet him.

Jesus had told his disciple, prior to his death, that he would be killed and rise to life again so here they are. Did you see the last five words, “but some of them doubted.” I think I might have been among the doubters. I would have been so wrapped up in the emotion of knowing my savior died, that I probably would have questioned if he could possible come back to life.

Yes, some of the disciples doubted but don’t miss the fact that they showed up. They wanted to believe and we don’t see Jesus reprimanding them for their doubt, rather he commissions them into his service. If you are like me and see where your faith needs improvement, don’t lose hope. Keep showing up! Jesus will continue to work on you and in you to change the world.

Read today's passage at Biblegateway Matthew 28:16-20

Walk By Faith, Not By Sight Matthew 9:18-34

While reading our text today, I am amazed at the conviction of those who are approaching Jesus for a miracle. In each instance the request comes from great faith. Not even death hinders a father from saying, “My daughter has just died. But come and put your hand on her, and she will live.”

We don’t expect those miracles today. When we see death taking our loved one from us, we submit that the only victory they will receive is heaven. Heaven is the ultimate victory, but Jesus still heals. It's important for us to remember that death is not too strong for Jesus, he overcame his own death on a cross, and he can still raise the dead today.

I don’t think the healings in this passage are as important as the faith behind them. When we have confidence that God is who he says he is, and he will do what he has promised to do, we will boldly proclaim that to those who don’t yet believe. But when we doubt God’s ability, we tend to keep God a secret.

My father is sick, and everything that is happening to him physically, says he will probably die soon. But I not only believe in a God who is fully capable of healing my father, I believe in a God who still works miracles and so I want to tell everyone about Him. My faith is not dependent on God's actions, but on His ability.

Who can you tell about God? Is there someone in your life who needs a God of miracles? Then go with the conviction that the God you serve is able to do more than we could dream or imagine.

Read today's passage on Biblegateway Matthew 9:18-34

Some Doubted...?

Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted.  Matthew 28:16

But some doubted… Wow, what hard words to understand. How could some of the eleven remaining disciples doubt after all they had been through? They have seen the risen Messiah. They have touched him, broke bread with him, some have fished with him again. I’m not sure what they doubted, maybe they were on overload. Too much has happened this past month to process. Maybe they doubted that Jesus should be leaving again. The job before them was too big.

Whatever their doubt, it doesn’t seem to stress Jesus. He sees the big picture. He went ahead and commissioned those standing there, assuring them that, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” It’s as if he is saying, “You know me, we have spent lots of time doing this work already. Now trust me and keep doing what we’ve been doing, and oh yeah, I am with you ALWAYS, to the very end of the age. When you need me I’ll be right here.”

Let’s trust God for that today.

Read today entire passage on Bible Gateway Matthew 28: 16-20

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