April 14, 2020
We often read this with our present knowledge of the resurrection, and we forget how that first Resurrection Day impacted those around Jesus.
In the first part of this passage the chief priests and elders want to ignore the fact of Jesus’ resurrection. With their lying and continual disbelief their hearts grow harder. We may think of them as foolish trying to stop the plans of God.
In the second part, the disciples meet the resurrected Jesus. As they “see” him their hearts are turned towards worship and then action. Through the reality of the resurrection we, too, receive an ongoing responsibility.
We are saved and sent but do we think it is a foolish command to follow through with God’s plans because we won’t/don’t go?
Matthew 28:11-20
The Report of the Guard
11 While they were going, behold, some of the guard went into the city and told the chief priests all that had taken place. 12 And when they had assembled with the elders and taken counsel, they gave a sufficient sum of money to the soldiers 13 and said, “Tell people, ‘His disciples came by night and stole him away while we were asleep.’ 14 And if this comes to the governor’s ears, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.” 15 So they took the money and did as they were directed. And this story has been spread among the Jews to this day.
The Great Commission
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.”
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
Jesus is calling us today…right where we are, to show how much we love Him and tell others about Him.
This part sticks out to me: And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted. I’m thinking how could they still doubt? I mean, they’re seeing him with their own eyes and they had already witnessed him performing miracles, but they still doubted. All of our lives, we seem to be plagued with doubts even though we see God working in our lives all the time!
As much as I’d like to go back to the way it was, thank you Lord for loving me, for today and the opportunities you have given me to give you glory. Help me tell others how much you love them, you as I love them, and point them to you.
Thank you for sending these daily email readings.
I feel that it might be out of there understanding. For the people that doubt him must really feel surprised. Now they can really know God loves them and they were able to be among the Son of the Father! thank you for the daily reading!
Jesus had the power given by God and told us exactly what we were to do. Then made the great promise that he would be with us always, to the end of the age.
This is the marching orders for each follower of Christ with the promise we will not fail because HE is with us all the way.
PRAISE THE LORD!!
This reading makes me reflect on how strong doubt can be. It is so easy to doubt Him, especially during hardships. We must stay strong in our faith.
Thank you so much for sending this devotional emails daily it helps a lot and to reflect on things around us too .