In Matthew 28:16-20 the disciples are together in Galilee like Jesus requested. Upon seeing Him, Matthew recalls how they worshiped Him, but some doubted. At one point or another, we will all experience doubt.

Doubt is a natural human response when encountering something that defies our understanding or logic. In the case of the disciples, doubt was a natural response to a supernatural encounter.

Doubt usually shows up when something is unfamiliar to you. The question is not whether you have doubt but how you respond to doubt?

When word first spread how Jesus’ tomb was empty Thomas said, “…Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe.” John 20:25

Jesus invites Thomas to touch His wounds, and Thomas believes. Despite his doubt, Jesus said, “Do not disbelieve but believe,” John 20:27

In another incident during Jesus’ ministry, a man brings his son who was possessed by evil spirits to Jesus to heal him. Jesus tells the father “all things are possible for one who believes.” The father said, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” And Jesus healed the boy.

Even with this man’s unbelief, there was enough belief active, and Jesus healed His son. You don’t have to have every question answered to have enough faith for God to move mountains.

• You may question if healing is possible with the doctor’s diagnosis.
• You may wonder if your situation can change.
• You may have your doubts but believe.
• Believe that God can do exceedingly and abundantly beyond what you ask or hope for.

 Doubt becomes a faith killer when it keeps you from praying or trusting God.

In one of Jesus’ final conversations with the disciples, He shares what’s next. He gives them three points to pivot on as they move forward.

The first thing He mentions is power.

Jesus has been given all authority. The phrase “All authority” in Greek is “Pas Exousia.”

Pas means the sum of all things, every part, expresses totality. It’s complete and encompasses everything. Exousia is the right to act, without the added implication of authority. No one else needs to approve His decision making.

This issue of authority is also important because it is the foundation of our second point, purpose.

 The power of God is about;

• Building His kingdom, not my/our empire.
• Achieving His purposes, not my plans.
• Rescuing broken and lost people for eternity not filling my pockets with temporary wealth.

God’s power is unmatched in every way, giving us the needed support to reach the world with the Gospel of Jesus Christ!

If you’re a follower of Jesus, you have a clearly defined purpose. The place you work or the school you attend serves as a platform for this purpose. You live out God’s purpose at work or school by walking out your faith in that environment.

The word “Go” in the text is poreuomai, and it means to go from one place to another.

We are to make disciples wherever we are. This is the responsibility of every follower.

The word “nations,” comes from the Greek word Ethnos and means a multitude of individuals of the same group, people, group, tribe. All nations are the people you know and interact with regularly.

This brings us to our third and final point, promise.

The gospel of Matthew opened with the promise that Jesus is our Immanuel, God with us, and closes with the promise that He is with us to the end. Jesus said, “I am with you always.” Not “I will be with you,” but Jesus says with certainty “I am with you!”

The promise of continuous fellowship should enable us to override all doubt that attempts to extinguish our faith and trust in God.

He has all authority so that we can confidently fulfill our purpose with a certainty that He will be with us to the end of time. You can fulfill God’s purpose in your life because He has all authority and will be with you to the very end.

Go!