And behold, Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” And they came up and took hold of his feet and worshiped him… And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted.

Matthew 28:9,17 ESV

After the Sabbath, the first day of the week dawned. An angel of the Lord appeared to Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James by the tomb where Jesus had been buried. The angel told the women to let Jesus’ disciples know that he was alive, and that Jesus would see them in Galilee. 

The women ran—mixed with fear and great joy—to tell the disciples. Jesus met them with a friendly greeting. They grabbed Jesus’ feet. Why? This act proved that Jesus was physically alive, not merely a vision or hallucination. The women’s worship confirmed that they acknowledged Jesus as holy God. 

Author and pastor John Piper states, “True worship is a valuing or a treasuring of God above all things.” Our first inclination is to think of worship externally through song and praise, but if this is all it is, our worship is incomplete. All genuine worship is a matter of the heart. Worship focuses on a right understanding of God’s nature and immeasurable worth. Worship may take place anywhere at any time, expressed verbally and through acts of love. 

But… some doubted. How could they have wavered?  Not only the disciples were uncertain. Jesus appeared to more than five hundred brothers as eyewitnesses (1 Corinthians 15:6 ESV) during his forty-day stay. Not all could make sense of their experience. Nothing like this had ever happened. 

How would you have responded? I’m sure I would’ve been skeptical like the disciple, Thomas. At least he confessed his disbelief when he saw Jesus in the upper room while meeting with the other disciples (John 20:26 ESV). Thomas needed to see and touch Jesus’ crucifixion scars. Sadly, I would have, too.

Risen Lord Jesus, thank you for meeting us in our frailties and fears. Thank you for forgiving us when we doubt you. 

Karen Sims