By David Faust
Here’s an interesting detail about Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. All four Gospels mention there were doubters after Jesus rose from the dead.
Don’t misunderstand. We call these books Gospels precisely because they confidently announce the good news that Christ died and came back to life again. All four Gospels present Jesus’ death and resurrection as historical facts, confirmed by multiple eyewitnesses. And the Lord’s post-resurrection appearances weren’t fleeting glimpses but in some cases involved prolonged conversations and meals eaten with others. The reality of Jesus’ resurrection was confirmed by “many convincing proofs that he was alive” (Acts 1:3).
But despite all the evidence, some individuals were difficult to convince.
Doubters Among the Disciples
John recounts the story of the famous skeptic Jesus told, “Stop doubting and believe” (John 20:27), but Thomas wasn’t the only person who found the resurrection hard to accept. According to Luke, when the apostles first heard about the empty tomb, they “did not believe the women, because their words seemed to them like nonsense” (Luke 24:11); and later, when the Lord showed them his hands and feet, “they still did not believe it because of joy and amazement” (v. 41). Mark’s Gospel says the Lord “rebuked them for their lack of faith and their stubborn refusal to believe those who had seen him after he had risen” (Mark 16:14).
And Matthew’s account says, “When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted” (Matthew 28:17). Are you surprised to find that verse tucked in right before the Great Commission where Jesus says to make disciples of all nations and baptize them? It’s a little unsettling to find doubters mixed with worshipers at this climactic point in Jesus’ ministry.
Why did they doubt? Jesus predicted his own resurrection multiple times (for example, in Matthew 16:21; 17:23), but when this grandaddy of all miracles happened, was it more than his followers’ minds could handle? Were they confused by the rumor circulating among the Jews that Jesus’ body was stolen from the tomb (Matthew 28:12-15)? Did life after death simply seem too good to be true?
Gentleness and Respect
Still today, when we gather on Easter to celebrate the resurrection, doubters mingle with the worshipers. Bright-colored spring clothes can’t cover up the darkness many of our neighbors carry in their hearts. Some never think much about faith, while others ask serious questions about God, but haven’t found satisfying answers. Life has treated them harshly, so they wonder if God is harsh. Or they have found the Bible difficult to understand, so they have given up reading it.
Some people show up at an Easter service to fulfill an obligation or continue a family tradition, but they don’t agree with the preacher’s words. Yet, they come and listen to our sermons and songs. These doubters mixed with the worshipers are harassed and hurting—sheep without a shepherd who need the gospel more than they realize.
Easter provides a unique opportunity for us to “be merciful to those who doubt” (Jude 22) and explain the reasons for our hope “with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15). Every day, we rub shoulders with precious souls God designed to be worshipers, but who wrestle with doubt, discouragement, and defeat. For their sake, may our faith be authentic and our lives magnetic, overflowing with resurrection hope.
Personal Challenge: This week, reach out to a friend, neighbor, co-worker, or classmate who doesn’t go to church. Ask them to have lunch or coffee with you or invite them to join you for services at your church.
Author: David Faust
David Faust serves as contributing editor of Christian Standard and senior associate minister with East 91st Street Christian Church in Indianapolis, Indiana. He is the author of Not Too Old: Turning Your Later Years into Greater Years.
