When Jesus met his eleven disciples in Galilee, as recorded by Matthew 28:16-20, “they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted.”
A possible chronology explains the different responses. While in Galilee teaching, and only after the Twelve confessed him as God’s Son, Jesus began and continued to teach his crucifixion and resurrection. The whole idea of crucifixion so saddened them they completely overlooked his promise of resurrection. The angels reminded the women of both promises Luke 24:6-8. In fact, both Matthew and Mark record Christ’s message to the Eleven through the women Matthew 28:9-10, Mark 16:7: “Go to Galilee. I will meet you there.” Not heeding the Master’s instruction, they remained in Jerusalem for at least the first week after his resurrection John 20:19, 26. An understandable decision, since Jesus appeared to them in the Upper room in those eight days. He then left them, perhaps reminding them of their meeting in Galilee. Very likely, after the second Sunday appearance, Simon and six disciples left for Galilee and home. We don’t know where the other four were, but, being from Galilee, they may have preceded the seven. John 21:1ff records the “third time Jesus appeared to his disciples after he was raised from the dead.” This was in Galilee, at the Lake, with only seven disciples present. Back in Galilee, with Jesus absent, the lure of the nets called Simon to his former occupation, if for nothing but a diversion until Jesus would again return. At this meeting Jesus probably ordered the seven to find the absent four and meet him at the designated mountain, likely close to the lake. Matthew may have mentioned only the Eleven since Christ directed his commission to them as the founding heralds and leaders of the church. That would mean others could have been present. Paul said that Jesus appeared to more than 500 on one occasion, perhaps this one. If a larger number met with the Eleven, it’s possible some still doubted if it WERE Jesus. Obviously, none of the Eleven would still be doubting. The Master’s appearance on the first two Sunday evenings resolved any doubt for them and others with them when Jesus appeared Luke 24:33-35. Nevertheless, the reference to some doubting has remarkable textual integrity. When the Gospels were written, with years of preaching Christ alive from the dead, describing life AS IT WAS years before proves the honesty of Gospel writers. The point of absolute integrity is Christ’s declaration in verses 18-20. If others weren’t sure it was Jesus speaking, HE KNEW it was HE. If others had reservations about Jesus, HE had NONE about himself. If unbelievers don’t want him with all authority, he still claimed it, having demonstrated by dying, being buried and RISING on the third day. If skeptics wish he had established a kingdom with major emphasis on social concerns and less on sin—Jesus KNEW the kind of kingdom he wanted, would establish and continue to oversee until he concludes history. End Part III
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