Life always brings me back to the Gospel of Matthew.
What is known about this gospel? Matthew depended on Mark during authorship, it was written in Greek, relies heavily on the Old Testament, and is similar to the construction of the Pentateuch. It's validity is also questioned by scholars since it is so close to John-Mark's gospel.
But what really strikes me is the way NIV and the Message both end the Gospel according to Matthew. Some disciples are holding back, doubting, weary, afraid, uncertain...etc.
THEY JUST SAW THE SON OF GOD be CRUCIFIED, DIE, BURIED, and RISEN AGAIN!
Selfishly I say, "Atleast they got a visual to base their beliefs on, a tangible experience."
Unselfishly, I understand that doubt, that hesitation, that fear. But again all I hear is that my God is not a God of comfort, but a God of challenges. My God is not a God of this world, but of eternity...of the NEW world.
And that my God calls me to GO, to HOP, JUMP, LEAP, SKIP, DIVE without fear.
Am I doubting too? Am I holding back from worship because of fear?
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8-10The women, deep in wonder and full of joy, lost no time in leaving the tomb. They ran to tell the disciples. Then Jesus met them, stopping them in their tracks. "Good morning!" he said. They fell to their knees, embraced his feet, and worshiped him. Jesus said, "You're holding on to me for dear life! Don't be frightened like that. Go tell my brothers that they are to go to Galilee, and that I'll meet them there."
11-15Meanwhile, the guards had scattered, but a few of them went into the city and told the high priests everything that had happened. They called a meeting of the religious leaders and came up with a plan: They took a large sum of money and gave it to the soldiers, bribing them to say, "His disciples came in the night and stole the body while we were sleeping." They assured them, "If the governor hears about your sleeping on duty, we will make sure you don't get blamed." The soldiers took the bribe and did as they were told. That story, cooked up in the Jewish High Council, is still going around.
16-17Meanwhile, the eleven disciples were on their way to Galilee, headed for the mountain Jesus had set for their reunion. The moment they saw him they worshiped him. Some, though, held back, not sure about worship, about risking themselves totally.
18-20Jesus, undeterred, went right ahead and gave his charge: "God authorized and commanded me to commission you: Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life, marking them by baptism in the threefold name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Then instruct them in the practice of all I have commanded you. I'll be with you as you do this, day after day after day, right up to the end of the age."
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