Mark 16:14a Later Jesus appeared to the Eleven as they were eating;
In verses 1-13 there are three different times where the news of Jesus’s resurrection was told….and three different times when that news was not believed. In today’s verses, Jesus rebukes the Eleven for “their stubborn refusal to believe those who had seen Him after He had risen.” I think there is a lot to unpack here.
Mark 16:14b he rebuked them for their lack of faith and their stubborn refusal to believe those who had seen him after he had risen.
Did the disciples not believe because they weren’t the ones who saw the risen Lord? Did they not believe because at least twice it was women who had seen or heard the message firsthand? Were they arrogant, thinking that even though they had failed Jesus as He knew they would that if He were actually risen He would come to them first? Did their skepticism keep them from going to Galilee as they were supposed to? Did they feel the enormous grace involved in the fact that Jesus was going ahead of them just as He said?
Mark 16:15 He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.
Precious Savior, There is so much that I don’t know, don’t understand. Thank You that I don’t have to understand Your resurrection to believe it. Help me not to be afraid to proclaim Your risen glory. Help me not to be reluctant to believe reports of Your presence. Help me to look for You and to see You and to praise You everywhere. Always. Amen.
Mark 16:16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.
Have a blessed day.