Wednesday, April 8, 2015

4/9/15 Easter Appearances and Doubts

9When Jesus rose early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene,out of whom he had driven seven demons. 10She went and told those who had been with him and who were mourning and weeping. 11When they heard that Jesus was alive and that she had seen him, they did not believe it.
12Afterward Jesus appeared in a different form to two of them while they were walking in the country.13These returned and reported it to the rest; but they did not believe them either.
14Later Jesus appeared to the Eleven as they were eating; he rebuked them for their lack of faith and their stubborn refusal to believe those who had seen him after he had risen.
15He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. (Mark 16)

Thoughts: The Gospel of Mark ends with almost a list of appearances of Jesus.  Most scholars think Mark 16 was added to the text but added very early (most believe Mark was written before 79 AD and is the first gospel) perhaps by the author himself.  Regardless, the early church accepted Mark 16 as just as canonical as the rest of the gospel.
     He lists almost bullet points.  He appeared to Mary Magdalene- this confirms the appearance where Jesus said to her to not hold onto her.  It also confirms their own incredulity.  This is not a sugar-coated version.  The Bible does not hide doubt- but it does rebuke it. When Jesus appeared to the two walking to Emmaus (in this instance it doesn't give the specifics of where they were walking, but we can wisely assume it was the same event).  There is unbelief here too.
     But when Jesus appeared to the Eleven, he not only rebuked Thomas (as John points out) but also the other disciples who doubted.  For the gospel to spread, belief has to happen.  If we do not believe, who cares?  If Christianity is just one ethical or philosophical system among many, and if one is as good as another- then why does it really matter?  But if Christ has truly risen from the dead, it is time to quit doubting and start spreading the news!

Prayer: I believe Lord, help my unbelief.  


      

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