Incredulous. Mark 16:9-13.
Now when he rose early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons. She went and told those who had been with him, as they mourned and wept. But when they heard that he was alive and had been seen by her, they would not believe it. After these things, he appeared in another form to two of them, as they were walking into the country. And they went back and told the rest, but they did not believe them.
Dear Ambassadors of the Risen King,
That the disciples did not believe the reports of the resurrection should not surprise us. Their own perception of what Jesus was meant to be and what he came to do blinded their eyes and dulled their ears to everything Jesus demonstrated or said to them. In addition, the finality of death was well known to them.
Surprise (v. 9). Jesus first appeared to Mary Magdalene. The witness of women was not respected then, but Jesus breached convention and showed himself first to the person who probably loved him most, of all his disciples. This also points to the special place that women held in Jesus’ ministry. That the first witnesses to the empty tomb and the resurrection were women is statement enough, especially in a culture that generally despises women.
Sadness (v. 10-11). But the grieving disciples would not believe that Jesus was alive and that Mary had seen him. They probably concluded that in her grief, Mary was hallucinating. Any explanation seemed to be more persuasive than the incredible possibility that Jesus had risen from the dead. So, despite the fact, the disciples continued in their grief.
Situation (v. 12-13). Jesus also appeared to another two of his disciples. This could be Cleopas and his companion (probably his wife) on the road to Emmaus. Still, the disciples did not believe. This demonstrates to us the fact that evidence does not necessarily yield faith. As a matter of fact, faith is itself the evidence (Hebrews 11:1)! Those who seek more evidence need to ask instead for faith. The truth of God is so incredible that the natural mind will reject it. Are you seeking more evidence? Ask God instead of for faith.
Your Loving Pastor Chris.