Unbelief

Mark 16: When Jesus rose early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had driven seven demons. She went and told those who had been with him and who were mourning and weeping. When they heard that Jesus was alive and that she had seen him, they did not believe it. Afterward Jesus appeared in a different form to two of them while they were walking in the country. These returned and reported it to the rest; but they did not believe them either. Later 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.

Wow, this is a strong story. 

A lady whom Jesus had delivered from demons went and shared the good news with those who were mourning – but they didn’t believe her.  Why? Perhaps because of her past?

Next, Jesus appeared to two more people and they reported this to others, but they were not seen as credible witnesses, either.  Why?  Perhaps because they thought they were close to Jesus and would have known it first?

Whatever the reason for the unbelief of those who were hearing the good news (that which Jesus himself had told them before he died – that he would rise again), Jesus wasn’t too happy with these guys.  In fact, he rebuked them for lack of faith and stubborn refusal.

Ouch.

When we choose to discard the testimony and witness of others who share with us their good news of how Jesus has rescued them and appeared to them personally, and when we make a choice to continue in our own unbelief, stubbornness, and willful disbelief, we are grieving the heart of Jesus.

I don’t want to be rebuked.  I want to  listen, see Jesus, hear of his love for others, and receive the testimony of his presence even when I don’t feel it myself, or am still in a dark place.

These guys were so upset that their friend had died, that they could not rejoice with their friends who were relaying the truth of the resurrection.

He is risen!  Do you believe?