Mark 16:12-13
“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.“
Mark 16:12-13 NIV
These two verses are a short summary of the extended account found in Luke 24:13-33. Interestingly, Jesus initially appeared to these two disciples in another form. The two disciples were unable to recognize Jesus until He revealed His identity to them. They too went to the Apostles and told them about their encounter, but they did not believe them either.
In this second testimony of the resurrection, Jesus is giving His disciples a second opportunity to respond in faith. From this point onward, every follower of Jesus Christ must respond to the message in faith and without Jesus Himself appearing. The disciples, who will bear this message, need to have the same experience, and Jesus offers it repetitively. But soon, Jesus will appear to them, upbraid them for their lack of faith, and show them that faith is the beginning of the new life He promises.
As we read today we find a condensed story of the road trip Jesus took with two of His disciples. This trip took place shortly after Peter and John came back from the empty tomb. I don’t know if Mary Magdalene had made it back before these two headed out. They were on their way to the village of Emmaus. We are not told why they were going there, but we know their visit there was VERY short.
Mark hit the high points in his account of this event. He stated simply that Jesus had appeared to two of the disciples. Mark stated it was in another form because they didn’t recognize Jesus when He was walking with them. Mark also reports that they came back to Jerusalem and told the other disciples, who didn’t believe them either.
Lord Jesus, You stepped up the proof until the fact of Your resurrection was absolute. You started with having the angels announce the truth. Then You appeared to one person. Next You appeared to two people.
Jesus, You know how hard it is to stand and proclaim the truth when everyone thinks you are wrong in your beliefs. That happened to You multiple times. It finally culminated in Your death. No one believed. No one listened. This was probably how Mary and the two other men felt. Why doesn’t anyone believe me?
How many times do we doubt ourselves and our own experiences simply because someone tells us we must have made a mistake?
Thank You, Jesus, for giving us the example for how to handle that circumstance. You simply went on speaking the truth, regardless of who believed it. Help us to do the same.
Give us the strength to hold onto what You show us, no matter what. Help us also know that it is You who gives us the insight. Sometimes we wonder about that. We want to share Your truth and no one else’s.
People have to receive insight in order to believe in Jesus, even to this day. Despite the evidence, the message is not immediately believed. We must realize it is Jesus who causes hearts to turn we just need to believe and be a witness bearing voice!!!!
Father, thank You for this day and the amazing grace that it holds for us. Lord, rain down Your abundant blessings from the floodgates of heaven over my friend and family today. Lord, help us to be compassionate towards people who do not believe. Lord, give us what we need to guide them to Your evidence of You. Help us not be deterred by the unbelievers but keep spreading the message today in our actions.
Father, we love You. Amen
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