Mark 16
Well, we bring this book study to a close. The 16th chapter of Mark is one where it seems like Mark just kinda said, "Ah,.... the end!" Almost as if it was a throw away, nice tidy way to finish.
However, if you read thoroughly, you will see some heavy words in there. The resurrection is depicted in greater detail by other gospels, but Mark (in typical fashion) gives the facts; just the facts.
It always interested me that Jesus chose to reveal the resurrection through a woman. I don't necessarily have any profound theology statement about this, but I do have some thoughts. What are yours? I'll answer your posts as I read them. Next, I'm saddened by the Disciple's negligence in believing what they had been told, that Jesus was indeed resurrected. These are people who walked with Him for three years, saw the miracles He did, knew He was God in the flesh, called Him LORD, and yet, still let their fears and sinful, wicked hearts convince them that it was all over; that Jesus was just dead and gone. It makes me think: how have I denied Him? How weak is my faith at times? This is a sin that we cannot afford to commit, let alone become habitual. We need to be in prayer for each other and ourselves that we would not fall prey to the doubts and fears that creep up in us, that would keep us from preaching the Gospel to those whom God brings into our folds.
I know this book has been long and arduous, but it has definitely been well worth it. I think we will do some stand alone posts over the next few weeks, and then maybe get back into another book. Let me know your thoughts.
Love you all,
Robbie
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My ESV Stufy Bible suggests that in that day, eyewitness testimony of women was not accepted in a court of law, which would suggest that these two ladies may be less "credible" as a witness to this miracle. I think this fits very will with what I read of how Jesus challenged his disciples throughout his ministry, and this would be his divine way of testing their belief in him versus their belief in what their eyes saw and hearts felt at that time.
ReplyDeleteI can only say that if I was in their shoes, even though I had seen many amazing miracles, this one was different. How could Jesus raise himself from the dead? Jesus was alive and the architect of all the other miracles they had witnessed, and their minds would have told them that since he was dead, there was nothing more that could keep his promise.
I think this is a prime illustration of today's culture as well. As an example, though our faith is not in Erik Reed, how would we react, and how would it effect our spiritual lives if Erik were to leave the Journey? We look to him as a leader, as a teacher, as a shepherd, for guidance, or for many other things, how would it effect us? Our belief is in God the Father, Erik is just a messenger, but he is physical. It is in our nature to respond to the physical things in life, much like the disciples did.
We need to check our faith, as it is belief in the unseen. Is our faith in the right in God or in man? Tough question.
Our society is never ceases to expel wild conjectures about the inauthenticity (sp?) of the New Testament. As Philip pointed out, the testimony of a woman was admissable in court. A question often asked by Christian apologetics is, "If the NT is made up. Why would they write the women discovering Christ first? Wouldn't be big, strong, intelligent, never doubtful, always faithful, more credible men discover Christ?"
ReplyDeleteBut when they heard that he was alive and had been seen by her, they would not believe.
ReplyDeleteBelieving in the resurrection is essential, no doubt. I do think we are in a form of denial when we say we are Christians yet live and walk like unbelievers. The day Christ is in full control of our lives will be the day we fully know and experience the resurrection. I try and work at this daily but I'm still along way off. That's OK, the Chirst that is in me will not let me give up.
I wonder if part of the reason Jesus revealed himself to a woman first and then sent her to tell the others is he liked to use the weak, the sinful, the poor, the vulnerable, the ordinary, etc. to make His glory known. Jesus saved Mary's life not only spiritually, but physically as well. She remained fully devoted to Him from then on out. Maybe her faith was stronger in Him than the disciples' was. I don't know. As a woman, it's always brought me comfort to read those words because it reminds me that God uses women in great ways too.
ReplyDeleteI think Jesus choose to reveal himself to the women because maybe he knew they would believe without seeing and the others might not. Using their time of doubt as a reminder to how difficult faith can be . It may have helped them to relate to those in the churches who had a hard time believing in what they could not see.
ReplyDeleteI guess more than thoughts I have a question that maybe some of you others can answer for me.
ReplyDeleteIt says that when they arrived at the tomb a young man was sitting, but not Jesus? And then on down it says that he revealed himself in other forms. Why did Jesus come in other forms? I know that had they saw the man they had come to know as Jesus there would have been no question as to him being who he said he was. I know it has to do with how strong their faith is, I guess Im just not tuned in completely as to the reasons. Im like Jess though I think he chose to reveal himself to women because our hearts and minds are sometimes more open to things that seem impossible.
I tend to agree with all of you. I believe that Jesus revealed himself to a woman because He knew that a woman's testimony was not credible in society's view. I believe He wanted to test the Disciples to see if they would just dismiss the claim or if their faith was strong enough to accept it and continue on.
ReplyDeleteShelly, there are great mysteries all throughout scripture. I believe this is one of them. As far as I know, there is no account or reason given for as to why Jesus revealed Himself in this way. Out of pure speculation, I would have to say that because of the fulfillment of the cross, He was no longer a man, as the disciples knew Him before. Now, he was the perfected Savior, having atoned for sin, and was back in heaven as the crowned King. But ultimately, I believe it's, again, what you speculated... faith. It would be easy for the disciples to just see Him and believe. But here's another thought too. If he didn't appear transformed to them, would it then have made them question whether or not He had even died at all? By appearing to them as different forms and appearances, they saw Him, not as He was, but as He now stood- the resurrected Christ.
“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.” I have always had a hard time believing that Jesus was stern and direct with his disciples. But I am beginning to realize that Jesus was Love and all and any rebuking towards his disciples was out of love for them. Being passive and gentle is not always the correct route to take when someone is on a wrong path. Sometimes a direct ‘Hey what is your problem’ is what that person [me] needs to wake up. There are multiple times in the Gospels where Jesus calls his disciples out.
ReplyDelete[Matthew 15:16 “Peter said, ‘Explain the parable to us.’ ‘Are you still so dull?’ Jesus asked them.”] Jesus could have easily and passively just explained the parable to Peter but I believe through calling Peter dull he was directing Peter to search for knowledge and understanding and not just rely on it being handed to him. Sometimes we need a harsh kick to get back on track and out of any lazy ruts we may find ourselves in.