Jesus Resurrection
Easter Sunday–Believing the Resurrection Mark, 16:9-16.
Happy Easter! “I was in a que to buy an Easter egg when I noticed an agitated lady before me. She had a pile of groceries on the conveyor. I said, “Happy Easter!” She replied, “Yes! Happy Easter! These days people don’t know the true meaning of Easter.”
We can easily get caught up with the busy-ness of life. We need reminding of the greatest event in human history. My job is to remind you of the true meaning of Easter, that you believe in your heart that “Jesus is Risen!” It may be comforting to know that the first disciples found it hard to believe. It was revealed to them in stages because God wanted them to be thoroughly convinced, in heart as well as head.
The first stage …
- The account of Mary Magdalene. 9 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. 10 She went and told those who had been with him and who were mourning and weeping. 11 When they heard that Jesus was alive and that she had seen him, they did not believe it.
The disciples were devastated after the death of Jesus. They were mourning and weeping (v10). Suddenly, in burst Mary Magdalene. She eagerly told them what had happened–she had seen the Lord! They did not believe it! (v11)
Sometimes, the pain of a loss is so deep that any “good news” is blocked out. The thought of an additional pain of disappointment it might bring is too much to bear. For people who have doubts or disappointments–God is still the same! The message is real and true. Jesus is risen! And he will come again. There will be a glorious church. But don’t believe me. Open your heart to the Holy Spirit, who speaks hope into your life.
The second stage …
- The account of two disciples. 12 Afterward Jesus appeared in a different form to two of them while they were walking in the country. 13 These returned and reported it to the rest; but they did not believe them either.
Jesus appeared to two disciples. (In Luke, this is the Road to Emmaus appearance.) Mark’s Gospel has physical details other gospel writers miss. The two disciples were walking in the country. Such can be very therapeutic. Lisa and I like to go for a walk in a quiet park when we feel stressed. A settled mind is in a better condition to assess a situation and hear what God says. The two disciples went back to the rest of the disciples but they did not believe them either! Even though it had the strong evidence of two witnesses. However, the stone that blocked their hearts was beginning to move.
The third and final stage …
- Personal appearance of Jesus. 14 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.
Jesus appeared to the Eleven. It is sad that it was only eleven, reminding that one disciple had betrayed Jesus. As a matter of mathematical interest, there were only ten of the Eleven disciples present. Doubting Thomas would join them the following Sunday.
The disciples were now no longer mourning and weeping. Jesus appeared as they were eating. Why was this mentioned? When you are eating, you are more relaxed. Like in the country, you can think clearer. It is conducive to a revelation. Jesus rebuked them for their lack of faith and their stubborn refusal to believe. Jesus always encouraged people to have faith. He rebuked any lack of it especially in disciples. Faith for salvation is a choice, an inner heart conviction, a step of humility, and a dependence on God. Do you believe? You don’t need a miraculous appearance. In fact, among the Eleven, one disciple already did believe. Peter and John had previously been to see the empty tomb. It is recorded that John believed when he saw the empty grave clothes. Later, Jesus said to Thomas, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” (John 20:29).
I put together some things from Mark that may help you to believe.–
- Pray and bind any demonic sources of deception–Mary Magdalene x7!
- Go for a walk with a friend in the countryside–Two disciples
- Have fellowship over a meal with friends–The Eleven
With an inner conviction, we are ready to preach the Gospel to all creation–15 He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. 16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be judged guilty.