Today's Scripture
Different Perspective – Mark 16:12-20
TODAY’S READING SCHEDULE: Matthew 28 Mark 16(CEB)
12 After that he appeared in a different form to two of them who were walking along in the countryside. 13 When they returned, they reported it to the others, but they didn’t believe them. 14 Finally he appeared to the eleven while they were eating. Jesus criticized their unbelief and stubbornness because they didn’t believe those who saw him after he was raised up. 15 He said to them, “Go into the whole world and proclaim the good news to every creature. 16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever doesn’t believe will be condemned. 17 These signs will be associated with those who believe: they will throw out demons in my name. They will speak in new languages. 18 They will pick up snakes with their hands. If they drink anything poisonous, it will not hurt them. They will place their hands on the sick, and they will get well.”
19 After the Lord Jesus spoke to them, he was lifted up into heaven and sat down on the right side of God.20 But they went out and proclaimed the message everywhere. The Lord worked with them, confirming the word by the signs associated with them
What does this passage mean to me/us
We are aware of Jesus’ last words, better knowns as the Great Commission, in Matthew 28.
“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
This passage gives a different account of that story. We see how Jesus appeared to the two disciples on the road to Emmaus.
Then appears to the eleven, who did not believe that he rose from the dead.
We see how “Jesus criticized their unbelief and stubbornness because they didn’t believe those who saw him after he was raised up.”
I don’t think the disciples publicly rebuked the ones, who witnessed the risen Lord. Other accounts show how they were amazed when they heard their stories. They might have been amazed, but might not have believed that they will see Jesus again. They might have been amazed, but might not expect the same thing will happen to them.
Have you ever heard an amazing story of how God works in the world or in someone’s life and praised God for what God does, and turn away thinking that will never happen to me?
Are we like the disciples, who heard about Jesus appearing in someone’s life, but never expecting or desiring for that same encounter to happen in my life?
Prayer
Lord, open our eyes and let us see your presence today with us. In Christ name, we pray, AMEN.
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