13.4 Appearing to Mary and Others
First Witnesses of the Resurrection: The Unexpected Role of Women

Read Mark 16:9–20. What do these verses add to the resurrection account?

Mark 16:9–20 supplements the resurrection narrative with important encounters of the risen Jesus with His followers, including Mary Magdalene and the disciples. Notably, the first person to see the living Jesus is Mary Magdalene—a woman. In the society of that time, women did not hold a high status as witnesses, which makes this account all the more authentic. If the story were fabricated, men would likely have been presented as the first witnesses, as their testimony held more weight.

The fact that women were the first witnesses to the resurrection not only underscores the credibility of the report but also highlights Jesus’ appreciation and equality of people, regardless of their social status. Mary Magdalene brings the good news to the disciples, but they initially do not believe her—a further indication of the profound surprise and misunderstanding that the resurrection caused.

The remaining verses describe additional appearances of Jesus, His commissioning of the disciples to spread the gospel, and His ascension into heaven. They emphasize the universal validity of the mission and the confirmation of divine power working through the disciples as they proclaimed the gospel. This ultimately breaks the silence, and the proclamation of the resurrection and Jesus’ message begins, strengthened by His direct instruction.

What happens in Mark 16:14 that makes no sense if this account were fabricated?

In Mark 16:14, we see Jesus rebuking His disciples for their unbelief and “hardness of heart” because they did not believe those who reported His resurrection, despite having heard about it. This portrayal of the disciples in a negative light makes no sense if the account were invented.

If the story were fabricated, the disciples would likely have been depicted as strong, faithful leaders who believed in Jesus’ resurrection from the start. Instead, the account shows their weaknesses—their flight, doubt, and disbelief. This honesty and self-criticism strongly support the authenticity of the Gospels. The fact that the disciples later boldly and unwaveringly proclaimed the risen Christ despite their initial doubts is powerful evidence for the truthfulness of the resurrection and their experiences.

How can we protect ourselves from falling into the spiritual trap of doubt and unbelief?

To protect ourselves from falling into the spiritual trap of doubt and unbelief, it is crucial to maintain a daily and living connection with the risen Christ. Here are some ways to achieve this:

1. Daily Prayer and Bible Study: Regular times of prayer and scripture reading help us internalize God’s truth more deeply. By listening to God’s voice and reading His promises, our faith is strengthened, and our doubts diminish. Like the disciples, who were repeatedly reminded of Jesus’ word after His resurrection, we also need constant reminders of God’s assurances.

2. Remembrance of God’s Faithfulness: It is important to remember how God has worked in our lives in the past. Reflecting on God’s faithfulness strengthens our faith and helps us remain steadfast in times of doubt. The disciples had forgotten what Jesus had previously promised them—we must consciously strive not to make the same mistake.

3. Fellowship with Other Believers: Sharing and encouraging one another among fellow believers is of great significance. Often, another person’s testimony can help renew our own faith. Fellowship provides support when we fall into doubt and gives us the opportunity to pray for and strengthen each other in faith.

4. Obedience in Faith: Doubts often arise when we distance ourselves from God and His will. However, when we remain obedient in the small, everyday things, our faith deepens. Obedience shows our dependence on God and fosters our trust in His guidance.

Why do we need a daily connection with the risen Christ?

A daily connection with the risen Christ is necessary because He is the source of our life, strength, and hope. Without this daily relationship, there is a danger of becoming estranged from God and vulnerable to doubt and unbelief. Here are some reasons:

• Strengthening Our Faith: Every day, Jesus’ presence reminds us of His resurrection and victory over death. This living relationship gives us the strength to hold on to our faith, even when we face difficulties or doubts.

• Guidance and Wisdom: Through daily fellowship with Christ, we receive wisdom and guidance for our decisions. He helps us adopt the right perspective and not be driven by our own fears or uncertainties.

• Daily Renewal: Faith is a daily decision. The connection with Christ renews our hearts, gives us new hope, and the ability to live according to His will. Without this renewal, our faith risks becoming superficial.

• Protection from Spiritual Attacks: Doubts and unbelief can come as temptations and spiritual attacks. Proximity to Christ protects us from such pitfalls because He gives us the strength and courage to resist these temptations.

In summary: A daily connection with the risen Christ is essential for growing in faith, overcoming doubts, and leading a fulfilling spiritual life. It anchors us in truth and gives us the strength to remain confident in God’s plan, even in difficult times.

The connection between the encounter of the women with the risen Jesus and our everyday life lies in the significance that this first encounter has for our own faith and testimony. That Mary Magdalene and other women were the first witnesses of the resurrection shows us that God often acts through the unexpected. In the society of that time, women did not hold a high status, yet God chose them to convey humanity’s most important message: “He is risen!”

This story encourages us that God can use us, regardless of our background, status, or weaknesses, to spread His message. Often, we may feel insignificant or unworthy of speaking about our faith—but God sees things differently. Like Mary Magdalene, we too can share the good news of the resurrection with others.

In everyday life, this means that we should not only view the resurrection as a historical event but as a living reality that shapes our lives daily. The resurrection gives us the assurance that Jesus is alive and walking with us. This truth is meant to give us not only comfort but also courage and confidence to live and share our faith, even in a world often full of doubt.

A daily connection with the risen Christ helps us trust Him in difficult times, overcome our doubts, and live with the assurance that He is with us—just as He assured the disciples and the women back then. Just as they were called to break the silence and proclaim the gospel, we are also called to boldly share our lives and faith.

Jesus’ resurrection reminds us that God often acts through the unexpected and makes us bold witnesses of His love despite our weaknesses.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-13-the-risen-lord-13-4-appearing-to-mary-and-others-the-book-of-mark-living-faith/

September 25, 2024

DAILY BIBLE READING – Luke Chapter 13

¹ There were present at that season some that told him of the Galilaeans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices.

² And Jesus answering said unto them, Suppose ye that these Galilaeans were sinners above all the Galilaeans, because they suffered such things?

³ I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.

⁴ Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem?

⁵ I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.

⁶ He spake also this parable; A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none.

⁷ Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground?

⁸ And he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it:

⁹ And if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down.

¹⁰ And he was teaching in one of the synagogues on the sabbath.

¹¹ And, behold, there was a woman which had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bowed together, and could in no wise lift up herself.

¹² And when Jesus saw her, he called her to him, and said unto her, Woman, thou art loosed from thine infirmity.

¹³ And he laid his hands on her: and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God.

¹⁴ And the ruler of the synagogue answered with indignation, because that Jesus had healed on the sabbath day, and said unto the people, There are six days in which men ought to work: in them therefore come and be healed, and not on the sabbath day.

¹⁵ The Lord then answered him, and said, Thou hypocrite, doth not each one of you on the sabbath loose his ox or his ass from the stall, and lead him away to watering?

¹⁶ And ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan hath bound, lo, these eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the sabbath day?

¹⁷ And when he had said these things, all his adversaries were ashamed: and all the people rejoiced for all the glorious things that were done by him.

¹⁸ Then said he, Unto what is the kingdom of God like? and whereunto shall I resemble it?

¹⁹ It is like a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and cast into his garden; and it grew, and waxed a great tree; and the fowls of the air lodged in the branches of it.

²⁰ And again he said, Whereunto shall I liken the kingdom of God?

²¹ It is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened.

²² And he went through the cities and villages, teaching, and journeying toward Jerusalem.

²³ Then said one unto him, Lord, are there few that be saved? And he said unto them,

²⁴ Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.

²⁵ When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are:

²⁶ Then shall ye begin to say, We have eaten and drunk in thy presence, and thou hast taught in our streets.

²⁷ But he shall say, I tell you, I know you not whence ye are; depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity.

²⁸ There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrust out.

²⁹ And they shall come from the east, and from the west, and from the north, and from the south, and shall sit down in the kingdom of God.

³⁰ And, behold, there are last which shall be first, and there are first which shall be last.

³¹ The same day there came certain of the Pharisees, saying unto him, Get thee out, and depart hence: for Herod will kill thee.

³² And he said unto them, Go ye, and tell that fox, Behold, I cast out devils, and I do cures to day and to morrow, and the third day I shall be perfected.

³³ Nevertheless I must walk to day, and to morrow, and the day following: for it cannot be that a prophet perish out of Jerusalem.

³⁴ O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee; how often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen doth gather her brood under her wings, and ye would not!

³⁵ Behold, your house is left unto you desolate: and verily I say unto you, Ye shall not see me, until the time come when ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.

King James Version. Public Domain

 

Commentary

Introduction:

Luke chapter 13 is a powerful and versatile chapter that contains numerous teachings of Jesus. It deals with the themes of repentance, righteousness, healing, the Kingdom of God, and the urgency of salvation. In this chapter, Jesus addresses various current events to call his listeners to repentance, teaches through parables, and confronts religious hypocrisy. The central message is the call to inner repentance, the acceptance of the truth, and living according to the principles of the Kingdom of God. In doing so, Jesus clearly shows that salvation is attained through faith and doing the divine will.

Commentary:

The chapter begins with a discussion of two tragic incidents—the blood of the Galileans that Pilate mingled with their sacrifices and the collapse of the Tower of Siloam. Jesus makes it clear that neither the Galileans nor the victims of the tower were more sinners than other people. The message is universal: all people are called to repent, otherwise the judgment of God is inevitable. Jesus uses this opportunity to emphasize each individual’s personal responsibility.

In the parable of the barren fig tree, patience and grace are illustrated. The owner of the vineyard gives the fig tree another chance to bear fruit before it is cut down. This highlights God’s grace, who repeatedly gives people the opportunity to repent, but with the warning that this time is limited.

The healing of the sick woman on the Sabbath demonstrates Jesus’ mercy and the superiority of love over rigid religious regulations. Despite the outrage of the religious leaders, Jesus emphasizes that freeing a person from illness and suffering corresponds to the true spirit of the Sabbath. Here, the hypocrisy of the scribes is exposed, who care for their animals on the Sabbath but object to healing a person.

Jesus uses the parables of the mustard seed and the yeast to describe the Kingdom of God. Both images illustrate the modest but powerful growth of the Kingdom, which starts small but grows unstoppable and permeates everything. These parables call for hope and perseverance, for God’s Kingdom will triumph despite obstacles and resistance.

The warning about the narrow gate highlights the urgency of the decision to follow Christ. Jesus describes the difficulty of entering the Kingdom of God, and that many will try to get in but will not be able to. This is a serious admonition that faith is not secured solely by superficial affiliation or past experiences, but through a genuine, active relationship with Christ.

At the end of the chapter, Jesus speaks about his destiny in Jerusalem. He knows of his impending rejection and death in the city that kills the prophets. Nevertheless, his love for Jerusalem remains. He longs to save the people, like a hen gathering her chicks under her wings, but they have rejected his invitation.

Summary:

Luke 13 calls for urgent repentance and obedience to God’s will. Through parables, teachings, and miracles, Jesus shows that faith does not consist of rituals or religious formalities, but of a living, humble following. The chapter passages warn against hypocrisy and self-righteousness while simultaneously emphasizing God’s grace and patience. Finally, Jesus reminds that the Kingdom of God will inevitably grow despite its small beginnings and invites all to enter the narrow path of salvation.

 

 

Introduction:

In Chapter 65, we witness a pivotal event from the life of Jesus, where He once again cleanses the temple of unholy business dealings. This scene highlights the sanctity of the temple as a place of worship and demonstrates Jesus’ commitment to true worship. At the same time, Jesus reveals Himself as the divine King and Judge, fighting against hypocrisy and corruption in the temple, while the Jewish leaders grow increasingly hostile towards Him.

Commentary:

The cleansing of the temple is a powerful symbol of purity and respect in worship. Jesus demonstrates that true worship is not about outward rituals, but about obedience and a sincere heart. By driving out the merchants and healing the sick within the temple, He reveals the contrast between His mission of healing and the greed of the religious leaders. This act of Jesus serves as a profound warning to all believers not to honor God merely through rituals, but through lives that embody love, justice, and compassion. The hypocrisy of the priests, who rejected Jesus’ authority, is an example of how the religious elite can reject spiritual truths.

Summary:

The second cleansing of the temple underscores Jesus’ role as the divine King and Judge, who purifies the temple of corruption and restores it as a place of true worship. His actions show that God values obedience and a sincere heart over ritual sacrifices. The response of the religious leaders, who opposed Him, symbolizes the rejection of divine truth and serves as a serious warning. Jesus’ parables, such as the one about the cornerstone, call for repentance and illustrate that Christ is the central foundation of our faith—the rock upon which we must build.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/25-09-2024-luke-chapter-13-believe-his-prophets/