Sometimes we make things too complicated.
Sometimes we are too comfortable with doubt and unbelief.
When Jesus appeared to the eleven disciples he had already sent messages through Mary and then the two disciples he met on the road.
Mark tells us that Jesus found them still mourning and weeping.
They should have known better. They had his word – “I will suffer, and then I will rise again.” (Mark 8:31, 9:9, 9:31, 10:33-34, 14:28)
They had the testimony of disciples that Jesus trusted with his message to them.
They should have believed.
So Jesus rebuked them. (Mark 16:14) The language Mark used is strong, sterner than any other recorded response to the disciples. I bet it hurt.
Wounds from a friend can be trusted. We have no greater friend than Jesus. Some of us today may need the same painful rebuke the disciples did.
Why are you still doubting?
Just believe.
If we will receive the rebuke of our dear friend, our gracious Lord Jesus – the pain will quickly be washed away in joy.
He’s alive. Everything he ever did and said is more real than we can imagine!
Tom Brown is the planting pastor of Vintage Faith Church in Wichita. Tom and his wife, Mandy, have worked together in ministry for 18 years and have four children. More about Pastor Tom Brown