Rebuked by Jesus

~~~ Acts of the Apostles 4:13-21 ~~~ Psalm 118 ~~~

~~~ Mark 16:9-15 ~~~

The joyful shout of victory...

Why does Jesus appear three times?

First he appears to Mary in the garden outside the tomb.

It is significant that she is a woman;

it is also significant that she is not easily believed.

When they heard that he was alive

and had been seen by her, they did not believe.

She was possibly even dismissed because of her gender.

Her sheer enthusiasm might have gotten the attention.

She was very excited that she saw Jesus.

Could it be that Jesus was discovered prematurely?

Did he know that the woman would come

looking for him so early in the morning?

Was Jesus caught off guard.

He looked like the gardener to Mary 

when she caught sight of him.

Next Jesus appears to the couple walking home.

 They were in the crowd.

They witnessed the cruel torturous 

crucifixion of Jesus.

Why did he come to this little known couple?

The were not part of the inner circle of Jesus.

They returned and told the others;

but they did not believe them either.

They were not looking for Jesus.

He came to them.

He revealed himself to a man and his spouse.

This couple represents every married couple.

It is important to recognize Jesus in our marriage.

Almost as a last resort Jesus 

appears to the apostles as they were at table.

...he appeared to them

and rebuked them for their unbelief 

and hardness of heart

because they had not believed those

who saw him after he had been raised.

Jesus took offense at their disbelief.

He questioned their belief in his promises.

Were they just being stubborn?

Were they holding out in hopes

 that Jesus would appear to them too.

Were they jealous because Jesus

 didn't appear to them first?

After all they had left their families

 and their jobs to follow him

Jesus does appear to the apostles.

It was vital for the spread of the salvation

 message for them to be confident

in knowing that he did conquer death.

 “Go into the whole world

and proclaim the Gospel to every creature.”

If you do not believe in the Gospel message

how can you take it to others?

Believing is the litmus test.

Can you pass the test?

If you believe we are an 

Easter people,

then express yourself...

speak with confidence and Blessings.

!Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!

~~~Peace~~~