…and he rebuked them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they had not believed…
Exerpt from Mark 16:14
After Jesus' resurrection, he appeared to multiple witnesses including several of the disciples. However, some of them still could not believe and when Jesus finally showed himself to them, the very first thing he says is to rebuke them for not believing. It’s tough - they had seemingly just lost everything they had worked for over the last several years. The one person they hoped in was killed in a horrific and gruesome manner. This wasn’t the victorious win they had been expecting. Where was the massive change in people’s hearts? Why couldn’t everyone see how good of a person Jesus was?
The disciples faltered. I think any of us would have done the same. They had just buried the man they called “Son of God”. How do you keep going after that? How do you wrap your head around what this means? Then Jesus says something incredible. Immediately after rebuking his disciples for their unbelief, he looks them in the eyes and calls them to serve Him. Listen to this:
And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.”
Mark 16:15
If we were perfect, we wouldn’t need Jesus. Because we are imperfect, Jesus can work through us. Next time you are worried about your faith or about not believing enough, look around - God may be calling you to a greater work.
And they went out and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the message by accompanying signs.
Mark 16:20
And take note of this too: the Lord worked with them. You don’t have to worry about going alone. God is with you.