Book of Mark - Chapter 16 - Verse 11

After Jesus rose from the dead, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, who went and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord. However, when the disciples heard this news, they did not believe her. This response may seem surprising, but it reflects the skepticism and doubt that even close followers of Jesus had regarding his resurrection. The disciples had not yet understood or fully believed in the resurrection, and so they struggled to grasp the reality of what Mary was telling them. Their initial disbelief highlights the human tendency to doubt extraordinary events, even when they have been foretold. This moment of doubt serves as a reminder of the importance of faith and trust in the face of miraculous occurrences, even when they challenge our understanding of the natural world.

In this verse, we see a lack of belief from the disciples when they hear that Jesus has risen from the dead and has been seen by Mary Magdalene. The theological interpretation of this passage highlights the struggle of the disciples to comprehend the miraculous resurrection of Jesus, despite being foretold by Him multiple times. Their disbelief can serve as a reminder to us of the importance of faith and trust in God's promises, even when they seem impossible to our human understanding. It challenges us to examine our own faith and belief in the power of God to bring about the seemingly impossible.

Furthermore, a word study on the term "believed not" can shed light on the depth of the disciples' doubt and skepticism. The Greek word used here, "apistéō," goes beyond a simple lack of belief to encompass a sense of unbelief and disobedience. This reveals the disciples' struggle to fully trust in the message of Jesus' resurrection, despite the evidence presented to them. It serves as a cautionary tale for us to examine our own hearts and minds to ensure that we are not only professing belief but also living it out in our actions and attitudes.