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Book of Mark - Chapter 16 - Verse 14

16:14
Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen.

Meaning

After Jesus' resurrection, he appeared to the eleven disciples while they were eating together. During this encounter, he expressed his disappointment with them for their lack of faith and hardness of heart. Despite numerous accounts from others who had seen him after his resurrection, the disciples struggled to believe. Jesus took this opportunity to rebuke them for their unbelief and lack of trust in the eyewitness testimonies. This interaction serves as a reminder of the importance of faith and the consequences of doubt. It also underscores the significance of believing in the resurrection and the power it holds for those who truly follow Jesus. Ultimately, this moment with the disciples challenges readers to examine their own beliefs and motivations, encouraging them to cultivate a deeper sense of faith and trust in God's promises.

Theological Overview

Upon Jesus' resurrection, he appeared to the eleven disciples while they were gathered together eating. In this encounter, Jesus expressed his disappointment with their unbelief and hardened hearts. This moment serves as a significant theological point, highlighting the disciples' struggle to fully grasp the reality of Jesus' resurrection despite the testimonies of those who had seen him after his death. The passage underscores the importance of faith and belief in the Gospel message, emphasizing that even those who witnessed Jesus' miracles firsthand needed to overcome doubt and skepticism. Through this interaction, Jesus calls attention to the disciples' need for spiritual growth and a deeper understanding of his divinity. This verse, therefore, serves as a poignant reminder for believers to trust in the truth of Christ's resurrection and to guard against doubt and disbelief.

American Standard Version

And afterward he was manifested unto the eleven themselves as they sat at meat; and he upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them that had seen him after he was risen.
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