COMMENTARY ON MARK
LESSON NUMBER 180
Mark 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.”
Luke 24:36 And as they thus spake, Jesus Himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. 37But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit. 38 And He said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts? 39Behold My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself: handle Me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see Me have.”
(Mark 16:14; Luke 24:36-39; John 20:19-20)
JESUS APPEARS TO THE ELEVEN AND OTHERS
INTRODUCTION
The Four Gospel accounts of the post-resurrection appearances of Christ, together with the first chapter of the book of Acts, provide us with the extensive details of those events. In this regard, the Gospels are different, yet harmonious. Acts tells us that He spent forty days with the apostles, showing them many infallible proofs (Acts 1:2-3). Although some have concluded that this meant only the apostles, the Gospels inform us that His appearances and teaching were not limited to them, although certain words were addressed to them specifically. Our text will expose us to Christ’s initial appearance to the apostles, informing us that others were with them at the time. While this may appear to be an insignificant point, the failure to take all of the accounts into consideration has led some to develop certain pivotal doctrines that require the presence of the apostles alone during these key appearances. For example, some men have taught that only the apostles were promised they would be baptized with the Holy Spirit. This is a rather elaborate teaching, but is designed to address some erroneous conceptions of that promise. However, no doctrine can be valid that fails to take into account all of the inspired statements that have been made concerning that subject. Our text will provide some details that will assist us in evaluating what is taught by men. It also reveals the heart of the Savior concerning those who do not believe the testimony of the truth, and how serious it is to be so classified. In it, we will also be exposed to the extent to which Jesus will go to make Himself known, bringing confidence and assurance to those who are aware of Him.
CONFRONTING THE DISCIPLES WITH THEIR UNBELIEF
“ Mark 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.”
Matthew omits the appearances of Jesus to Mary Magdalene and the two on the road to Emmaus. He also omits much of what took place during the forty days Jesus was with His disciples, referring only to the time He told them to go and disciple all nations (Matt 28:16-20). That commission will also be mentioned by Mark and Luke, who, together with John, will provide some additional details of His various appearances.
AFTERWARD. In using this word, Mark is telling us of what Jesus did after He had spent time with the two on the road to Emmaus. It was no doubt “after” He had also appeared to Simon (Lk 24:34). This is the language of purpose and objectivity, revealing something of the tenderness of the Lord toward sensitive spirits. All of His initial appearances were to those of tender heart. Their understanding was flawed, but their hearts had been obviously knit with the Savior. This confirms that tenderness of heart is the prelude to revelation and fellowship.
HE APPEARED UNTO THE ELEVEN. It might appear from this account that Jesus appeared only to “the eleven.” However, other Gospel accounts confirm that the eleven were not alone at this appearance. Luke informs us that Jesus appeared to them while the two from Emmaus were with them: “And as they thus spake, Jesus Himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you” (Luke 24:36). Luke also tells us that these two witnesses spoke to “the eleven . . . and them that were with them” (Lk 24:33). John also informs us that it was the same day that Mary Magdalene had told the disciples “she had seen the Lord” (John 20:18-19).
I am laboring this point because of certain teachings that tend to obscure the universal nature of salvation and all of its benefits. To be sure, the apostles were chosen to be unique messengers. They were given insights that were not vouchsafed to others (Eph 3:5). However, the benefits of salvation and Divine fellowship were in no way confined to them.
HE UPBRAIDED THEM WITH THEIR UNBELIEF. Other versions read, “rebuked their unbelief,” NKJV “reproached them for their unbelief,” NASB and “rebuked them for their lack of faith.” NIV The word translated “upbraided” means “deserved reproach.” THAYER Some of the linguistic synonyms are reproach or revile, THAYER scold or reprimand FRIBERG and denounce. USB
Among other things, this means that the failure to believe the witness of the truth is never justifiable, and is always wrong, being worthy of rebuke. Unbelief is always deliberate, and is never incidental or innocent. Nor, indeed, can it be conveniently excused. Men may be tolerant of refusing to embrace the testimony of truth, but the Lord is not. Were this to be received, it would transform the activities, demeanor, and attitude of the modern church.
AND HARDNESS OF HEART. Other versions read “stubborn refusal to believe,” NIV “stubbornness,” NRSV “spiritual insensitivity,” CJB “obstinacy,” NJB and “stiffness of heart.” YLT Unbelief and hardness of heart are like siamese twins that are joined together with the same backbone. A heart that is “hard” is a stony heart – a heart that is stubborn against the truth, refusing to accept it, even though confronted with a harmonious witness. It may seem unjustifiably strong to speak in such a manner. However, unbelief must be seen for what it is, else it cannot be overcome. The Holy Spirit refers to “an evil heart of unbelief,” and warns us of its subtle and intrusive nature (Heb 3:12).
BECAUSE THEY BELIEVED NOT THEM. The Lord is very focused in His rebuke. They had been exposed to two kinds of witnesses. First, there were the witnesses that were specifically sent to them. First, a holy angel told the women, “go quickly and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead” (Matt 28:7; Mk 16:7). Second, Jesus Himself told those women, “go tell My brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see Me” (Matt 28:10). Also, Jesus told Mary Magdalene, “go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto My Father, and your Father; and to My God, and your God” (John 20:17). These commissioned witnesses did as they were commanded. Secondly, the two on the road to Emmaus provided an even more extensive witness, reporting what Jesus had taught them on the road, and how He had been made known to them in the intimacy of the breaking of bread (Lk 14:34-35).
There was no flaw in the report of the witnesses – yet the disciples did not believe them. There was perfect harmony and accord in what they said – yet they were not believed. Their witness was concordant with what Jesus Himself had repeated taught them prior to His death – yet the disciples did not believe. The witness agreed with the testimony of Moses and the Prophets, as reported by the two from Emmaus – yet their testimony was not believed. Do you wonder why Jesus rebuked them for their unbelief? Does anyone imagine that He was too hard on those sad and weeping disciples? You can see in this text that tenderness does not exclude rebuke, and gentleness does not avoid upbraiding and reprimand.
JESUS SPEAKS PEACE, BUT THEY ARE FRIGHTENED
“ Luke 24:36 And as they thus spake, Jesus Himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. 37 But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit.”
Luke provides more extensive details of this appearance – one that occurred toward the close of the day Jesus rose from the dead: the first day of the week. John tells us that the disciples were behind closed doors, “assembled for fear of the Jews” (John 20:19). The fears were no doubt related to the report that was beginning to be circulated, that they had stolen the body of Jesus. The elders had instructed the soldiers who had guarded the tomb of Jesus to begin broadcasting this report. They also feared that the absence of Christ’s body would cause people to believe that He had risen from the dead as He said He would (Matt 27:62; 28:13-15). According to appearance, these are the circumstances that put the disciples in jeopardy.
AS THEY THUS SPAKE. As the two from Emmaus were delivering their testimony, Jesus joined them – just as He did when they were going from Jerusalem to Emmaus. This time, however, they were not sad. Now sadness belongs to the ones to whom they were witnessing.
JESUS HIMSELF. The phrase “Jesus Himself” emphasizes that this was the very One of whom the men were witnessing. It was the same Jesus that Mary and the women had testified was alive – risen from the dead. It was the very same Jesus of which the two from Emmaus were still bearing testimony.
Considering this text, some have considered the body of Jesus to be the kind that could pass through walls and doors. However, as confirmed by the doctrine of First Corinthians, the resurrection body is of another order, not subject to the natural senses (15:35-44). An immortal body, of itself, cannot be perceived with mortal senses. That would involve the integration of Divine glory and corruptible flesh, and that is not possible. Therefore, Jesus is said to have “appeared unto” the disciples (Mk 16:14) – that is, He was revealed. Mark, Luke, and John say that Jesus “stood in their midst” (Mk 16:14; Lk 24:36; John 20:19). Through His power, Jesus accommodated Himself to their sight, granting them eyes to see what could not otherwise have been detected.
PEACE BE UNTO YOU. Both Luke and John report this saying of Jesus: “Peace be unto you!” (Lk 24:36; John 20:19). John reports that on this very same occasion, Jesus again said “Peace be unto you” John 20:21). This is a remarkable word. It is the kind of word He delivered to the woman who was healed of an issue of blood: “go in peace” (Mk 5:34). He said the same thing to the woman who washed His feet with her tears, and dried them with her hair: “go in peace” (Lk 7:50). He said a similar word to a raging sea: “Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm” (Mark 4:39).
This is more than an admonition or exhortation. It is more related to an effective commandment, when peace is brought about through His word. Seeing this, David wrote, “He will speak peace unto His people, and to His saints” (Psa 85:8). Zechariah spoke of a time when the Lord would “speak peace unto the heathen” (Zech 9:10). Only the lord can calm a troubled and agitated heart, and He will do so for the disciples during this time, when they were experiencing great difficulty. They were, in fact, being sifted by the wicked one. Now, however, the King of glory has appeared, and will bring Satan’s work to an end. In this case Jesus will not simply speak a single word, but will “make peace” by making Himself more fully known (Isa 45:7). In the words of Isaiah, He will “create the fruit of the lips; Peace, peace to him that is far off, and to him that is near, saith the LORD; and I will heal him” (Isa 57:19).
Another vital thing to be seen here is that peace is a required prelude to understanding. A troubled heart – one that is in turmoil – cannot take hold of the truth. An agitated heart tends to wither the hands so they cannot grasp the truth or profit from Divine tutelage. No one truly knows the Lord until they have first experienced “peace with God.”
THEY WERE TERRIFIED AND AFFRIGHTED. For “terrified,” other versions use the word “startled,” NIV “confounded,” DARBY “abashed,” GENEVA “in a state of alarm,” NJB and “amazed.” YLT The idea is that they had confronted something that extended beyond their understanding, and therefore did not know how to respond. The appearance itself was intimidating. This same rational holds true when God is not understand, and the real Jesus is not comprehended. That produces a fear that compels a backward and withdrawing motions when They are made known.
THEY SUPPOSED THAT HAD SEEN A SPIRIT. Eliaphaz told Job, “a spirit passed before my face,” and “the hair of my flesh stood up” (Job 4:14). Something like that took place in our text. When the disciples saw Jesus walking on the water, they thought they had seen a spirit and “they cried out for fear” (Matt 14:20). In a day when a certain revival of agnosticism is taking place, such an expression can scarcely be imagined. Yet here was a people who had been cultured by the Word of God, and by the presence of the Savior Himself, and they had no difficulty considering the realities of the spiritual realm.
WHY DO THOUGHTS ARISE IN YOUR HEARTS?
“ Luke 24:38 And He said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts? 39 Behold My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself: handle Me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see Me have.”
It is important to note the manner in which the Lord speaks. He does not engage in a kind of psychological approach to relieving the disciples of their fear – like saying, “Everything will be all right.” Instead, He moves them to account for their response to Him, and then to turn their attention to Him and confirm that this is not an apparition or a mere vision.
WHY ARE YOU TROUBLED. This is, indeed, a difficult question to answer when you are consciously in the presence of the Lord. Think of similar questions Jesus asked. “Why take ye thought for raiment?” (Matt 6:26). “Why beholdest thou the mote in thy brother’s eye?” (Matt 7:1). “Why are ye fearful?” (Matt 8:26). “Why do ye transgress the commandment of God?” (Matt15:3). “Why reason ye among yourselves?” (Matt 16:8). “Why stand ye here all day idle?” (Matt 20:6).“Why are ye so fearful?” (Mk 4:40). “Why doth this generation seek after a sign?” (Mk 8:12). The point is that there are matters that are totally unreasonable when the Lord is in our midst. When faith takes hold of the reality of Christ, what room is left for trouble? How can a person be in a state of turmoil when he is with “the Prince of peace” (Isa 9:6). If we do not avail ourselves of the benefits of being in Christ, He will not hesitate to ask us to give a reason for our condition. This is one reason why it is imperative to maintain sensitivity to the Lord – and that is something that can only be maintained by faith.
WHY DO THOUGHTS ARISE IN YOUR HEARTS? Thoughts can be a blessing or a curse, debilitating or strengthening. The thoughts of which Jesus speaks in this text are ones that produce consternation, fear, uncertainty, and a shaking within. These are corrupt thoughts that are the result of flawed reasoning. That is why Jesus once asked His disciples, “Why reason ye these things in your hearts?” (Mk 2:8). And, how do you respond to a question like that, when you are fearful, troubled, and unstable within? As in this text, in such a circumstance it is best to keep silence, and listen to what the Lord has to say. David reflected this spirit when he was deeply concerned about God’s anger being leveled against His people. After pleading for mercy and salvation to be granted to them he said, “I will hear what God the Lord will speak” (Psa 85:6-8).
BEHOLD MY HANDS AND MY FEET. Now the Lord presents evidence that He is really alive. It is not the superior evidence. That is why He would say later, “blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed” (John 20:29). Here the Lord is confirming that they are not beholding a spirit, but have been allowed to see a very real body, though technically different from their’s.
The first evidence consists of the marks of His death. This is an extraordinary experience that bears similarities to the vision John had on the Isle of Patmos. There he saw “a Lamb as it had been slain” (Rev 5:6).The Living Bible reads, “on the Lamb were wounds that once caused His death.” The meaning is that the freshness, as well as the evidence, of His death were apparent. By showing them His hands and feet, Jesus drew their attention to the means by which men thought they put Him to death – a death that was attested by the soldiers, Pilate, Nicodemus, Joseph of Arimathaea, and the women who witnessed His burial.
There is also another thing to be seen here. The resurrected Christ is ministering the effects of His death. By still bearing the marks of His death, He confirms that what that death was designed to accomplish has, in fact, been achieved.
HANDLE ME AND SEE. Other versions read, “Touch me and see.” NIV The word “handle” means to “touch and feel.” THAYER Think of this text as the Lord’s invitation to examine Him more closely – not to speculate about Him, but to set out to confirm the truth of the matter. With them, this had to do with establishing that they were not dealing with a spirit, an angel, or some other type of personality that had no frame or body. With us, it is an invitation to, by faith, examine the things that have been revealed of Him, and see if they are not wholly true. A real Jesus will pass any honest test! His word will be found to be true. His ministry will be confirmed to be effective. His Presence will be established as sustaining and refreshing. Oh, that men would heed His word to “Handle Me and see!”
A SPIRIT HATH NOT FLESH AND BONES. These are important words, for they establish that Christ’s resurrection was a bodily one, not a spiritual one! When the angels attending Jesus’ ascension spoke of Him to the disciples, they referred to Him as “this same Jesus” (Acts 1:11). When Peter spoke of the Jesus who had ministered among the people prior to His death, He said, “This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses” (Acts 2:32). Jesus has been glorified in His totality: spirit, soul, and body. God is a Spirit, but Jesus is “the Man Christ Jesus” (1 Tim 2:6). He is not only a Man by experience, but by constitution as well. His body is very real, though of a different order. Before He went to heaven, He permitted this to be established sensually to His disciples. It is one of the “infallible proofs” (Acts 1:3). Now that He is in heaven, this is no longer what He does. Now men must live by faith, and by faith alone.