12 After that he appeared in another form unto two of them, as they walked, and went into the country. 13 And they went and told it unto the residue: neither believed they them. (Mark 16:12-13 KJV)
Jesus Appears to Two Disciples
After his resurrection, Jesus appeared to Mary Magdalene and also appeared to two of the disciples as they were walking into the countryside (Mark 16:12). This clearly refers to what is described in detail in Luke 24:13 and following, about Christ’s conversation with the two disciples going to Emmaus. He is said here to have appeared to them in another form, dressed differently than usual, in the form of a traveler, just as in the garden, he was dressed in such a way that Mary Magdalene mistook him for the gardener. But he had his own face, as shown by the fact that their eyes were kept from recognizing him, and when that restraint was lifted, they immediately knew him (Luke 24:16-31).
These two witnesses gave their testimony about this proof of Christ’s resurrection; they went and told it to the rest (Mark 16:13). Being convinced themselves, they wanted their brethren to have the same assurance and comfort.
But this also did not gain full acceptance; they didn’t believe them either. They suspected that their eyes had also deceived them. There was wise providence in this: the proofs of Christ’s resurrection were given gradually and received cautiously, so that the boldness with which the apostles later preached this truth—risking everything for it—would be even more convincing. We have more reason to believe those who themselves were slow to believe; had they accepted it quickly, they might have been thought gullible, and their testimony less credible. But their initial disbelief shows that their later faith was based on full conviction.
Mark Chapter 16
- The Resurrection, Mark 16:1-8
- Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene, Mark 16:9-11
- Jesus Appears to Two Disciples, Mark 16:12-13
- The Great Commission, Mark 16:14-18
- The Ascension of Jesus, Mark 16:19-20