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The Gospel of Mark concludes with some of the appearances of the Risen One. It recounts how he appeared to Mary Magdalene on Sunday morning, after Jesus had once cast out seven demons from her. She told the apostles about it, but they did not believe her. He then speaks of the appearance to the disciples on the road to Emmaus as they were traveling into the countryside. They returned and announced the event to the others, but they did not believe them either.
Finally, he presents himself to the apostles in appearance while they are sitting at the table. The Risen One reproaches them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, for not believing those who had seen him. The apostles recognized him and received from him the missionary command: “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.” The apostles believed and preached the Risen One. When the temple guards imprisoned Peter and John for preaching, both showed courage and eloquence, even though they were uneducated. Moreover, they were accompanied by a clear miracle. Proof of their courage is the healed man who had previously been lame. So the council released the apostles.
After a meeting, they called them together again and forbade them to speak or teach anything in the name of Jesus. Even then, the two apostles showed fearlessness. They appealed to whom they should obey more: their men. For them, preaching the Risen One was much more important than fearing men. So the council had no reason to punish the apostles. They had to release them, because all the people also glorified God for healing the lame man. Psalm 118, a joyful song for salvation, enhances this celebration: “We give you thanks, Lord, God of mercy.”
Who should we listen to more—God or people? That is a question for us too. We are often tempted to prioritize ourselves and our reason over God, interpreting the Ten Commandments in our own way to avoid listening to Him. The example of the apostles should inspire us.
