How did the men respond? Not very well at first. We read: "These sayings seemed like nonsense to them, and they would not believe the women." (Luke 24:11) Those well-meaning men had grown up in a society that tended to mistrust women according to rabbinic tradition, a woman could not offer testimony in court. Perhaps the apostles were more influenced by their culture than they realized. But Jesus and his Father are above such prejudices. What a privilege they accorded that faithful woman!
Mary surely did not let the men's response embitter her. She knew that her Master trusted her, and that was enough. All those who follow Jesus are similarly entrusted with a message to deliver. The Bible calls that message "the good news of the Kingdom of God." (Luke 8:1) Jesus did not promise his followers that everybody would believe them or appreciate their work. Quite contrary. (John15:20, 21) So Christians do well to remember Mary Magdalen. Even the skepticism of her own spiritual brothers could not dampen her joy in telling the good news about the resurrected Jesus!
Next time: IMITATE THEIR FAITH/MARY MAGDALENE- Conclusion of "They Would Not Believe the Women"
From the jw.org publications
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