the news to his followers, who were now mourning and weeping. But when they heard that he
lived, and had been seen by her, they would not believe it.
After this he showed himself in another form to two of them, as they were walking into the
country. These men also went back and told the others, but they did not believe them.
Later Jesus showed himself to the Eleven while they were at table. He reproached them for
their unbelief, and hardness of heart, in refusing to believe those who had seen him after he
had risen.
Then he told them, “Go out to the whole world and proclaim the Good News to all creation.
Reflect
People expect a lot of their religious leaders and that is right and just. We expect that the
people who call us to a closer relationship with God will have a similar relationship.
We expect that they will back up their preaching by the example of their lives. But it is equally
important to remember that no one is perfect except God. Human leaders will always be
flawed. When these inevitable failures occur, our leaders can offer us their examples
of humility, contrition, and conversion, by admitting their mistake, asking forgiveness, and
taking steps to make reparations.
The leaders in Jerusalem discounted the words of Peter and John because they did
not have the training and background expected of religious teachers. Though both were
aware of their own sinfulness, Peter and John relied on the mercy of Jesus and continued
giving witness to his life and saving death. Let us pray that our religious leaders will
continue to grow in knowledge and faithful witness.
© Copyright Bible Diary 2023