Day 2 Mark 16:9-14 The cross was necessary, because without it we die in sin. Without the resurrection there is no life after death. The cross; absolutely necessary! The resurrection; absolutely necessary! However, Jesus’ appearance after the resurrection was not necessary. It was a bonus! It provided first hand witnesses that would have to be called liars in order to discredit them. Jesus appeared only to those whom He had known, in order to convince them of the resurrection (16:9-14). Mark records three appearances of Jesus. The many commonalities are obvious, but notice after each appearance there is a common response; unbelief. Jesus appeared to Mary Magdalene, then to two disciples walking together, then to the eleven disciples while they were gathered together in a locked room. Each time Jesus encounters resistance to the resurrection that He had been alerting them to for years. Why do you think Jesus’ Followers first encounter with a resurrected Jesus was filled with unbelief? How does Jesus deal with their reluctance? How does He deal with yours? How long do you think He owes you this patience?