Usually, when we think of those who did not walk in faith, our minds turn to the disciple Thomas. He proclaimed, “Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe.” (John 20:25) However, as I reread the scriptures today, I saw other disciples who were equally doubtful – in fact, all of them!
When Mary and the other women left the tomb, they ran to the apostles – to those who served most closely with Christ! – and told them all that the Lord had risen. “And their words seemed to them as idle tales,” we read, “and they believed them not.” (Luke 24:11) Peter and John were prompted enough to visit the empty tomb, but even then, they did not believe the women’s words.
Why would they not believe? From this perspective, it is easy to make snap judgments. But I found a quote from Elder Robert L. Backman that pointed out the fact that the disciples had just watched their Lord and Master undergo the pain and horrors of the crucifixion. He was taunted, teased, and tortured, all in the name of legality. Most likely, they were all depressed and disheartened by an event they had not expected.
I don’t know about you, but whenever I am down and gloomy, I can literally feel darkness around my heart. At that point, it is very difficult for me to feel the promptings of the Holy Spirit. I force myself to read my scriptures or pray, not because of spiritual whispers but because I know that I will stay in this state if I do not. I can only imagine how gloomy and depressed the eleven disciples must have felt. Not only had they lost their Lord, but He had been betrayed by one of their closest friends, one of their own!
Today I spoke to my children about the spirit of contention. I pointed out to them that this spirit comes from Satan, whereas the Holy Spirit comes from God. The two cannot coexist in our hearts. Therefore, when we feel as though we are depressed, disheartened, or mournful, it is even more important that we give ourselves a shake and turn our hearts back towards the Lord. If even the Apostles of Christ could not feel the Spirit testify as to the truthfulness of the women’s words, how much more danger are we in? We must be vigilant, so that when the spirit seeks to testify to us, we are as receptive as possible.
For other blogs on this week’s Sunday School lesson, click on the Gospel Doctrine link at right.
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