Day one : The Morning
The resurrection of Jesus isn’t just a story—it’s the pivot around which history turns. On that first morning, before the sun fully rose, a group of women, including Mary Magdalene, approached the tomb to honor Jesus’ body with the final burial customs (Matt 28:1; Mk 16:1; Jn 20:1). But what they found stunned them: the tomb was open. Alarm rippled through them, and Mary Magdalene ran to Peter and John, fear gripping her heart as she spoke of a likely grave robbery (Jn 20:2).
The women who remained encountered something extraordinary: an angel declaring that Jesus had risen and instructing them to share this news with the disciples (Mk 16:5; Lk 24:4; Matt 28:5). Fear gripped them initially, and they fled, hesitant to speak. But courage returned, and they made their way to the Apostles, bringing the news of the resurrection (Luke 24:9; Matt 28:8).
Meanwhile, Peter and John hurried to the tomb to investigate Mary’s frantic report. Mary Magdalene followed them, arriving first, and witnessed the empty tomb herself. Though no angels appeared to them, John’s heart believed; Peter’s conclusion isn’t recorded. The other women relayed the angel’s message to the apostles, but the men were initially skeptical (Lk 24:9-11).
Mary lingered, weeping at the tomb. Two angels appeared, asking her why she wept. Then, Jesus approached, but she didn’t recognize him at first. Thinking he was the gardener, she only realized it was Jesus when he spoke her name. Overcome with joy, she clung to him (Jn 20:16). Jesus sent her to the apostles to prepare them for his imminent appearances (Jn 20:17).
Soon after, Jesus appeared to the other women as well, instructing them to tell the apostles that he had risen and would see them soon (Matt 28:9).
Day One : The Afternoon and Evening
Later that day, two disciples traveled toward Emmaus, pondering the resurrection rumors. Jesus joined them, but they were prevented from recognizing him. He explained the Scriptures to them, and finally, during the breaking of bread, their eyes were opened—they recognized him (Luke 24:13-30).
They returned to Jerusalem to share the story with the Eleven Apostles. Initially, disbelief lingered (Mk 16:13). Peter, seeking a moment alone, encountered Jesus personally (APPEARANCE 4; Lk 24:34; 1 Cor 15:5). The other apostles, hearing this, believed, confirming the truth of the resurrection.
Almost simultaneously, Jesus appeared to the apostles, including the Emmaus disciples (APPEARANCE 5). Some debate whether John’s account of Jesus appearing that evening is separate or the same event (APPEARANCE 6). Either way, the resurrection was unmistakably real.
The Week That Followed
The next eight days are largely unrecorded. We know the apostles continued sharing the news, and Thomas initially refused to believe their testimony (Jn 20:24-26). Were they anxious that Jesus hadn’t appeared daily? Scripture doesn’t say—but we can imagine the tension and hope that filled their hearts.
One Week Later: Thomas Believes
On the following Sunday, Jesus appeared again (APPEARANCE 7), this time with Thomas present. Thomas’ doubts were met with grace—Jesus called him to faith, and Thomas proclaimed him as Lord and God (Jn 20:24-29).
Later Appearances
Jesus instructed the apostles to return to Galilee, a journey of some sixty miles north (Mat 28:10; Mk 16:7). Sometime afterward, Jesus appeared at the Sea of Galilee, summoning disciples from the lakeside. Peter engaged in a profound conversation with him and received his commission to shepherd the Church (APPEARANCE 8; John 21).
Paul records even wider appearances: Jesus appeared to more than 500 followers at once (APPEARANCE 9; 1 Cor 15:6), and later to James (APPEARANCE 10; 1 Cor 15:7). While we lack the details of these encounters, their reality is affirmed by scripture.
The Forty Days
Over the next forty days, Jesus continued to appear, teaching the disciples and preparing them for the coming of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:3). Some of these appearances took place in Galilee (APPEARANCE 11; Mat 28:16ff; Mk 16:14ff). He “stayed with them,” guiding them, answering questions, and reinforcing their mission.
The Final Appearance and Ascension
After forty days, Jesus led the apostles to a place near Bethany. He gave final instructions, promising the coming of the Holy Spirit, and then was taken up to heaven before their very eyes (APPEARANCE 12; Luke 24:50-53; Acts 1).
The resurrection of Jesus is more than a historical event—it’s a transformative reality that reshaped the lives of those who encountered him. From fear to joy, from doubt to faith, from despair to mission, each appearance reveals a God who enters our world, touches our hearts, and calls us into life that never ends.
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