"THE RESPONSE TO HIS RESURRECTION"
1. The interaction with Jesus - vs. 9a
2. The reaction to Jesus - vs. 9b
3. The instruction from Jesus - vs. 10
Scripture describes at least 10 distinct appearances of Christ between the resurrection and ascension. He appeared to: 1) Mary Magdalene at the tomb (Mark 16:9; John 20:11–18); 2) to the women on the road (Matt. 28:9, 10); 3) to the disciples on the road to Emmaus (vv. 13–32); 4) to Peter (v. 34); 5) to 10 of the 11 disciples, Thomas being absent (vv. 36–43; Mark 16:14; John 20:19–25); 6) to the 11 disciples (with Thomas present) 8 days later (John 20:26–31); 7) to 7 disciples by the shore of the Sea of Galilee (John 21:1–25); 8) to more than 500 disciples, probably on a mountain in Galilee (1 Cor. 15:6; see note on Matt. 28:16); 9) to James (1 Cor. 15:7); and 10) to the apostles when He ascended into heaven (Acts 1:3–11). After His ascension, He appeared to Paul (1 Cor. 15:8). The next time He appears it will be in glory (Matt. 24:30).
It is clear from a comparison that the following occurred: (1) A group of women that included Mary Magdalene discovered the empty tomb early Sunday morning (Mt 28:1–7; Mk 16:1–7; Lk 24:1–9; Jn 20:1). (2) The women reported the discovery to the other disciples, particularly Peter and John (Lk 24:10–11; Jn 20:2). (3) Jesus appeared to the women sometime after the report to the disciples (Mt 28:8–10; Jn 20:11–18). (4) Peter and John investigated the empty tomb for themselves (Lk 24:12; Jn 20:3–10). (5) Jesus appeared to the group of disciples later that evening (Lk 24:36–43; Jn 20:19–23). Luke added the episode on the road to Emmaus, while John added the appearance to Thomas eight days after the resurrection. Matthew and John then both reported encounters with Jesus in Galilee, the one on a mountain and the other at the Sea of Galilee, both of which must have taken place sometime later. On the relation of Lk 24:44–53 to Mt 28:16–20, see note on Lk 24:44–53.
During his wilderness temptation (4:10), Jesus quoted Dt 6:13, “Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him” (Mt 4:10). By accepting worship here, Jesus identified himself as “the Lord your God.”
