Resurrection appearances of Jesus Christ

The resurrection appearances of Jesus Christ on the third day

To Mary Magdalene

John 20:10–18 KJV 1900

10 Then the disciples went away again unto their own home. 11 But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre, 12 And seeth two angels in white sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain. 13 And they say unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? She saith unto them, Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him. 14 And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus. 15 Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away. 16 Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master. 17 Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God. 18 Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that he had spoken these things unto her.

See also Mk 16:9–11

To the women at the tomb

Matthew 28:1–10 KJV 1900

1 In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre. 2 And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it. 3 His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow: 4 And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men. 5 And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. 6 He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. 7 And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you. 8 And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word. 9 And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him. 10 Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me.

To Peter

Lk 24:34; 1 Co 15:5

To the two travellers to Emmaus

Mk 16:12–13; Lk 24:13–16; Lk 24:30–32

To the disciples in the upper room

Mark 16:14 KJV 1900

14 Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen.

Further appearances of Jesus Christ

To the disciples in the upper room

See also Jn 20:26; 1 Co 15:5

Other appearances

John 21:1 KJV 1900

1 After these things Jesus shewed himself again to the disciples at the sea of Tiberias; and on this wise shewed he himself.

See also Mt 28:16–17; 1 Co 15:6–7

Jesus Christ appears at his ascension

Mk 16:19; Lk 24:50–51; Ac 1:9

Jesus Christ’s resurrection body

It was different from his pre-crucifixion body

Jn 20:26 This suggests that the resurrected body of Jesus Christ was not restricted by natural laws: closed doors provided no barrier to Jesus Christ’s bodily appearance to his disciples.

See also Mk 16:12 The failure to recognise Jesus Christ may be an indication of his changed appearance but also might emphasise the disciples’ own sorrow and lack of faith; Jn 20:14; Jn 20:19

It was a body of flesh and blood

Luke 24:39 KJV 1900

39 Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.

See also Lk 24:42–43; Jn 20:20

Jesus Christ foretold his resurrection appearances

John 16:16 KJV 1900

16 A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me, because I go to the Father.

Responses to Jesus Christ’s resurrection appearances

Fear and alarm

Luke 24:37 KJV 1900

37 But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit.

See also Mt 28:10

Doubt and disbelief

Mark 16:11 KJV 1900

11 And they, when they had heard that he was alive, and had been seen of her, believed not.

See also Mt 28:17; Mk 16:13–14; Lk 24:11–12; Jn 20:9; Jn 20:13–14; Jn 20:25

Belief and joy

Matthew 28:8 KJV 1900

8 And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word.

See also Lk 24:31–32; Lk 24:41; Jn 20:16; Jn 20:18; Jn 20:27–29

Understanding and worship

Matthew 28:9 KJV 1900

9 And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him.

See also Lk 24:8; Lk 24:45–47; Jn 2:22; Ac 2:31–33

The significance of Jesus Christ’s resurrection appearances

They gave proof of Jesus Christ’s deity

John 20:28–29 KJV 1900

28 And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God. 29 Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.

See also Lk 24:31–34; Jn 20:8; Ac 10:41–42

Christian life and faith depend on the trustworthiness of the witnesses’ testimony

1 Corinthians 15:17 KJV 1900

17 And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins.

See also Jn 20:31; Ac 3:15; Ro 1:4; 1 Co 15:1–58; 1 Th 4:14; 1 Pe 1:3