After Jesus’ crucifixion and burial, his followers were devastated and confused. However, according to the Bible, Jesus appeared multiple times after his resurrection.
But how many times did he actually appear? Let’s take a closer look.
The Resurrection
After Jesus died on the cross, he was buried in a tomb. However, three days later, he rose from the dead and appeared to his disciples. This event is known as the Resurrection.
Appearances of Jesus After His Resurrection
According to the Bible, Jesus made several appearances after his resurrection. Here are some of them:
1. Mary Magdalene
On the morning of the Resurrection, Mary Magdalene went to Jesus’ tomb and found that it was empty. She was weeping when she saw someone whom she thought was a gardener.
It turned out to be Jesus himself. He spoke to her and told her not to cling to him because he had not yet ascended to the Father.
John 20:14-16: “Having said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing, but she did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, ‘Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?’ Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, ‘Sir if you have carried him away tell me where you have laid him and I will take him away.’
Jesus said to her ‘Mary.’ She turned and said in Aramaic ‘Rabboni!’ (which means Teacher).”
2. The Disciples Without Thomas
Later that same day after appearing before Mary Magdalene; according to John 20:19-23, while the disciples were gathered together behind locked doors; suddenly they found themselves in the presence of the risen Christ. He showed them his wounds and they were overjoyed.
John 20:19: “On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, ‘Peace be with you.'”
3. The Disciples With Thomas
A week later, Jesus appeared to his disciples again. This time Thomas was present and was able to touch Jesus’ wounds.
John 20:26-27: “Eight days later, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you.’
Then he said to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.'”
4. Peter
According to Luke 24:34-35; On the same day that Jesus appeared to Mary Magdalene after his resurrection; He also appeared to Peter.
Luke 24:34-35: “saying ‘The Lord has risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!’ Then they told what had happened on the road (to Emmaus), and how he was known to them in the breaking of bread.”
5. Emmaus Disciples
On Resurrection Sunday afternoon two of his followers were on their way to Emmaus when they encountered someone who they later realized was Jesus himself.
Luke 24:15-16: “While they were talking and discussing together; Jesus himself drew near and went with them. But their eyes were kept from recognizing him.”
The Ascension
After Jesus’ resurrection, he spent 40 days with his disciples teaching them about the kingdom of God. He then ascended into heaven in their presence.
Acts 1:9-11: “And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes and said, ‘Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.'”
Conclusion
In conclusion, according to the Bible; Jesus made at least five appearances after his resurrection. These appearances provided proof that he was truly alive and gave hope to his followers. His ascension marked the end of his earthly ministry but also promised that he would return again.