Throughout the Bible, there are many accounts of Jesus appearing to His disciples after His resurrection. These appearances offer a glimpse into the power and divinity of Jesus, as well as the love and compassion He had for His followers. In this article, we will explore three of the most significant times that Jesus appeared to His disciples.
The First Appearance – John 20:19-23
The first time that Jesus appeared to His disciples was on the evening of Resurrection Sunday. The disciples were gathered together in a locked room, fearful and uncertain about what would happen next. Suddenly, Jesus appeared before them, saying “Peace be with you” (John 20:19).
At first, the disciples were terrified, thinking that they were seeing a ghost. But Jesus reassured them that it was really Him by showing them His hands and side where He had been pierced on the cross.
This appearance was significant because it demonstrated that Jesus had truly risen from the dead and had conquered death itself. It also gave His disciples hope and strengthened their faith in Him.
The Second Appearance – John 21:1-14
The second time that Jesus appeared to His disciples was on the shores of the Sea of Galilee. Peter and some of the other disciples had gone fishing, but they hadn’t caught anything all night. As they were coming back to shore in their boat, they saw a figure standing on the beach who called out to them.
When they got closer, they realized that it was Jesus. He instructed them to cast their nets on the other side of the boat, and when they did so, they caught so many fish that they couldn’t even lift them all.
This appearance was significant because it showed that even after His resurrection, Jesus still cared for His disciples and wanted to provide for them. It also demonstrated His power over nature and reinforced His authority as Lord.
The Third Appearance – Acts 1:6-11
The third and final time that Jesus appeared to His disciples was just before He ascended into heaven. He had spent forty days with them, teaching them and preparing them for what was to come.
On the day of His ascension, Jesus led His disciples out to the Mount of Olives. There, He gave them final instructions and blessed them. Then, He was lifted up into heaven before their very eyes.
This appearance was significant because it marked the end of Jesus’ physical presence on earth and the beginning of a new era in which His disciples would carry on His work. It also foreshadowed the day when Jesus would return in glory to establish His kingdom on earth.
Conclusion
The appearances of Jesus to His disciples after His resurrection were powerful demonstrations of His divinity, love, and power. They gave hope and strength to those who witnessed them and continue to inspire believers today. As we reflect on these appearances, let us remember that Jesus is still with us always, even though we may not see Him with our physical eyes.