The Resurrection of Jesus is one of the most significant events in Christianity. It is a cornerstone of the faith and is celebrated every year on Easter Sunday.
The resurrection of Jesus signifies his victory over death and his triumph over sin, offering hope and redemption to all believers. In this article, we will explore three significant events that took place during the Resurrection.
The Empty Tomb
The first event that marked the Resurrection was the discovery of the empty tomb. After Jesus was crucified, his body was laid in a tomb that was guarded by Roman soldiers. On the third day, when Mary Magdalene and other women went to anoint Jesus’ body with spices, they discovered that the stone had been rolled away from the entrance of the tomb, and Jesus’ body was nowhere to be found.
This event is significant because it fulfilled a prophecy made by Jesus himself. In Matthew 12:40, he said: “For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of a huge fish, so the Son of Man will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.” The empty tomb shows that Jesus had risen from the dead just as he had predicted.
Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene
The second event that marked the Resurrection was when Jesus appeared to Mary Magdalene outside the empty tomb. When Mary saw that Jesus’ body was missing, she ran to tell Peter and John who came to see for themselves. After they left, Mary stayed behind weeping.
As she wept, she saw two angels sitting where Jesus’ body had been lying. They asked her why she was crying, and she told them about her missing Lord. As she turned around, she saw a man whom she thought was a gardener until he spoke her name: “Mary.”
It was then that Mary realized it was Jesus himself, risen from the dead. This event is significant because it shows that Jesus was not a ghost or a spirit, but a physical being. It also demonstrates the personal nature of Jesus’ resurrection and his love for his followers.
Jesus Appears to His Disciples
The third event that marked the Resurrection was when Jesus appeared to his disciples. After his resurrection, Jesus appeared to his disciples in various places and at different times. In one instance, he joined two of his followers on the road to Emmaus, revealing himself only after breaking bread with them.
In another instance, he appeared to his disciples while they were fishing on the Sea of Galilee. He cooked breakfast for them and then told Peter to feed his sheep, indicating that he would be entrusting the care of his followers to them.
The appearances of Jesus demonstrate that he had truly risen from the dead and had conquered death itself. They also gave hope and encouragement to his followers who were mourning his death.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Resurrection of Jesus is a pivotal event in Christianity. The empty tomb, Jesus’ appearance to Mary Magdalene, and his appearances to his disciples all attest to the reality of Jesus’ resurrection. These events are significant because they offer hope and redemption to all believers and demonstrate God’s power over sin and death.