Which Mary Did Jesus Appear to After His Resurrection?

After Jesus’ crucifixion and burial, he appeared to many of his followers during the forty days before his ascension to heaven. One of the most controversial topics surrounding Jesus’ resurrection is which Mary he appeared to first after rising from the dead.

There are three Marys mentioned in the Bible who were present at the crucifixion and burial of Jesus: Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joseph, and Mary the wife of Clopas. The Gospels differ in their accounts of who saw Jesus first after his resurrection.

According to John 20:1-18, Mary Magdalene went to Jesus’ tomb early on Sunday morning and found it empty. She ran to tell Peter and another disciple, who came to see for themselves.

After they left, Mary stayed at the tomb weeping when she saw two angels who asked her why she was crying. She turned around and saw Jesus but did not recognize him until he called her by name.

In Mark 16:9-11, it says that Jesus appeared first to Mary Magdalene out of whom he had cast seven demons. She went and told those who had been with him but they did not believe her.

Luke 24:1-12 states that a group of women including Mary Magdalene went to the tomb early on Sunday morning but found it empty. They were met by two men in dazzling garments who told them that Jesus had risen from the dead. The women went back and told the apostles but they did not believe them.

Matthew 28:1-10 also mentions a group of women going to visit Jesus’ tomb early on Sunday morning including Mary Magdalene and “the other Mary.” An angel appeared to them and told them that Jesus had risen from the dead. As they left the tomb, they met Jesus who greeted them.

So which Mary did Jesus appear to first after his resurrection? The Gospel accounts differ in their details, but the common thread is that Mary Magdalene was present at the tomb and saw Jesus either alone or with other women. However, it’s impossible to say for certain which Mary Jesus appeared to first.

Regardless of who saw Jesus first after his resurrection, the important thing is that he did rise from the dead and appeared to many of his followers as a testament to his divinity and the truth of his teachings.

Conclusion:
The question of which Mary saw Jesus first after his resurrection may never be definitively answered. However, what is clear is that Jesus did rise from the dead and appeared to many people as proof of his divine nature. The different accounts in the Gospels highlight the importance of eyewitness testimony and the power of faith in overcoming doubt and skepticism.