After the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, it is believed that he rose from the dead on the third day and appeared to several people. The Bible mentions that Jesus appeared to many people, including his disciples, followers, and even non-believers. In this article, we will dive into who Jesus revealed himself to after his resurrection.
Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene
One of the first people Jesus revealed himself to was Mary Magdalene. She was a devoted follower of Jesus and visited his tomb early in the morning after his crucifixion.
However, she found the tomb empty and was distressed. Suddenly Jesus appeared before her, but she didn’t recognize him at first. Only when he called her by name did she realize it was him.
John 20:16: “Jesus said to her, ‘Mary.’ She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, ‘Rabboni!'”
Jesus Appears to His Disciples
After appearing to Mary Magdalene, Jesus revealed himself to his disciples. They were gathered in a locked room when suddenly Jesus appeared before them.
At first, they were frightened and thought they were seeing a ghost. However, Jesus reassured them that it was really him by showing them his hands and feet which still bore the wounds from his crucifixion.
Luke 24:39-40: “Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones.”
Thomas Doubts
One of Jesus’ disciples named Thomas wasn’t present when he first appeared to them. When the others told him about it, he didn’t believe them unless he saw Jesus for himself.
A week later when Thomas was with the other disciples in a locked room again, Jesus appeared before them. This time Thomas saw him and believed.
John 20:27-28: “Then he said to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side.
Stop doubting and believe.’ Thomas said to him, ‘My Lord and my God!'”
Jesus Appears to Two Disciples on the Road
On the same day of his resurrection, Jesus also appeared to two disciples who were walking on the road to Emmaus. They were discussing the events of his crucifixion when Jesus came up alongside them, but they didn’t recognize him.
He walked with them for a while and explained the scriptures about himself until they reached their destination. Only when he broke bread with them did they realize who he was.
Luke 24:31: “Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight.”
Jesus Appears to Saul (Paul)
Saul (later known as Paul) was a devout Jew who persecuted Christians before his conversion. On his way to Damascus, he had a vision of Jesus which led to his transformation. Jesus appeared before Saul as a bright light that blinded him and spoke to him directly.
Acts 9:3-4: “As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, ‘Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?'”
In conclusion, after his resurrection, Jesus revealed himself to several people including Mary Magdalene, his disciples (including Thomas), two other disciples on the road to Emmaus, and Saul (Paul). These encounters not only solidified their faith in Jesus but also furthered the spread of Christianity throughout the world.