Who Did Jesus Tell to Tell the Disciples He Was Alive?

After Jesus’ crucifixion, His disciples were devastated and confused. But three days later, something miraculous happened – Jesus rose from the dead! He appeared to a number of people after His resurrection, but who did He specifically tell to tell the disciples He was alive?

According to the Gospel of Matthew, it was the women who first discovered that Jesus had risen from the dead. They had gone to visit His tomb early in the morning on the third day after His crucifixion, only to find that it was empty. An angel appeared to them and said:

“Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for He is risen, as He said.

Come, see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead.” (Matthew 28:5-7)

The women were overjoyed at this news and immediately ran to tell the disciples what they had seen and heard. As they were on their way, Jesus Himself appeared to them and greeted them. They fell down at His feet and worshiped Him.

Jesus then gave them a message for His disciples:

“Do not be afraid. Go and tell My brethren to go to Galilee, and there they will see Me.” (Matthew 28:10)

The women did as they were told and relayed Jesus’ message to the disciples.

In another account in Mark’s Gospel, it is also mentioned that Mary Magdalene specifically was told by Jesus himself to inform his followers of his resurrection.

Jesus’ choice of telling women first about his resurrection might have been surprising or even controversial in a patriarchal society like ancient Judea where men were considered more reliable witnesses than women. However, this choice also shows how highly Jesus regarded women as witnesses of important events.

In conclusion, according to Matthew’s Gospel account it was indeed the women – who discovered the empty tomb and received the message from the angel – that Jesus chose to tell to tell His disciples that He was alive.