Jesus Christ, resurrection appearances of

Jesus Christ appeared to various groups and individuals on several occasions after his death, prior to his ascension into heaven.

The resurrection appearances of Jesus Christ on the third day

To Mary Magdalene

John 20:10–18 See also Mark 16:9–11

To the women at the tomb

Matthew 28:1–10 parallels Mark 16:1–8, Luke 24:1–12

To Peter

Luke 24:34; 1 Corinthians 15:5

To the two travellers to Emmaus

Mark 16:12–13; Luke 24:13–16, Luke 24:30–32

To the disciples in the upper room

Mark 16:14 parallels Luke 24:36, John 20:19

Later, as they were eating, Jesus appeared to the Eleven and rebuked them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they did not believe those who had seen Him after He had risen.

Further appearances of Jesus Christ

To the disciples in the upper room

See also John 20:26; 1 Corinthians 15:5

Other appearances

John 21:1 See also Matthew 28:16–17; 1 Corinthians 15:6–7

Later, by the Sea of Tiberias, Jesus again revealed Himself to the disciples. He made Himself known in this way:

Jesus Christ appears at his ascension

Mark 16:19; Luke 24:50–51; Acts 1:9

Jesus Christ's resurrection body

It was different from his pre-crucifixion body

John 20:26 This suggests that the resurrected body of Jesus Christ was not restricted by natural laws: closed doors provided no barrier to Jesus Christ's bodily appearance to his disciples. See also Mark 16:12 The failure to recognise Jesus Christ may be an indication of his changed appearance but also might emphasise the disciples' own sorrow and lack of faith; John 20:14, John 20:19 parallel Luke 24:36

Eight days later, His disciples were once again inside with the doors locked, and Thomas was with them. Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.”

It was a body of flesh and blood

Luke 24:39 See also Luke 24:42–43; John 20:20

Look at My hands and My feet. It is I Myself. Touch Me and see — for a spirit does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have.”

Jesus Christ foretold his resurrection appearances

John 16:16

In a little while you will see Me no more, and then after a little while you will see Me.”

Responses to Jesus Christ's resurrection appearances

Fear and alarm

Luke 24:37 See also Matthew 28:10

But they were startled and frightened, thinking they had seen a spirit.

Doubt and disbelief

Mark 16:11 See also Matthew 28:17; Mark 16:13–14; Luke 24:11–12; John 20:9, John 20:13–14, John 20:25

And when they heard that Jesus was alive and she had seen Him, they did not believe it.

Belief and joy

Matthew 28:8 See also Luke 24:31–32, Luke 24:41; John 20:16, John 20:18, John 20:27–29

So they hurried away from the tomb in fear and great joy, and ran to tell His disciples.

Understanding and worship

Matthew 28:9 See also Luke 24:8, Luke 24:45–47; John 2:22; Acts 2:31–33

Suddenly Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” They came to Him, grasped His feet, and worshiped Him.

The significance of Jesus Christ's resurrection appearances

They gave proof of Jesus Christ's deity

John 20:28–29 See also Luke 24:31–34; John 20:8; Acts 10:41–42

Thomas replied, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Because you have seen Me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

Christian life and faith depend on the trustworthiness of the witnesses' testimony

1 Corinthians 15:17 See also John 20:31; Acts 3:15; Romans 1:4; 1 Corinthians 15:1–58; 1 Thessalonians 4:14; 1 Peter 1:3

And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins.