Resurrection Appearances of Jesus

There are a number of resurrection appearances in the scriptures. They have dramatically different details, as if the apostles in their extreme excitement reported this awesome set of events using their own unique set of spectacles. For me, noticing honestly the differences is not a matter of contradiction at all. It gives me an even higher reverence for the truth of the scriptural witness that the early church didn't see the need to fix variances in the stories passed down.

A wonderful way to celebrate the season of Easter, to integrate the joy of the resurrection into everyday life, and to take the victory of life over death into the coming year is to live with these stories. Ultimately, I know that my redeemer lives not only because of the stories themselves but because I have experienced the power and presence of the risen Christ in my own life.

I encourage you to spend time with them. I have made a list of the resurrection appearances in the Bible with a few notes on the details. I hope it helps you encounter the risen Christ this season.

The Resurrection Appearances of Jesus

At the Tomb …

Mt 28:1-15 (earthquake, angel on stone, guards shook, women left, saw him on road, go and tell, chief priests pay guards to lie)

Mk 16:1-8 (stone rolled away, man in white inside tomb, go and tell, alternative ending with summary of additional appearances 9-13)

Lk 24:1-13 (two men in dazzling clothes inside, why look for living among dead, Peter ran to the tomb to check)

Jn 20:1-18 (saw stone and went to tell, Peter and John ran and saw linens, the men left, Mary stayed crying, Jesus appeared in garden)

On the Road …

Lk 24:14-34 (Emmaus road, opened minds, revealed in the breaking of bread)

As they Gathered …

Lk 24:36-49 (Peace be with you, showed hands and side, couldn’t believe it so ate fish, opened minds)

Jn 20:19-29 (peace with you, showed hands and side, Thomas wasn’t there, a week later he appeared to Thomas)

1 Cor 15:1-9 (oldest written account, notes 500 eye witnesses most of whom still alive, Paul least of the apostles)

At the Seashore …

Jn 21:1-25 (disciples back to fishing, miracle of fish, Jesus cooked breakfast, “feed my sheep”, false rumor about John never dying, world could not contain the books)

The Final Word to Share the Story in all the World …

Mt 28:16-20 (Great Commission on mountain)

Mk 16:14-18 (Mark’s version of the commission at a table)

Acts 1:1-11 (summary of many appearances over 40 days, you shall receive power and be my witnesses, the ascension)