Appearances of Christ after His Resurrection

The victory of the Resurrection is presented in the gospels of the New Testament. Namely, the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ was born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, healed the sick, raised the dead and preached the good news. His enemies though judged him and crucified Him. But the Lord Jesus would not be kept in the grave!

Three days later He rose from the dead!

According to Mark 16:9, Mary Magdalene was the first to actually see Jesus after His death and magnificent resurrection.

When she found out that the body of Christ was missing, she wanted to recover it. Jesus had a special place in his heart for Mary Magdalene as He had changed her life completely and she truly loved Him in return. 

When Peter and John visited the empty tomb after the resurrection, Mary Magdalene apparently waited outside. After the men had left, she looked into the tomb and saw two angels. When asked why she was crying, she replied that she was looking for her Lord. The angels asked her why she sought the living among the dead.

She later saw Jesus Himself but did not recognize Him immediately. However, she knew him when he spoke her name. This is according to John 10:4 which says: “And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice”.

She immediately went and told the disciples she had seen the Lord. With great joy she exclaimed, "He’s alive! I’ve seen Him!”. Even though the disciples doubted her testimony, Mary Magdalene knew without a doubt that she had seen the Lord.

The resurrected Lord also had a meeting with Peter after the resurrection as recorded in Luke 24:34.

Although we are not given any information on this meeting, Mark 16:7 makes a special mention of Peter. You see, Peter had miserably failed in his service, but Jesus forgave him. Jesus went to him privately and restored him.

In Luke 24:13 is a record of an encounter that happened on the day of the resurrection. Two disciples were talking together of all the events of the past three days. Cleopas was among them. As they were talking, Jesus secretly joined them. During their walk, Jesus witnessed to them concerning the scripture and the Messiah. When they arrived at their destination, Jesus said he would go on His way. But they pressed Him to stay and eat. When He broke bread, His identity was revealed.

As soon as they recognized Him, He vanished. In His resurrection body, He could appear or disappear instantly. These men knew that they had seen Jesus alive and indeed they had!