Key Scripture Readings: Matthew 28:1-20; Mark 16:1-20; Luke 24:1-51; John 20:1-21:25
Fast Facts
- Early Sunday morning, there was a violent earthquake, and an angel of the Lord came down from heaven, rolled away the stone, and sat on it.
- That same morning some women disciples came to the tomb to anoint the dead body of Jesus. They were worried about who was going to move the stone. But when they arrived, the stone was already moved!
- Inside the tomb were two men (angels) in dazzling garments. One of them spoke, saying, “Do not be afraid. You seek Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is risen; He is not here. See the place where He was laid” (Mark 16:6). He then told the woman to go and tell Peter and the rest of the disciples.
- Mary Magdalene ran and told Peter and John. Once Peter and John arrived at the tomb, they saw linen wrappings, but no body. They then went home.
- Mary Magdalene stood outside the tomb, crying. Jesus then appeared and talked with her. This was the first appearance of Jesus after the resurrection. Mary and the other women ran to tell the apostles. They refused to believe them (Mark 16:10-11).
- Meanwhile, the chief priests and elders were attempting to cover up the truth of Jesus’ resurrection (Matthew 28:11-15). They paid the soldiers to lie and say that the disciples came and stole the body. This is a lie that continues to circulate even today!
- On Sunday evening, Jesus appeared to His apostles for the first time. This occurred while they were hiding in fear of the Jews (John 20:19-20). They rejoiced when they saw Jesus!
- When Jesus appeared to the apostles the first time, Thomas was not present. He doubted and didn’t believe their testimony. After eight days, Jesus would appear again, this time with Thomas present. He examined Jesus’ body and believed (John 20:26-29).
- Jesus would make several more appearances after the resurrection (John 21:1-14; Luke 24:13-35; 1 Corinthians 15:3-8). After appearing to His disciples over forty days, Jesus then gave them the mission of going into the world and preaching the gospel (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-18; Acts 1:1-8). He then ascended to heaven to sit at the right hand of God (Mark 16:19-20; Acts 1:9-11).
Study Questions
- Where were the women disciples going the Sunday morning after Jesus’ death? What were they worried about before arriving?
- Describe what these women saw when they arrived at their destination.
- Who did Jesus appear to first?
- Did the apostles believe what Mary said about Jesus’ resurrection?
- How did the chief priests and elders attempt to cover up the resurrection?
- What were the apostles doing when Jesus appeared to them the first time? How did they respond to seeing Jesus?
- How did Thomas respond to the report of the other apostles? When did he believe that Jesus was raised?
- List some of the other appearances Jesus made after being raised.
- For how long did Jesus appear to His apostles?
- What commandment did Jesus give before ascending to heaven?
