The resurrection of Jesus Christ stands as a cornerstone of Christian faith, affirming His victory over death and His divine nature. Witnessing the resurrected Christ is a pivotal theme in the New Testament, providing the foundation for the apostles' preaching and the early church's explosive growth. The accounts of these witnesses are recorded in the Gospels and the Acts of the Apostles, offering a compelling narrative of transformation and empowerment.

The Empty Tomb

The first indication of Christ's resurrection is the discovery of the empty tomb. According to the Gospel of Matthew, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb, and an angel of the Lord descended, rolled back the stone, and announced, "He is not here; He has risen, just as He said" (Matthew 28:6). This initial encounter sets the stage for subsequent appearances of the risen Christ.

Appearances to the Women

The Gospels record that Jesus first appeared to women, a significant detail given the cultural context of the time. In John 20:14-16, Mary Magdalene encounters Jesus outside the tomb, initially mistaking Him for the gardener until He calls her by name. This personal encounter underscores the intimate and transformative nature of witnessing the risen Lord.

The Road to Emmaus

In Luke 24:13-35, two disciples traveling to Emmaus encounter the resurrected Christ, though they do not recognize Him initially. As He explains the Scriptures concerning Himself, their hearts burn within them. It is only when He breaks bread with them that their eyes are opened, and they recognize Him. This account highlights the fulfillment of prophecy and the revelation of Christ through Scripture and sacrament.

Appearance to the Disciples

Jesus' appearance to His disciples is a central event, providing them with peace and commissioning them for ministry. In John 20:19-23, Jesus appears to the disciples behind locked doors, saying, "Peace be with you!" He shows them His hands and side, confirming His identity and the reality of His resurrection. He breathes on them, imparting the Holy Spirit and empowering them for their mission.

Doubting Thomas

The account of Thomas, often called "Doubting Thomas," is a profound testimony to the reality of the resurrection. In John 20:24-29, Thomas initially refuses to believe the other disciples' testimony, demanding to see and touch Jesus' wounds. When Jesus appears again, He invites Thomas to do so, leading Thomas to exclaim, "My Lord and my God!" This encounter emphasizes the tangible reality of the resurrection and the call to faith.

The Great Commission

In Matthew 28:16-20, Jesus appears to the eleven disciples on a mountain in Galilee, where He commissions them to "go and make disciples of all nations." This appearance underscores the global scope of the Gospel and the authority of the risen Christ, who promises His presence with them "to the very end of the age."

Appearance to Over 500

The Apostle Paul, in 1 Corinthians 15:3-8, provides a summary of resurrection appearances, noting that Jesus appeared to Cephas (Peter), then to the Twelve, and after that to more than five hundred brothers at once. This large group of witnesses serves as a powerful testament to the truth of the resurrection, as many were still alive at the time of Paul's writing and could corroborate the account.

The Ascension

The final appearance of the resurrected Christ occurs at the Ascension, as recorded in Acts 1:9-11. Jesus leads His disciples to the Mount of Olives, where He is taken up into heaven before their eyes. This event marks the culmination of His earthly ministry and the beginning of the disciples' mission to be His witnesses "in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth" (Acts 1:8).

The witnesses of the resurrected Christ, through their varied and profound encounters, provide a robust foundation for the Christian proclamation of the risen Lord. Their testimonies continue to inspire faith and mission in the church today.