Today marks the 8th day since Jesus’ resurrection. In Acts 1:3, Luke writes, “After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God” (cf. 1 Corinthians 15:3-7).
Here is a possible timeline of his appearances 8 days later after Jesus’ resurrection:
· Appearance 1 on Resurrection Sunday morning: Mary Magdalene (John 20:11-18, Mt 28:1, Mark 16:1, Luke 24:10).
· Appearance 2 on Resurrection Sunday morning: Mary (the mother of James and Joseph), Salome, Joanna and other unnamed women (Mt 28:9). cf. Mt 28:1, 27:56, Mark 16:1, Luke 23:55, 24:10.
· Appearance 3 on Resurrection Sunday afternoon and evening: two disciples on their way to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-30).
· Appearance 4 on Resurrection Sunday afternoon and evening: Peter (Luke 24:34, 1 Cor 15:5 – no record of how or when this took place).
· Appearance 5 on Resurrection Sunday afternoon and evening: the apostles (Thomas is absent) aka ‘the eleven’ (Luke 24:36, John 20:19).
· Appearance 6 one week later (Sunday week): the apostles but Thomas is present this time (John 20:24-29)
In the following days after, Jesus makes another five appearances that we know of, the final one being where Jesus leads the apostles to a place near Bethany and gives them final instructions to wait in Jerusalem until they receive the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send (Luke 24:50-53, Acts 1:1-11).
Reflections…
Keep in mind for the disciples, when Jesus died, he was truly dead. Their world was upended. He wasn’t just the Messiah – he had become their precious friend and rabbi. The depths of their despair and hopelessness were unimaginable. We are not immune from this.
Thomas, the one I identify with most, was in that state, so much so, even when Jesus appears before him, he refused to believe. He didn’t want to give himself to hope and love again only to have it ripped from him. Jesus lovingly reaches out to him, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe” (John 20:27). Thomas responds to Jesus, “My Lord and my God!” (vs 28).
“When we are scared and hurting, when life feels chaotic and out of control, it is more important than ever to anchor ourselves in the absolute and eternal truth that we are dearly loved and deeply held by the most powerful being in the universe” (Pete Greig).
Whatever state we are in, we can come to Jesus and be assured of his deep, deep love for us.
Fisher of people,
Mark
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