President's Blog

“I’m convinced a man actually rose from the dead.”

Palm Sunday will be celebrated around the world this Sunday. I heard a story of a primary Sunday school teacher who asked her class what this Sunday represented. One little girl raised her hand and said, “It’s Palm Sunday!” The teacher said, “Wonderful. You’re correct!” The teacher then asked, “What’s the significance of next Sunday?” The same little girl raised her hand and said, “Next Sunday is Easter!” The teacher asked the class, “What’s Easter?” The same little girl said, “It’s the day Jesus rose up from the grave.” Before her teacher could say, “Wonderful. You’re correct!” the little girl continued,  “But if He sees His shadow, He’ll go back onto His hole for another six weeks!”

Like a lot of other people in society, the little girl got it only partially right. We have a great opportunity over the next few weeks to share the rest of the story.

We read in Acts 1:3 (NIV), “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.”

One of the most “convincing proofs” of Jesus’ divine claims is His post-resurrection appearances.

I chat with unbelievers about the struggles they have with my Christian faith—issues like what the Bible says about homosexuality, evolution, or sex before marriage. I share graciously and carefully, and my friend struggles. What my friend doesn’t know is that I’m quietly thinking to myself, “Wait until he discovers that I believe a deceased man actually rose from the dead!”

However, the Apostle Paul says that if this is not true, the faithful are fools (1 Corinthians 15). The resurrection remains one of the most “convincing proofs” for Jesus’ divine nature and assurance that He is our Saviour.

Here are the appearances, itemized in the New Testament. Let’s get the word out about these “convincing proofs”:

Christ’s Resurrection Appearances

  1. The visit of the women to the tomb of Jesus early Sunday morning.
    (Mark 16:1; Matthew 28:1, 5-8; Luke 24:1-8; John 20:1)
  2. The earthquake and rolling away of the stone by the angel, and the fear of the Roman guards.
    (Matthew 28:2-4; Luke 24:4)
  3. Mary Magdalene and other women report to the apostles—Peter and John visit the empty tomb.
    (Luke 24:9-12; John 20:2-10)
  4. The appearance to Mary Magdalene and the message to the apostles.
    (John 20:11-18)
  5. The appearance of Jesus to the other women.
    (Matthew 28:9-10)
  6. Some of the guards report to the Jewish rulers.
    (Matthew 28:11-15)
  7. The appearance to the two disciples on the way to Emmaus.
    (Mark 16:12-13; Luke 24:13-22)
  8. The report of the two disciples, and the news of Christ’s appearance before Peter.
    (Luke 24:33-35; 1 Corinthians 15:5)
  9. The appearance to the astonished disciples (except Thomas) and the giving of a commission.
    (Mark 16:14; Luke 24:36-43; John 20:19-25)
  10. The appearance to the disciples on the following Sunday night, including Thomas.
    (John 20:26-31; 1 Corinthians 15:5)
  11. The appearance to seven disciples beside the Sea of Galilee.
    (John 21:1-25)
  12. The appearance to 500 on an appointed mountain in Galilee, and the giving of the Great Commission.
    (Mark 16:15-18; Matthew 28:16-20; 1 Corinthians 15:6)
  13. The final appearance and Ascension.
    (Luke 24:44-49; Acts 1:3-8)

He is Risen!