When I was a kid, my dad had a serious illness. His condition deteriorated.
Although I was young, we sometimes spoke about death.
Especially on days when our emotions were in a bad place.
We had no hope against an incurable brain disease.
But we talked about the afterlife, and I made a simple request,
‘Dad when you die, if possible, will you come back and see me?’
‘Yes’
I was 17 years old when Dad died on December 29th 1977. He never returned as we agreed. Does that mean a resurrection from the grave is impossible?
Absolutely it is. A resurrection from the grave is impossible for mere mortals. But what’s impossible for humankind is possible with God. Luke 1 :37, Matthew 19:26, Mark 10:37
The Bible records at least thirteen resurrection appearances of Jesus who appeared to,
- Mary Magdalene. Mark 16:9 John 20:11-18
- The women. Matt 28:9,10
- Cleopas and his companion. Luke 21:13-25
- Simon. Luke 24:34 1 Corinthians 15:15
- The disciples except Thomas. John 20:19-23
- The disciples with Thomas being present. John 20:24-29
All these appearances occurred in Jerusalem. After the disciples had gone to Galilee in obedience to the instructions which they’d received from Jesus.
Jesus appears again.
- To the seven people at the sea of Tiberius. John 21:1-14
- To the disciples on a mountain in Galilee where Jesus made a great claim, gave a great commission and proclaimed a great presence Matthew 28:16-20 By many commentators this appearance is identified with the next appearance in number 9.
- To the five hundred people. 1 Corinthians 15:6
10. To James, Jesus’ brother 1 Corinthians 15:7 whether this took place in Galilee or in Judea is not stated
The disciples having returned to Jerusalem and Jesus appeared
- To the eleven on mount Olivet near Jerusalem Acts 1:4-11, Luke 24:50, 51
The next appearance is Jesus from heaven., appearing
- To the Apostle Paul when he was on his way to Damascus Acts 9:3-7
22:6-10, 26:12-18 1 Corinthians 9:1 15:8
- There May have been several other appearances too Acts 1:3
Happy Easter everyone, Christ has risen and is risen in deed!
