The Risen Lord Revealed and the Mission Entrusted
(Jn 20–21; Lk 24; Mt 28; Mk 16; Acts 1:1–11; 1 Cor 15:3–8)
Biblical Identity and Primary References
Jesus Christ is the crucified and risen Lord who, after His Resurrection, appeared repeatedly to His disciples and followers, confirming the reality of His victory over death and inaugurating the mission of the Church. These appearances are foundational witnesses to the truth of the Resurrection and to the proclamation of the Kingdom of God.
Primary references include Jn 20–21; Lk 24; Mt 28:1–20; Mk 16:1–20; Acts 1:1–11; 1 Cor 15:3–8.
Historical and Cultural Background
In Jewish belief, resurrection was expected at the end of time, not within history. The idea that one individual had risen bodily from the dead was unprecedented and shocking. Women’s testimony carried little legal weight in the ancient world, making the Gospel accounts—where women are the first witnesses—remarkable and countercultural.
The forty-day period between Resurrection and Ascension reflects biblical symbolism of preparation and revelation, echoing Israel’s wilderness journey and Moses’ encounters with God.
Detailed Biblical Biography
On Resurrection Sunday, Jesus first appeared to Mary Magdalene near the empty tomb in Jerusalem, transforming her grief into joy and commissioning her to announce the Resurrection to the apostles (Jn 20:11–18; Mk 16:9–11). He also appeared to other women, including Mary the mother of James and Salome, affirming them as the first communal witnesses of the risen Lord (Mt 28:1, 9; Lk 24:10).
That same day, Jesus appeared to Simon Peter, offering silent but powerful restoration after Peter’s denial (Lk 24:34; 1 Cor 15:5). Later, He walked with two disciples on the road to Emmaus, opening the Scriptures and revealing Himself in the breaking of the bread, a profound Eucharistic sign (Lk 24:13–35).
On the evening of Resurrection Sunday, Jesus appeared to ten apostles behind locked doors, bestowing peace, breathing the Holy Spirit upon them, and commissioning them with authority to forgive sins (Jn 20:19–25). A week later, He appeared again to all eleven apostles, inviting Thomas to believe and eliciting the great confession, “My Lord and my God!” (Jn 20:26–29).
In Galilee, Jesus appeared to seven disciples by the Sea of Tiberias, providing a miraculous catch of fish and sharing a meal, restoring Peter publicly and reaffirming pastoral leadership (Jn 21:1–19). He later met the eleven on a mountain in Galilee and entrusted them with the Great Commission to make disciples of all nations (Mt 28:16–20).
Paul records additional appearances to more than five hundred believers at once and to James, strengthening the apostolic witness to the Resurrection (1 Cor 15:6–7). On the fortieth day, Jesus appeared once more, led the apostles to the Mount of Olives, promised the Holy Spirit, and ascended into heaven (Lk 24:50–52; Acts 1:4–9).
References in Other Parts of the Bible
Psalm 16:10 foretells that God would not abandon His Holy One to corruption. The Acts of the Apostles repeatedly proclaims the Resurrection as the heart of apostolic preaching (Acts 2:24, 32; Acts 4:33).
The Epistles emphasize that faith in the Resurrection is essential to salvation and Christian hope (Rom 6:4–5; 1 Pet 1:3).
Jewish Tradition and Understanding
While some Jewish groups believed in a future resurrection, the bodily Resurrection of Jesus within history required a radical rethinking of messianic hope. The risen Jesus reinterprets Scripture for His disciples, showing that suffering and glory are inseparable in God’s plan.
Catholic Interpretation and Teaching
The Church teaches that the Resurrection is a real, historical, and bodily event, attested by eyewitnesses (CCC 639–644). Jesus’ appearances are not mere visions but encounters with the living Lord, transformed yet tangible.
These appearances prepare the apostles for Pentecost and establish the Church’s mission to proclaim the Gospel to the world.
Connection to Jesus, Mary, and Salvation History
Though not explicitly recorded in Scripture, Church tradition holds that Jesus also appeared to His Mother, the first to believe. The Resurrection appearances complete the Paschal Mystery and mark the transition from Jesus’ earthly ministry to His sacramental presence in the Church.
Salvation history moves from fulfillment to mission, from seeing to believing.
Typology and New Testament Fulfillment
Jonah’s emergence from the fish, Israel’s passage through the Red Sea, and the promised restoration after exile all prefigure the Resurrection. The breaking of bread at Emmaus fulfills earlier meals where Jesus revealed His identity.
The Resurrection appearances confirm Jesus as the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets.
What Makes This Person Unique
Jesus alone rises by His own divine power and appears as the same yet glorified Lord. He does not merely return to life but inaugurates a new mode of existence, opening the way to eternal life for humanity.
Strengths and Virtues
The risen Jesus reveals patience, mercy, faithfulness, and pastoral care. He strengthens the weak, restores the fallen, and commissions the fearful.
Weaknesses, Failures, or Sins
Jesus is entirely sinless. His willingness to show His wounds reveals love and continuity, not weakness.
Lessons for Christian Leadership and Witnessing
Christian leadership flows from encounter with the risen Lord. Jesus forms witnesses through forgiveness, instruction, and mission, empowering them by the Holy Spirit rather than human strength.
Believers today are called to be living witnesses of the Resurrection through faith, community, and service.
Reflection
The Resurrection appearances reveal that Jesus is truly alive and actively present with His people. He meets individuals in grief, doubt, fear, and confusion, transforming them into witnesses of hope. These encounters remind Christians that faith is rooted in relationship, sustained by community, and directed toward mission.
To live as Easter people is to walk daily in the power of the Resurrection and to proclaim that death does not have the final word.
Prayer
Risen Lord Jesus, who revealed Yourself to Your disciples and entrusted them with the mission of the Gospel, strengthen our faith, heal our doubts, and fill us with the joy of Your Resurrection; send us forth in the power of the Holy Spirit to be faithful witnesses of Your life, hope, and saving love to the ends of the earth. Amen.