Mary, Emmaus and the gathered disciples
Luke distinguishes the discovery of the empty tomb from the later encounters with Jesus. Women find his body missing and hear that he has risen. Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James and the other women report this to the apostles, who initially disbelieve them. Peter visits the tomb and leaves wondering about what happened (Luke 24:1–12). [1]
John records Jesus appearing to Mary Magdalene at the tomb (John 20:11–18). Matthew also records an encounter with women leaving the tomb (Matthew 28:8–10). These are encounters with Jesus himself, distinct from hearing the announcement that he has risen. [2]
Luke's Emmaus account follows two disciples traveling on the day of the resurrection. They discuss Jesus' death, their disappointed hopes and the report of the empty tomb without recognizing their companion as Jesus. Beginning with Moses and the Prophets, he explains what Scripture says about himself and his suffering. At the meal, they recognize him when he breaks bread, then return to Jerusalem (Luke 24:13–35). Recognition follows both his explanation along the road and the encounter at the table.
When Jesus appears among the gathered disciples, Luke records a greeting of peace amid their fear. He invites them to examine his hands and feet and speaks of his flesh and bones. He also eats a piece of fish before them (Luke 24:36–43). Christians believe Jesus rose bodily from the dead.
John distinguishes an appearance when Thomas is absent from a later meeting when he is present (John 20:19–29). Jesus invites Thomas to examine his wounds; the invitation should not be turned into a statement that Thomas actually touches them. John also records an appearance to seven disciples by the Sea of Galilee (John 21:1–25). The resurrection reports therefore include repeated meetings, with different participants, rather than a single gathering. [2]
Matthew records the eleven disciples meeting Jesus on a mountain in Galilee. There he commands them to make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit and teaching them to observe his commands (Matthew 28:16–20). His instruction gives the encounters an outward purpose: the disciples are commissioned to teach others what he has commanded. [2]
