Jesus appears to numerous people for a 40-day period following His resurrection (Acts 1:3).
It is interesting that He only appears to Believers.
There is no record He ever appears to an unbeliever.
Jesus has no need to prove Himself to anyone.
When He appears to his followers, it is always for the purpose of encouragement.
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1. “He appeared first to Mary Magdalene” (Mk.16:9 & Jn.20:14-16).
He comes to a woman first, to honor her – and all women – who honor Him.
2. He appears to women who come to the sepulcher to anoint His body (Mt.28:5-10).
The Lord sends them on an errand to tell other disciples.
3. He appears to two disciples on the road to Emmaus, one of whom is named Cleopas
(Lk.24:13-31).
Jesus walks, talks, and eats with them in order to rise their faith to a higher level.
4. Jesus appears to Peter for a dialogue so personal, no details are recorded
(Lk.24:34 & I Cor.15:5).
He no doubt assures Peter that He forgives him for his betrayal.
5. The Lord appears to ten disciples, showing them His hands and feet
(Lk.24:36 & Jn.20:19). Judas is dead and Thomas is absent
6. Jesus appears to eleven disciples a week later (Jn.20:26 & Mk.16:14).
He invites doubting Thomas to examine His hands and feet,
although there is no record Thomas actually does.
7. He appears to seven disciples on the shore of the Sea of Galilee (Jn.21:1-24).
The scene involves a miraculous catch of fish, some of which
they cook and eat on the beach.
8. Jesus appears to five hundred people at one time (I Cor.15:6).
This is probably the occasion Jesus mentions when He says
to the women (see # 2, above), “Go tell my brethren to go into
Galilee and there they shall see Me”.
9. The Lord appears to James (I Cor. 15:7).
This is Jesus’ half-brother who later writes The Epistle of James.
10. Jesus appears to His eleven disciples on a mountain in
Galilee where He repeats His Great Comission and ascends.
(Mt.28:16-20; Mk.16:15-20; Lk.24:44-53 & Acts 1:6-11).
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Jesus rose to encourage faith in the afterlife. This is why Paul could ask
“Where is the sting of death?” (I Cor. 15:54). The resurrecton of Jesus
makes the resurrection of His followers a certainty.
“Because I live, you will live also” (Jn.14:19)