Early on the Sunday morning following Jesus' Crucifixion; Mary Magdalene, Mary, the mother of James, and Salome, gathered together to attend to the body of Jesus with sweet spices. As they approached the tomb, they saw that the large boulder, which had been placed as a seal, was gone. Finding an angel in the tomb, they are the first to hear " he is risen; he is not here". I love that because of their diligence and focus on caring for the Savior, these women were prepared to be among the first that would experience the miracle of the resurrection. For me, this acts as one more testimony of the value and importance of being prepared to serve and meet Jesus.
They went to find the apostles, some of whom had already seen the Savior, but had not recognized Him. As word travels among His faithful followers that the tomb is empty, a small group arrive back at the tomb. Peter is the first to notice that the burial clothes have been laid aside. Mary Magdalene is the first to see the risen Lord.
Later, in a closed room, Jesus appeared to ten of His apostles. In this setting did the apostles get the opportunity to see, hear and touch the risen Lord. They were able to touch His wounds and see His resurrected form. Earlier in the week, Jesus had prophesied to them that the disciples would have sorrow, but their hearts would rejoice. I imagine that in this very intimate environment, this prophecy was realized. They truly could say at this moment and forever more, "I know that my Redeemer Lives". He taught from the scriptures, and instructed them as to how they should further the gospel by proclaiming the truth to all. At this time, Jesus also confers the Holy Ghost upon the group of men.
As Jesus prepares to depart from their physical presence, He leaves with the council to "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father , and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost". Although each of the four gospels describe the same events, each one takes a bit of a different approach. The departure of Jesus is described by Luke and Mark, however not mentioned at all by Matthew or John's accounts. Matthew's final words on Jesus' short sojourn with them after His resurrection is among one of my favorite scriptures when I am seeking comfort. "And, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world" (Matthew 28:20).
"Christ the Lord is Risen Today" is known as the Easter hymn. Its lyrics are beautiful, but for today, I've chosen this rendition of "He Is Risen" by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir to share. Click on the image below to start the video.
Scripture Experience:
*The women and the empty tomb (Mark 16:1-8; Matthew 28:1-8; Luke 24:1-9; John 20:1-2)
*Peter and John run to the tomb (Luke 24:12; John 20:3-10)
*Jesus appears to Mary Magdalene (John 20:11-18; Mark 16: 9-11)
*Jesus appears to the other women (Matthew 28:9-10; Luke 24:10-11)
*The chief priests react to news of the Resurrection (Matthew 28:11-15)
*The road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-35; Mark 16:12-13)
*Jesus appears to the disciples (Luke 24:36-49; John 20:19-23; Mark 16:14)
Subsequent Appearances
*Jesus and Thomas (John 20:24-29)
*Jesus meets the disciples in Galilee (John 21:1-14)
*Jesus and Peter: three-fold affirmation of Peter's love (John 21:15-19)
*Jesus and the other disciple (John 21:20-23)
*The forty-day ministry (Acts 1:1-5)
*The apostolic commission (Matthew 28:16-20; Acts 1:6-8; Mark 16:15-18)
*The Ascension (Luke 24:51; Acts 1:9-11; Mark 16:19)
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