The resurrection of Jesus Christ is a foundational event in Christian theology, signifying His victory over death and His divine nature. Following His resurrection, Jesus made several appearances, the first of which was to a group of women who had been His followers. This event is recorded in the Gospels and holds significant theological and historical importance.

Biblical Account

The Gospel of Matthew records that after the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb (Matthew 28:1). An angel of the Lord had rolled back the stone from the entrance, and the guards were so afraid that they became like dead men. The angel announced to the women, "He is not here; He has risen, just as He said. Come, see the place where He lay" (Matthew 28:6). The angel instructed them to go quickly and tell His disciples that He had risen from the dead.

As the women hurried away from the tomb, they encountered the risen Jesus. "Suddenly Jesus met them and said, 'Greetings!' They came to Him, grasped His feet, and worshiped Him" (Matthew 28:9). Jesus then instructed them, "Do not be afraid. Go and tell My brothers to go to Galilee. There they will see Me" (Matthew 28:10).

The Gospel of Mark also mentions this appearance, noting that Jesus appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from whom He had cast out seven demons (Mark 16:9). She went and told those who had been with Him, who were mourning and weeping, but they did not believe her (Mark 16:10-11).

In the Gospel of John, Mary Magdalene is depicted as visiting the tomb early, while it was still dark. She found the stone removed and ran to inform Peter and the other disciple. After they had visited the tomb, Mary remained outside weeping. Jesus appeared to her, but she did not recognize Him until He called her by name (John 20:14-16). Jesus instructed her, "Do not cling to Me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go and tell My brothers, 'I am ascending to My Father and your Father, to My God and your God'" (John 20:17).

Theological Significance

The appearance of the risen Christ to the women is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it underscores the role of women in the early Christian community. Despite the cultural norms of the time, which often marginalized women's testimonies, the Gospels affirm their crucial role as the first witnesses to the resurrection. This highlights the inclusive nature of the Gospel message and the breaking down of societal barriers in the new covenant.

Secondly, the encounter emphasizes the fulfillment of Jesus' predictions about His death and resurrection. Throughout His ministry, Jesus had foretold His resurrection on the third day (Matthew 16:21, 17:23, 20:19). The angel's message and Jesus' appearance confirm the reliability of His words and the divine plan of salvation.

Lastly, the resurrection appearances serve as a testament to the physical reality of Jesus' resurrection. The women physically interacted with Jesus, grasping His feet and worshiping Him, which affirms the bodily resurrection—a cornerstone of Christian belief. This physical resurrection is essential for the hope of believers in their future resurrection and eternal life.

Historical Context

In the first-century Jewish context, women were generally not considered reliable witnesses in legal matters. The Gospel accounts' inclusion of women as the first witnesses to the resurrection is therefore striking and lends credibility to the narrative. If the resurrection account were fabricated, it is unlikely that women would have been chosen as the primary witnesses, given the cultural context.

The early Christian community's acceptance and propagation of these accounts demonstrate the transformative impact of the resurrection event. The disciples, initially skeptical and fearful, became bold proclaimers of the risen Christ, a change attributed to their encounters with the resurrected Jesus and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit.

Conclusion

The appearance of the resurrected Christ to the women is a profound event that affirms the truth of the resurrection, the fulfillment of prophecy, and the inclusive nature of the Gospel. It challenges cultural norms and provides a foundation for the hope and faith of believers throughout the ages.Matthew 28:9
And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Whether Christ Ought to have Lived Constantly with his Disciples ...
... with the disciples in a fitting way after the Resurrection. ... 20:26) that "after eight
days" Christ appeared to the ... Therefore He did not live constantly with them ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether christ ought to have 3.htm

Christ Appears to the Women at the Tomb; to Mary; to the Two ...
... During the absence of the Apostles, Christ appeared first to ... and in bidding them
announce his resurrection to the ... in which he then appeared, because he had not ...
/.../section 300 christ appears to.htm

First and Second Appearances of the Risen Christ. The Resurrection ...
... [Christ's first question expressed kindly sympathy; the second suggested ... bring them
word of the resurrection.] ^dI have ... they, when they heard that he was alive ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/cxxxv first and second appearances.htm

The Eve of the Resurrection.
The Dolorous Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ. ... The Eve of the Resurrection. ... a bright
form appeared, holding out a sheet resembling that in which he had wrapped ...
/.../the dolorous passion of our lord jesus christ/chapter lx the eve of.htm

Conclusions Jesus as the Christ of the Creator Proved from the ...
... the angels, were foreseen by Isaiah, when he says, "Come ... 5174] that is, "come," to
report the resurrection of the ... disciples as none other than the Christ of the ...
/.../the five books against marcion/chapter xliii conclusions jesus as the.htm

Whether the Proofs which Christ Made Use of Manifested ...
... would not suffice of itself for showing perfectly Christ's Resurrection, yet all ...
they did not say they were men, as Christ asserted that He was truly ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the proofs which christ.htm

Christ Risen
... Fourth strove to tell him what passed after he was wounded ... Yet it is certain that
the resurrection of Jesus ... If Christ were not risen, how came these despairing ...
/.../chadwick/the gospel of st mark/chapter 16 1-18 christ risen.htm

The Resurrection of Christ.
... genius of the Bible, discusses the resurrection of Christ ... Nevertheless he makes the
strong statement (p.69 ... historically more certain than that Christ rose from ...
/.../history of the christian church volume i/section 19 the resurrection of.htm

John Chapter xvii. 20
... whom, on making the confession, "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God,"
He had borne ... Him from dying than to believe in His resurrection when dead ...
/.../augustine/homilies on the gospel of john/tractate cix john chapter xvii.htm

On the Resurrection of Christ from the Dead.
... when taken from the Cross, and that He gradually revived ... that the Apostles really
believed in the Resurrection, but the mere visions of Christ had wrought ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xvi on the resurrection.htm

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