Evening Reading for November 20

John 20:1-10
Suggested further reading: 1 Corinthians 15:1-11

Concerning the evidences of Christ's resurrection — the proofs that he actually did rise again from the grave with his body — it is most remarkable to observe how full and various they are. He was seen at least eleven times after he rose again, at different times of day, in different ways and by different witnesses.

The order of Christ's eleven appearances between his resurrection and ascension, I believe to be as follows:

1. to Mary Magdalene alone (Mark 16:9; John 20:14);

2. to certain women returning from the sepulchre (Matt. 28:9-10);

3. to Simon Peter alone (Luke 24:34);

4. to two disciples going to Emmaus (Luke 24:13);

5. to ten apostles at Jerusalem and some other disciples, Thomas being absent (John 20:19);

6. to eleven apostles at Jerusalem, Thomas being present (John 20:26-29);

7. to seven disciples fishing at the sea of Tiberias (John 21:1);

8. to eleven apostles on a mountain in Galilee and perhaps some others with them (Matt. 28:16);

9. to above five hundred brethren at once (1 Cor. 15:7); 10. to James only (1 Cor. 15:7);

11. to all the apostles and probably some others on Mount Olivet at his ascension.

He was seen first by one woman alone, then by several women together, then by one man, then by two men and each time in the open air. Then he was seen by ten disciples in the evening in a room, then by eleven disciples again in a room and afterwards on five different occasions, at one of which no less than five hundred people were present. Those to whom he appeared touched him, talked with him and saw him eat and drink (Matt. 28:9; John 20:27; Luke 24:42). Nor must it be forgotten that all who saw him were most unwilling at first to believe and most slow to credit the report of his resurrection. Yet they were all finally convinced!

For meditation: Few historical events are as well documented as the resurrection of our Lord.


These readings (ISBN: 0 85234 420 1) are copyrighted and made available with permission by
Evangelical Press; 12 Wooler St., Darlington, Co, Durham, England, DL1 1RQ