After the resurrection the followers of Jesus experienced him in many ways and in many places. Each of the gospel writers tell a variety of stories about the post-resurrection appearances.
In Mark there are no stories of appearances
In Matthew we hear the stories of the women at the tomb; the disciples who “saw him” in Galilee where they were given the Great Commission to baptize, preach and teach and “lo, I am with you always.”
In Luke there is the appearance on the road to Emmaus where Jesus reveals himself by eating with two persons; Jesus’ appearance to the disciples when he gives them peace, shows his wounds, teaches and then goes with them to Bethany where he leaves.
In John there are more post-resurrection appearances than in any of the other gospels: Jesus appears to Mary in the garden and calls her by name; he appears to the disciples behind locked doors giving them peace, charge them to forgive, and showed them his wounds; he also appears to Thomas and others; on the shore of the Sea of Tiberias Jesus appears to the disciples when they are fishing and prepares breakfast for them and gives to Peter the charge to “feed my sheep.”
Henry Alford, wrote the hymn “We Walk By Faith” which acknowledges that we as followers of the risen Christ must live The Way of Jesus with a strong faith. We may at times have doubts, but we too may experience the risen Christ.
We walk by faith, and not by sight:
No gracious words we hear
of him who spoke as none e’er spoke,
but we believe him near.
We may not touch his hands and side,
nor follow where he trod;
yet in his promise we rejoice,
and cry, “My Lord and God!”
Help then, O Lord, our unbelief,
and may our faith ab ound;
to call on you when you are near,
and seek where you are found.
That when our life of faith is done
in realms of clearer light
we may behold you as you are
in full and endless sight.
Jesus is with us on our faith walk even if we don’t realize it. Alleluia!
Joyce D. Sohl, Laywoman-in-Residence
