The story of Jesus

The Risen Christ's Appearances to his Disciples

The risen Christ appeared to some of his followers on numerous occasions, according to the bible. In these stories, the disciples initially experience fear, doubt, shock, and confusion before eventually coming to believe that Christ has truly risen from the grave. There aren't many accounts of Christ appearing to his followers in the book of John 20. This essay will examine one of John chapter 20's appearance stories and describe what the story meant to both Jews and Christ-followers.

Jesus' Appearance to Thomas

In John 20:24-29, there is a brilliant narration of Jesus' appearance to Thomas, who was one of his disciples. The episode happened one week after Jesus had appeared to eleven of his disciples in the absence of Thomas (John 20:19-23). To make his disciples believe it was him, he showed them his hands which had wounds as well as his side, according to the narrative, the disciples were happy when they saw Jesus. Later when Thomas came back and joined the Disciples, they told him that they had seen the risen Christ (John. 20:25). On hearing the news, Thomas could not believe them, and in retaliation, he told them that unless he could see him with his own eyes, see the hands with the prints of the nails, place his finger in the nail's mark and place his hand on his side, then he could not believe them.

Jesus Appears to His Disciples

Later, when the disciples were all in the room, Jesus appeared to them and stood among them (John. 20:27). He greeted them "Peace be with you" (John. 20:19), and then he turned to Thomas and asked him to place his fingers in his wounds so that he could stop doubting, but be the believing one. However, Thomas does not do that, he moves back and confesses that he now believes that Christ has risen. As a result, Jesus turns to him and responds to him with a beatitude "because you have seen me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen, and yet they have believed" (John.20:29).

Meaning to the Disciples

The story of Jesus' appearance to Thomas and his disciples meant a lot to them. First, the disciples could now believe that Jesus was the Christ, was the son of God, and that through him, one could have everlasting life in his kingdom. Also, the resurrection of Jesus fulfilled Jonah's prophecy that the son of man must stay in the ground for three days, and that was what happened with Jesus. Therefore, the Resurrection of Jesus and his appearance to his disciples meant that the prophecy of Johan had been fulfilled, and thus Jesus was the true Christ.