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“Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils.” (Mark 16:9)
Bible students find that Jesus appeared about fourteen times following the resurrection. He appeared to various groups of His disciples, sometimes to one individual, as recorded in the Scriptures. Of course, there may have been other appearances not recorded.
Why He appeared first to Mary of Magdala, we do not know. But that He appeared, we do know, and it is most important. The Easter truth of the bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ is the omerstone of Christianity and the Rock of Gibraltar of our faith. Take away the truth of the resurrection and we have left an empty shell.
Jesus Christ promised that He was going away to prepare a place for those who believe in Him. He also said that He would come again and receive them that they might be with Him. Now if He arose from the grave, we can expect Him to fulfill these promises.
Here is my personal testimony. I believe that Jesus Christ arose bodily from the grave the third day. I know of nothing else that could have convinced that group of weak and doubting disciples that He was alive. Most of them had forsaken Him at the hour of suffering, and Peter had denied Him. I know of nothing else that could have transformed Peter from a cringing denier into a dynamic, fearless preacher. I know of nothing else that could have induced doubting Thomas (who insisted on seeing before believing) to proclaim, “My Lord and my God.” I know of nothing else that could have changed my own sinful heart and put within me a love for God and His word. But Christ did it and I believe.
James W. Adkins
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