Resurrection Comparison Chart

Mark 16:1—20

Matthew 27:45—28:20

Luke 24:1-53

John 20:1—21:25

1. What time/day did the resurrection happen?

It happened at dawn on Sunday morning.

It happened “after the Sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning.”

It happened “daybreak on the first day of the week.”

It happened early Sunday, while it was still dark.

2. Who came to the tomb? Why? Reaction?

Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome visited the tomb to anoint Jesus’ body with spices. Much to their surprise the tomb was open, and they were alarmed to see a young man in a white robe.

Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. The earthquake and the angel that descended from heaven frightened them, but they were over joyed by the news he gave them.

There were also guards keeping watch who were “shaken with fear” and played dead.

Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Mary the mother of James went to the tomb with spices to anoint Jesus’ body. When the women entered the tomb they were terrified by the two men in white garments.

Mary Magdalene went to the tomb. She found the stone removed from the tomb, and ran to tell Simon Peter.

Simon Peter and the other disciple went to investigate and found Jesus’ clothes. It ends with, “and he saw and believed.”

3. What did the person(s) do with the info about Jesus’ resurrection?

The women were frightened by the news and told no one.

Mary Magdalene and the other Mary ran to announce the news to his disciples.The guards went into the city and told the chief priests all that had happened.

The women returned from the tomb to announce the news to the disciples and “all the others.”

As Mary Magdalene is weeping she sees two angels, and then unknowingly sees Jesus. She eventually realizes that it is Jesus and relays the good news to the disciples.

4. What was the order of discovery? Significance?

Jesus first appeared to Mary Magdalene, followed by two disciples walking on a road, and finally the rest of the disciples who were sitting at a table.

The significance of this order is the key role that women played in Jesus’ ministry. Initially, the discovery of the resurrection begins with women, and later Jesus chooses to first appear to a woman, not a man.

In this resurrection account Jesus first appears to both Mary Magdalene and the other Mary. Lastly, he appears to the eleven disciples.

Two men (Cleopas) on the road to Emmaus walk with Jesus and later realize who he was. At some point Jesus also appears to the disciple Simon. Followed by the rest of the disciples in Jerusalem .

Mary Magdalene is the first to see Jesus, followed by the disciples, and finally Thomas.

Jesus makes his final appearance to the disciples fishing at the Sea of Tiberias

The significance of this order is the key role that women played in Jesus’ ministry. Initially, the discovery of the resurrection begins with a woman, and later Jesus chooses to first appear to a woman, not a man.

5. What supernatural/ spiritual elements were exhibited in each?

(Supernatural/Spiritual elements)

The man in the tomb wearing a white robe, who brought the news of Jesus’ resurrection, is portrayed as a heavenly figure.

The actual appearances that the Resurrected Jesus made are associated with the supernatural/spiritual.

Jesus’ mention of his followers being able to cast out demons, and having healing powers.

Jesus’ ascension into heaven, where he took his seat at the right hand of God.

The angel that descended from heaven directly connects with supernatural/spiritual elements.

The actual appearances that the Resurrected Jesus made are associated with the supernatural/spiritual.

The two men in dazzling white garments, who were later described as being angels.

When the two men who walked with Jesus on the road to Emmaus realized that it was indeed Jesus, he “vanished.”

Jesus’ appearance to the disciples in his glorified body (Flesh and bones).

Jesus’ description of the disciples being, “clothed with power from on high.”

Jesus’ ascension up to heaven.

The two angels in white in the tomb.

Jesus’ ability to appear to the disciples in a room that had locked doors.

Jesus “breathes” the holy spirit on disciples.

  The fish suddenly filled the nets.

The actual appearances that the Resurrected Jesus made are associated with the supernatural/spiritual elements.

6. What causes them to truly believe?

The disciples finally believe once they actually see Jesus for themselves. They did not believe the others who had previously seen him.

The women who saw Jesus seemed to automatically believe that it was the risen Christ. Yet, the disciples still doubted Jesus even after he appeared to them on the mountain.

In this account the disciples believe that Jesus has risen because he appeared to Simon. Yet, they still thought he was a ghost when he appeared to them. Jesus’ appearance along with a little convincing brought about their belief.

The disciples seem to believe that Jesus has risen when they see the empty tomb. This belief is strengthened when they all witness him.

Thomas remains in disbelief until he sees Jesus with his own eyes, and touches his wounds.

7. Who experienced the risen Christ? Who didn’t? To whom did he first appear? Significance of this?

(Who experienced the risen Christ)

Mary Magdalene and the eleven disciples experienced the risen Christ. Those who didn’t see Jesus didn’t experience him. (I was really surprised that Jesus never appeared to his mother, Mary.)

The first person Jesus appeared to was Mary Magdalene. This is significant because Jesus first revealed himself to a woman, not a man. This appearance strengthens the role women served in Jesus’ ministry.

The risen Christ appearing to his followers is significant in itself. It concludes the Gospels with the verification that Jesus did indeed rise from the dead.

Mary Magdalene and the other Mary, and the eleven disciples experienced the risen Christ. Those who didn’t see Jesus didn’t experience him.

  The first person Jesus appeared to was Mary Magdalene, and the other Mary. This is significant because Jesus first revealed himself to women, not men. This appearance strengthens the role women served in Jesus’ ministry.   

The risen Christ appearing to his followers is significant in itself. It concludes the Gospels with the verification that Jesus did indeed rise from the dead.

Those who experienced the risen Christ include, the two men on the road to Emmaus, Simon, along with the other disciples.

Jesus first appeared to the two men. The significance of this appearance is the conversation that takes place; affirming the fulfillment of the prophets and scripture.

Mary Magdalene experienced the risen Christ, and the disciples. Those who didn’t see Jesus didn’t experience him.

  Jesus appeared to Mary Magdalene first. This is significant because Jesus first revealed himself to a woman, not a man. This appearance strengthens the role women served in Jesus’ ministry.    

The risen Christ appearing to his followers is significant in itself. It concludes the Gospels with the verification that Jesus did indeed rise from the dead.