How Many Times Did Jesus Appear After The Resurrection? The Answer, According to Tradition
Have you ever wondered how many times Jesus appeared after his Resurrection?
On this episode of "The Catholic Talk Show," Ryan Scheel, Ryan DellaCrosse, and Father Rich Pagano discuss Jesus’ appearances throughout his 40 days on earth after the resurrection.
How many times did Jesus appear after the Resurrection?
Although we don’t know the exact number of times he appeared, we do have an idea. Scripture documents 10 appearances to Jesus’ disciples. However, according to tradition, he appeared 12 times.
John 20:30 says:
“Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book.”
These appearances affirmed His physical resurrection, Father Pagano says.
"The whole idea of what we're bringing to the altar, Jesus' resurrected body is right there for us to receive each and every single day.”
Who did Jesus appear to first?
Tradition tells us that his very first appearance was to his mother, Mary.
Although not explicitly recorded in the Gospels, Scheel says “the Church Doctors and Church Fathers all maintain this like it was a known fact.”
Why did people not recognize Jesus after the resurrection?
The mysterious nature of His resurrected body often rendered Him unrecognizable to even His closest followers initially. Mary Magdalene “thought He was the gardener” and only recognized Him after He called her by name, Dellacrosse says.
What are the deeper meanings of each appearance?
In each appearance, Jesus taught specific lessons and spiritual truths.
On the road to Emmaus, He revealed Himself as the fulfiller of the Scriptures and demonstrated that He could be recognized in the breaking of bread.
When He appeared to the Apostles behind locked doors, it affirmed His resurrection promises and established the Church’s mission.
His reinstatement of Peter showed His forgiveness and the Church's duty to shepherd His flock.
"Jesus, disguised in our midst today… is still speaking to the hearts of men and women throughout every nation, inspiring this greater vocation to holiness," Father Rich says.
Listen to this episode of "The Catholic Talk Show" to learn more about Jesus’ life after the Resurrection: