The resurrection of Jesus is described in several key passages in the Bible, primarily in the New Testament Gospels:
- Matthew 28:1-10 recounts how Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to Jesus' tomb early on the first day of the week, found the stone rolled away, and were told by an angel that Jesus had risen. Jesus then appeared to them and instructed them to tell the disciples to meet Him in Galilee
- Mark 16:1-8 describes a similar event where women find the tomb empty and are told by a young man (angel) that Jesus has risen and is going ahead of them to Galilee
- Luke 24 narrates how women find the empty tomb, encounter two angels, and then Jesus appears to two disciples on the road to Emmaus. Later, Jesus appears to the apostles in Jerusalem, explaining the fulfillment of scripture and commissioning them
- John 20 includes Jesus’ declaration, “I am the resurrection and the life,” and records appearances of the risen Jesus to Mary Magdalene and the disciples
The resurrection is celebrated as the cornerstone of Christian faith, affirming Jesus’ victory over death and promise of eternal life to believers. It is commemorated on Easter Sunday, marking Jesus’ rising on the third day after His crucifixion
. Additionally, the Bible contains other accounts of resurrection, such as Lazarus being raised by Jesus (John 11) and Old Testament instances like the widow’s son in Zarephath (1 Kings 17), but the resurrection of Jesus is the central event
. In summary, the resurrection is found primarily in the Gospels of Matthew 28, Mark 16, Luke 24, and John 20, where Jesus is declared risen from the dead, appears to His followers, and commissions them to spread the gospel
