Sequence of Events Surrounding the Resurrection

By Dr. Henry Harbuck

Although few Bibles attempt to harmonize the sequence of events surrounding the resurrection, the following resource taken from my New Millennia Commentary on Matthew will help:

1. On the day after the Sabbath, Mary Magdalene was the first woman to visit the grave site. When she noticed the boulder had been rolled away, she quickly went to tell Peter and John (John 20:1-2).

2. The second group of women arrived immediately after Mary Magdalene had left the site. To their amazement, there had been an earthquake (28:2) and they saw an “angel of the Lord” who had rolled the boulder away from the sepulcher’s entrance and was sitting on it (Matt. 8:2). Though they were told to “inform Peter and the other disciples,” they were afraid. So they kept the miracle to themselves and told no one (Mark 16:7-8). (a.) The response of the guards: At the sight of the angel, who probably had a “fiery appearance,” the guards began to shake and tremble uncontrollably with fear recognizing that “God’s Presence” was in their midst (see Mt. 28:3-4); and

3. The third group of women arrived. These women went inside the tomb after they heard what the angel said. The angel told them to carry the news to the disciples, and they quickly left the site of the “empty tomb” afraid, but also filled with joy, and ran to find and tell the disciples what they had seen (28:8-9; Luke 24:1-8). And as they were on their way, Jesus met them and said: “Shalom—peace be to you—keep on rejoicing!” They were overwhelmed with joy; but at the same time, they were awestruck (fearful). They tried to grab hold of Jesus’ feet as they prostrated themselves on the ground in worship and adoration (28:9). This group eventually reported the resurrection to the disciples, probably with Mary Magdalene being the spokesperson.

Not much has changed in more than 2000 years. Believers continue to await the return of the One who was raised up [alive] from the “empty tomb” while others have grown weary, and turned away as skeptics. But we who believe are reminded of what happened when the disciples were assembled together early in the morning on the second week after the resurrection. Jesus suddenly appeared to them and said to Thomas: “Thomas, come and put your fingers on my hands [and feel My wounds] and put your hand in My side.” After this occurrence, Thomas exclaimed, “My Lord and my God!” The One raised up from the dead was not a mere man, but the God-Man—the Savior of the world!

 

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