In my previous blog, “Antemortal Appearances of Jesus Christ,” I shared some exciting Biblical accounts of those who saw the risen Lord after His crucifixion. In this blog, I desire to share additional witnesses, both immediately after the Lord’s resurrection and in modern-day. For the exciting news is that Jesus Christ lives and leads His church today!
One of my favorite stories from the New Testament is the following. Mary had just seen the risen Lord. I can only imagine the joy that flooded her heart as she looked upon His face and presence. In fact, she apparently went to embrace Him in that same joy, for He had to caution her not to – he had not yet gone to meet the Father (see John 20:16-17).
Instead, Mary did as Jesus bid. She ran to tell the disciples. And in the evening of that same day, when they were assembled in private “for fear of the Jews”, the following occurred (just imagine the emotions that flooded their souls!):
“Then the same day ate evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.
“And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord” (John 20:19-20).
Later on Thomas, who had been absent earlier, was given the opportunity for an amazing experience:
“And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst…
“Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side [this was where the spear had pierced Him while on the cross]; and be not faithless, but be believing…” (John 20:26-27).
Thomas had the opportunity to actually thrust his hand into the mark left by the spear and to touch the Savior’s hands! Can you imagine looking into the face of the Savior, who had gone through so much to pay for humanity’s sins?
But the ancient witnesses weren’t the only ones to testify that Jesus lives. There have been modern witnesses called to testify to our weary world that Jesus actually is real. He really does live!
Joseph Smith recorded:
“We saw the Lord standing upon the breastwork of the pulpit, before us; and under his feet was a paved work of pure gold, in color like amber.
“His eyes were as a flame of fire; the hair of his head was white like the pure snow; his countenance shone above the brightness of the sun; and his voice was as the sound of the rushing of great waters, even the voice of Jehovah, saying:
“I am the first and the last; I am he who liveth, I am he who was slain; I am your advocate with the Father” (D&C 110:1-4).
When my days get difficult, as they sometimes do, all I need to think about are the many witnesses, both ancient and modern, of Jesus Christ. He is alive. He is present in our lives. And one day, we too will have the opportunity to worship at His feet and thank Him for what He has done.
To learn more of Christ’s church and about Him, visit Mormon.org.
