Biblical accounts of seeing Jesus alive again

A friend posted a meme on Facebook showing all the locations Jesus was seen after His death and resurrection. As a visual learner, I found it fascinating to see the sightings laid out on a map.

Can you imagine the excitement of the people who saw the risen Jesus? It changed everything! They went from fear to faith, from sadness to joy, and from hiding to boldly telling others.

When people saw Jesus alive again, they didn’t keep it to themselves — they told others, worshiped, changed their lives, and started serving God in new ways.

This is what happened to me. When I was born again, I reached out to my family and told them of my experience. I started attending weekly Bible studies and church on Sundays. My life was forever changed, and I started writing to bring others closer to God.

I love to read the Bible stories of all those who met the Risen Lord and the changes they underwent.

Mary Magdalene was the first. She was crying outside the tomb — sad, confused, and heartbroken. But then Jesus appeared to her, and when He called her by name, she recognized Him. Imagine her joy as she ran to tell the disciples Jesus was alive.

“At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus… Jesus said to her, ‘Mary.’ She turned toward him and cried out… ‘Rabboni!’ (which means ‘Teacher’).” (John 20:14–16, NIV)

The other women — Mary (the mother of James), Salome, and Joanna — were originally afraid when they saw the empty tomb. But when they met Jesus on the road, they fell and worshiped Him.

“Suddenly Jesus met them. ‘Greetings,’ he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him.” (Matthew 28:9, NIV)

Simon Peter felt ashamed and sorrowful after Jesus’ death. Imagine the weight of guilt over his denial. Although the Bible doesn’t tell us exactly what happened when Jesus appeared personally to Peter, we know he rejoined the disciples and later preached boldly.

“It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon.” (Luke 24:34, NIV)

Two other disciples were walking away from Jerusalem on the road to Emmaus. They were talking about what had happened, and I suspect they felt discouraged and confused after Jesus’ death. Jesus walked and talked with them for a while, then revealed Himself at dinner. They were so filled with amazement that they ran back to share with others.

“When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him…” (Luke 24:30–31, NIV)

Scared and grieving, ten disciples had locked themselves in a room. But then Jesus appeared! He showed His wounds, and they believed.

A week later, Jesus appeared again. This time, Thomas was there. Originally, he didn’t believe the others’ story. But when He touched Jesus’ wounds, he was convinced and worshipped Jesus.

“On the evening of that first day… Jesus came and stood among them… He showed them his hands and side.” (John 20:19–20, NIV)

“Then he said to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here; see my hands…’ Thomas said to him, ‘My Lord and my God!’” (John 20:27–28, NIV)

Jesus appeared to the disciples on the beach and again on a mountain in Galilee. Although some were still processing, most were strengthened and comforted.

“Jesus said to them, ‘Come and have breakfast.’… Jesus came, took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish.” (John 21:12–13, NIV)

“When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted.” (Matthew 28:17, NIV)

Jesus even appeared to a large group at once. Imagine being in a group of believers, downcast and disappointed at the death of your Messiah. But then you see Him resurrected!

“After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers and sisters at the same time…” (1 Corinthians 15:6, NIV)

James was skeptical that his own brother was the Messiah. Until Jesus appeared to him personally after His death and resurrection. Then he became a leader in the early church and wrote the book of James.

“Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles.” (1 Corinthians 15:7, NIV)

Jesus appeared to his disciples one last time before He ascended into heaven. He gave them final instructions, and they were filled with joy, ready to spread the message.

“After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight.” (Acts 1:9, NIV)

But it didn’t end there. Jesus even appeared to His enemies. Saul hated the Christians and was on the road to Damascus to arrest them. But then Jesus appeared in a bright light and spoke to him. Saul’s name changed to Paul, and he repented, was baptized, became a missionary and an apostle.

“‘Who are you, Lord?’ Saul asked. ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,’ he replied.” (Acts 9:5, NIV)

The resurrected Jesus changes people. These biblical accounts of those who saw Jesus after His death changed lives!

And Jesus still changes people today.

My life is a living testimony.