Resurrection means rising from the dead, the resumption of life. The resurrection of Jesus is also known as Easter. It is believed that his resurrection occurred on the third day after his crucifixion some time between 27-33A.D. In the New Testament the resurrection of Jesus happened after his death and burial and prior to his Ascension into Heaven.
While Jesus was alive he had predicted that he would rise from the dead. He told his enemies, “destroy this temple and it will rise again in three days”, but he was referring to his body. When Jesus was crucified he was nailed to a cross, and his side was pierced. The gospel of John states that a soldier pierced the side of Jesus causing the flow of blood and water. When Jesus was dead the apostles quickly placed his body in a rocky hillside and blocked the entrance with giant rock.
The leaders who had killed Jesus were aware that he had made the prediction that he would rise from the dead. Although they didn’t believe it, they wanted to ensure it wouldn’t happen. They stationed a guard to patrol his tomb, and put a seal on the stone. Even with the guards, he still came back to life on the third day. When he raised from the dead his physical appearance but he was now immortal, and he could appear and disappear, go through material objects, and ascend to and descend from heaven.
On Easter morning some women and disciples went to the tomb of Jesus. They were expecting to find his body, but when they arrived he wasn’t there. When they looked they saw an angel who said, “He is not here; he has risen”. Later they saw him face to face. After some disciples found the empty tomb, they said Jesus had made many visits to the remaining disciples.
His most famous visit was to a disciple named Thomas who was invited to put his fingers into the hands and side of Jesus. The final appearance he made while he was resurrected was when he ascended into heaven. The disciples of Jesus were instantly transformed....