He Appeared

The risen Christ came near to grieving hearts.

Easter Season: From Resurrection to Pentecost

After the resurrection, Jesus did not remain distant from His followers. He appeared to them in their grief, fear, confusion, and doubt. The risen Christ came near to ordinary people in extraordinary moments.

He appeared to Mary Magdalene in the garden.
He walked with disciples on the road to Emmaus.
He stood among fearful disciples behind locked doors.
He invited Thomas to believe.
He met His followers by the sea.

These appearances remind us that the resurrection was real and personal. Jesus was alive, and He wanted His followers to know Him, trust Him, and continue His mission.

At Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church, we believe the risen Christ still draws near to people today.

Why Jesus Appeared

Jesus’ appearances were not random moments. They had purpose.

He appeared to:

• Confirm that He was truly alive
• Comfort grieving hearts
• Strengthen weak faith
• Correct doubt
• Teach Scripture
• Restore relationships
• Commission His followers

The risen Jesus did not abandon His people. He came to them.

GROW Through the Appearances of Jesus

G — Grounded in Scripture

Key Scriptures:

• Matthew 28:9–10, 16–20
• Luke 24:13–49
• John 20:11–29
• John 21:1–19
• Acts 1:3
• 1 Corinthians 15:5–8

These passages show that many witnesses encountered the risen Christ.

R — Reasons We Believe

The appearances of Jesus strengthen the case for the resurrection.

Christian faith is rooted in real encounters and eyewitness testimony. Jesus appeared to individuals, groups, and large gatherings of followers.

The disciples were transformed because they truly believed they had seen the risen Lord.

Fearful people became courageous witnesses because Jesus appeared to them alive.

O — Obedience in Action

Because Jesus appeared, we are called to respond.

We respond by:

• Trusting the testimony of Scripture
• Bringing our doubts honestly to Christ
• Listening for His voice
• Following where He leads
• Sharing the good news with others
• Living with confidence that Jesus is alive

Faith grows when we meet Christ through His Word and Spirit.

W — Walk It Out

We live this truth daily when we:

• Look for Christ’s presence in hard seasons
• Pray honestly in moments of doubt
• Recognize Jesus in Scripture and worship
• Welcome His peace into fearful places
• Remember that He still seeks people personally

Jesus may not appear physically as He did then, but He still reveals Himself through Scripture, prayer, worship, and transformed lives.

Five Powerful Resurrection Appearances

1. Mary Magdalene

Jesus called her by name.

Jesus spoke her name in the garden, turning grief into joy.

2. The Road to Emmaus

He walked beside them before they knew it was Him.

3. The Locked Room

Peace entered the locked room.

Jesus entered fearful spaces and said, “Peace be with you.”

4. Thomas

Jesus met doubt with grace.

Jesus met doubt with grace and invited faith.

5. Breakfast by the Sea

The risen Lord still restores and calls people forward.

Jesus provided, welcomed, and restored His followers.

What This Means Today

Jesus still comes near.

He meets people in sorrow.
He meets people in confusion.
He meets people in doubt.
He meets people in fear.
He meets people in everyday life.

No locked door can keep Him out.
No broken heart is beyond His reach.

• Reflection Questions

  1. Where do I most need the presence of Jesus today?

  Possible answers:

  • In grief or loss
  • In anxiety or fear
  • In loneliness
  • In family stress
  • In a difficult decision
  • In health concerns
  • In spiritual dryness
  • In uncertainty about the future

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  2. Am I carrying fear, confusion, or doubt to Him honestly?

  Possible answers:

  • Fear about what is ahead
  • Questions I have not voiced
  • Doubts about prayer being answered
  • Confusion over a life situation
  • Worry I keep trying to handle alone
  • Hurt I have buried
  • Feeling distant from God

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  3. How has Christ revealed Himself in my life before?

  Possible answers:

  • Answered prayer in the right time
  • Peace during a hard season
  • Guidance through Scripture
  • Comfort through another person
  • Strength I did not have on my own
  • Opening a door I could not open
  • Drawing me back when I wandered
  • Worship that renewed my faith

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  4. What locked door in my life needs His peace?

  Possible answers:

  • Fear of the future
  • Unforgiveness
  • Isolation from others
  • Shame from past mistakes
  • Bitterness
  • Worry over finances
  • Stress in relationships
  • Resistance to change

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  5. Who needs to hear that Jesus still comes near?

  Possible answers:

  • A grieving friend
  • Someone facing illness
  • A discouraged family member
  • A person struggling with doubt
  • Someone who feels alone
  • A neighbor under stress
  • A young person needing direction
  • Someone who has drifted from church

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  6. How can I recognize Christ’s presence this week?

  Possible answers:

  • Spend time in Scripture
  • Notice daily blessings
  • Pray quietly and listen
  • Attend worship
  • Serve someone in need
  • Look for peace in hard moments
  • Be attentive to wise counsel
  • Remember He is with me even when unseen
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• “The resurrection was not only an event to understand—it was an encounter that changed lives forever. ‘I’ve Just Seen Jesus’ captures the wonder, joy, and overwhelming hope experienced by those who saw the risen Christ face to face.” “Sometimes worship says what words alone cannot. As you reflect on the hope of the resurrection and the presence of Christ in our lives today, take a moment to listen and worship.”

Prayer-

Risen Lord Jesus, thank You for appearing to Your followers and bringing peace, hope, and faith. Come near to us in our fears, doubts, and burdens. Open our eyes to recognize Your presence and strengthen us to follow You faithfully. Amen.

Continue the Journey

Next Lesson: He Gave Hope

The risen Christ replaced fear and sorrow with lasting hope.