The Resurrection's Reality

Christ's Resurrection has no more powerful reality than that testified to by the Spirit; however, it is a matter of historical fact that thousands literally saw the Resurrected Christ. Many of those thousands physically thrust their hands in His side, and felt the prints of the nails in His hands and in His feet. Some even break bread and ate with the Savior of the world after rising from the dead. Listed below (with great thanks to Elder Talmadge's Jesus the Christ) are some of those who so testified from personal knowledge.

1. Mary Magdalene, near the sepulcher (Mark 16:9-10; John 20:14) 1 person

2. The two Marys, somewhere between the sepulcher and Jerusalem (Matt 28:9) 2 people

3. Two disciples on the road to Emmaus (Mark 16:12; Luke 24:13) 2 people

4. Peter, the apostles and others in or near Jerusalem (Luke 24:36; John 20:19) 13 persons

5. The eleven apostles and others at Jerusalem (Mark 16:14; John 20:26) 12 people

6. The apostles at the Sea of Tiberias, Galilee (John 21) 11 people

7. The eleven apostles on a mountain in Galilee (Matt. 28:16) 11 people

8. Five hundred brethren at once (1 Cor. 15:6) 500 people

9. To James, the other 10, and Paul (1 Cor. 15:7) 12 people

10. The eleven apostles at the time of the ascension, Mount of Olives (Mark:16:19; Luke 24:50-51) 11 people

11. A great multitude of the Nephites (3 Nephi 11:8) 2500 people

12. Spring 1820 Joseph Smith (Joseph Smith 1:5-26) 1 person

13. Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon February 16, 1832 (D & C 76:11-24) 2 people

14. Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdrey April 3, 1836 (D & C 110:1-11) 2 people

Approximately 3079 personally saw and bear record of the reality of Christ's Resurrection. And, though I am not numbered with them, never have I personally felt the reality of Christ's Resurrection greater than I have at this time in my life. May the blessings of Easter's message of Hope, Renewal, Revival, and Resurrection be with us always.