The Resurrection Appearances: A Special Adult Education Class

The Resurrection Appearances: A Special Adult Education Class 

Sunday, April 12, 2026 · 9:00–9:45 a.m. · Adult Education Building

About This Class

On Sunday, April 12th, the Reverend Douglas Puckett will lead our adult Sunday School class in an exploration of the nine recorded appearances of the risen Jesus in the Gospels. Father Puckett is a retired Episcopal priest and a beloved member of the St. Bartholomew's parish family, and he brings decades of study and pastoral experience to this material.

This is a stand-alone class — no previous attendance, no preparation, and no prior knowledge is required. Whether you have been attending adult education at St. Bart's for years or have never set foot in a Sunday School class in your life, you are warmly welcome. Come as you are.

The Nine Resurrection Appearances

After the crucifixion and burial of Jesus, the Gospels record a series of extraordinary encounters between the risen Christ and his followers. These appearances are not uniform in character — they happen in different places, to different people, under different circumstances — and together they paint a remarkably rich and sometimes surprising portrait of resurrection life. Here is a brief overview of the nine appearances Father Puckett will explore:

1. Mary Magdalene at the Tomb (John 20:11–18) Mary stands weeping outside the empty tomb and encounters a figure she takes for the gardener. It is only when he calls her by name — "Mary" — that she recognizes him. This is perhaps the most intimate of all the resurrection appearances, and one of the most beloved passages in all of Scripture.

2. The Women Leaving the Tomb (Matthew 28:9–10) As the women leave the empty tomb with fear and great joy, Jesus meets them on the road. They take hold of his feet and worship him. He sends them as the first heralds of the resurrection — "go and tell my brothers."

3. Two Disciples on the Road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13–35) Two disciples walk seven miles from Jerusalem to Emmaus, joined by a stranger who opens the Scriptures to them along the way. It is only in the breaking of bread that their eyes are opened — and at that moment he vanishes from their sight. They turn and walk back to Jerusalem immediately.

4. Simon Peter (Luke 24:34; 1 Corinthians 15:5) Though the details of this appearance are not narrated in the Gospels, it is confirmed twice — once by the disciples in Luke and once by Paul in his early creed in 1 Corinthians. That Paul names Peter first in his list of witnesses signals the significance of this private encounter between the risen Lord and the disciple who denied him three times.

5. The Disciples in the Upper Room, Thomas Absent (John 20:19–23) On the evening of the first Easter Day, the disciples are gathered behind locked doors, afraid. Jesus appears in their midst, shows them his hands and his side, and breathes on them: "Receive the Holy Spirit." Fear becomes peace. This is the Johannine Pentecost.

6. The Disciples in the Upper Room, Thomas Present (John 20:26–29) A week later, Jesus appears again — this time with Thomas present. Thomas, who had said he would not believe without touching the wounds, is invited to do exactly that. His response is the highest confession in the Gospel of John: "My Lord and my God."

7. Seven Disciples by the Sea of Galilee (John 21:1–14) The disciples have gone back to fishing. They catch nothing all night. A figure on the shore tells them to cast their nets on the other side — and the catch is overwhelming. The beloved disciple says, "It is the Lord." Jesus has breakfast waiting on the beach.

8. The Great Commission on the Mountain in Galilee (Matthew 28:16–20) Jesus meets the eleven on a mountain in Galilee — the place he had appointed. Some worship; some doubt. He commissions them to make disciples of all nations, to baptize, to teach — and promises his presence to the end of the age.

9. The Ascension (Luke 24:44–53; Acts 1:6–11) The final appearance concludes not with Jesus remaining but with his departure — lifted up, a cloud receiving him. The disciples stand gazing into heaven until two figures in white bring them back to earth. They return to Jerusalem with great joy.

Why These Appearances Matter

Taken together, the resurrection appearances do something that no single account could do alone. They show the risen Christ seeking out the grieving (Mary Magdalene), the doubting (Thomas), the defeated (the disciples behind locked doors), the distracted (the fishermen on the lake), and the fleeing (the two on the road to Emmaus). In every case, the initiative is his. In every case, recognition comes as gift rather than achievement. And in every case, encounter leads to commission — those who meet the risen Christ are sent.

These accounts have shaped Christian faith, art, liturgy, and imagination for two thousand years. Father Puckett will bring them alive for our community on April 12th. You won't want to miss it. 

All Are Welcome

This class is ideal for anyone who is:

You do not need to bring anything. You do not need to have attended last week or plan to attend next week. Simply come.

Adult Education meets from 9:00 to 9:45 a.m. in the Adult Education Building, prior to the 10:00 a.m. service. There is plenty of time to enjoy a cup of coffee before worship begins.

Questions? Contact us at admin@saintbart.org or (803) 279-4622.