Three women—Mary Magdalene, Salome, and Mary—travel at dawn to anoint the body of Jesus, troubled only by the practical concern of who will move the heavy stone sealing the tomb. Upon arrival, they find the stone already rolled away. Inside, an angel in white tells them Jesus has risen and instructs them to inform the disciples, singling out Peter by name, that they will see the risen Lord in Galilee. Initially too frightened to speak, the women soon encounter Jesus himself. Mary Magdalene, recognizing him, rushes to tell the grieving disciples, who have been mourning in the belief they will never see their teacher again. The specific mention of Peter in the angel's message is noted as particularly meaningful, given Peter's earlier denial of Jesus, and it is confirmed that Jesus later appeared to Peter privately and extended forgiveness to him—a reassurance offered to all who seek pardon and comfort. The soldiers stationed at the tomb, shaken by what they witnessed, report the events to the chief priests. Rather than acknowledge the truth, the religious authorities bribe the soldiers to spread the story that the disciples stole the body during the night. This false account circulates widely among the Jewish population. Jesus, however, continues to appear repeatedly to his followers. On one occasion he enters a room where a group of disciples and companions are gathered, greeting them with peace. Terrified, believing they are seeing a ghost, they are invited to touch him and examine the nail wounds in his hands and feet. To further dispel all doubt, he asks for food and eats in front of them. He then explains gently that both his death and his resurrection were necessary—his death as an atoning sacrifice and his rising as proof of God's acceptance of that sacrifice and as the foundation of eternal salvation for all who follow him.
By Catharine Shaw · First published 2006 · Genre: Mystery, Historical Fiction, Crime Fiction