Jesus' Second Appearance 

Upon hearing the five women's story of encountering Jesus, Peter and John were filled with curiosity and urgency. They immediately set off to verify the reports by visiting the tomb. As they hurriedly made their way to Golgotha, Peter's emotions swung between fear and hope, while John experienced a growing ecstasy of joy and hope. John, being younger, outran Peter and arrived at the tomb first. He paused at the entrance, observing the tomb just as Mary Magdalene had described. Peter caught up soon after and entered the tomb, witnessing the same emptiness and neatly arranged grave cloths.

Overwhelmed by the inexplicable scene, they sat down on the stone, attempting to comprehend its meaning. In their discussion, Peter initially suggested that the grave had been robbed, but John raised valid doubts about the orderly arrangement of the burial garments and their undisturbed state. Both entered the tomb again, examining the grave cloths more closely.

As they emerged from the tomb for the second time, they encountered Mary Magdalene, who had returned to the site, weeping. Mary had initially believed in Jesus' resurrection and had shared this belief with the apostles, but their refusal to accept her testimony left her despondent. In her distress, she longed to hear the voice of Jesus again.

Mary lingered at the tomb after Peter and John had departed. It was at this point that the Master again appeared to her, saying: "Be not doubting; have the courage to believe what you have seen and heard. Go back to my apostles and again tell them that I have risen, that I will appear to them, and that presently I will go before them into Galilee as I promised."

Mary raced back to the Mark home and told the apostles she had again talked with Jesus, but they still would not believe her. But when Peter and John returned, they ceased to ridicule and became filled with fear and apprehension.

Most of the apostles remained skeptical and were disposed to believe that the Jews had removed Jesus' body. David, on the other hand, understood the significance of Jesus' teachings and expressed his faith in Jesus' promise to rise on the third day. He announced his plan to gather the messengers at the home of Nicodemus to send them out as heralds of the Master's resurrection.

These messengers, having faithfully served David and the cause of the kingdom, were about to embark on their final mission. David confidently informed them that their service as mortal messengers was no longer needed, as Jesus had indeed risen from the dead. He recounted the testimony of the women who had seen Jesus and instructed the messengers to bear the news to the believers: "Jesus has risen from the dead; the tomb is empty."

Although some of the messengers harbored doubts, they were convinced by David's assurance and began their assignments, spreading the incredible truth of Jesus' resurrection throughout various regions, from Beersheba to Damascus and from Philadelphia to Alexandria. These laymen, under David's leadership, embarked on their mission with unwavering determination, carrying the message even before the apostles themselves believed in the risen Savior.