This week’s question: Why did Jesus have to die? Who saw Jesus raised from the dead?

The Bible says that the penalty for sin is death (see Romans 6:23). That’s real bad news because it also says that all people have sinned, including you and me (see Romans 3:23).

But there’s some real good news too. God loved us enough to make a way for us sinners to be holy in his sight. It was a way that cost God a lot, because it meant sending Jesus, his only Son, to the world to take our punishment for us.

Jesus never sinned, but he allowed himself to be treated like a criminal by taking our sin upon himself and dying in our place on the cross. Three days later God raised Jesus from the dead so that now whoever believes in Jesus is pure and holy in God’s sight.

The penalty for sin has been paid, and we can go to heaven because of that payment. That’s good news- no, that’s great news! (By the way, did you know that the word “gospel” means “good news”? You better believe it!)

Here’s a list of people who saw Jesus after he raised from the dead and the verses where you can read their story:

Mary Magdalene – Mark 16: 9-11; John 20: 10-18

the other women at the tomb- Matthew 28: 8-10

Peter in Jerusalem- Luke 24: 34; 1 Corinthians 15:5

the two travelers on the road- Mark 16: 12-13; Luke 24: 13-3

the disciples (first appearance)- John 20: 26-31; 1 Corinthians 15:5

the disciples including Thomas (second appearance)- John 20: 26-31; 1 Corinthians 15:5

Seven disciples while fishing- John 21: 1-14

Eleven disciples on the mountain- Matthew 28: 16-20

a crowd of more than 500 people- 1 Corinthians 15:6

Jesus’ brother James- 1 Corinthians 15:7

Those who watched Jesus ascend into heaven- Luke 24: 44-49; Acts 1: 3-8