The Gospels don't give one definitive reason why Jesus appeared first to his female disciples after the Resurrection, but scholars and theologians offer several compelling explanations based on scripture and context:
1. Importance of Women's Testimony:
* Challenging Societal Norms: In the first-century Jewish culture, women's testimony was generally not considered as reliable or credible as men's. By appearing to the women first, Jesus challenged these societal norms and elevated their status as witnesses. This highlights the radical inclusivity of Jesus' message and his disregard for societal hierarchies.
* Demonstration of Trust: Choosing the women to be the first to witness the resurrection demonstrates a profound level of trust. Despite the societal biases, Jesus entrusted them with the vital task of spreading the news of his victory over death.
* Their Love and Devotion: The women who first encountered the risen Jesus were known for their unwavering devotion and courage. They had remained faithful to Jesus even during his crucifixion, when many of his male disciples had fled. Their presence at the tomb suggests a deep love and commitment that Jesus may have recognized and honored.
2. Fulfillment of Prophecy:
* Messianic Expectations: Some scholars argue that Jesus' appearance to the women fulfilled prophetic expectations related to the Messiah. While not explicitly stated, the idea of a humble and unexpected appearance, rather than a grand, public revelation to the powerful, aligns with some interpretations of Old Testament prophecy.
3. Spiritual Sensitivity:
* Openness to the Divine: It is suggested that the women may have been more spiritually receptive and open to the divine than the male disciples, who were initially skeptical and doubtful. Their initial grief and sorrow may have made them more vulnerable and receptive to the miraculous event of the resurrection.
4. Narrative Purpose:
* Building Suspense: From a narrative perspective, having the women discover the empty tomb and report it to the male disciples creates a sense of suspense and intrigue. The disciples' initial disbelief adds to the drama and emphasizes the extraordinary nature of the resurrection.
* Underscoring the Unexpected: Jesus' appearances often defied expectations. The women, being marginalized in some ways, being the first to encounter him underscores the theme of God choosing the weak to shame the strong.
5. Humility and Servanthood:
* Embodying Jesus' Teaching: Throughout his ministry, Jesus emphasized humility and servanthood. By appearing first to the women, he embodied these values, demonstrating that true greatness lies in serving others, even in the face of societal prejudice.
In summary:
The Gospels suggest a combination of factors that may explain why Jesus appeared first to the women after the Resurrection: their unwavering devotion, their spiritual sensitivity, the challenge to societal norms, the fulfillment of potential prophetic undertones, and the narrative purpose of highlighting the unexpected and emphasizing the importance of humility and service. It's important to note that these explanations are not mutually exclusive; they can be understood as contributing to a richer understanding of the event.