What Did Jesus Do After Resurrection
Today we will talk about what did Jesus do after resurrection. Many Christians do not know what this means. Be on the mode of meditation as we read through God’s word. The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the foundation of Christian faith, symbolizing not just His victory over death, but also the promise of eternal life for all believers. After He rose from the dead, Jesus had significant tasks and interactions that laid the groundwork for the early church and comforted His disciples. Exploring what Jesus did in the days following His resurrection can enrich our understanding of His mission and purpose for humanity. In this discussion, we’ll cover various post-resurrection events, including His appearances to His disciples, the Great Commission, and His ascension, each filled with meaning and relevance for our lives today.
The Appearances of Jesus to His Disciples
One of the most remarkable aspects of Jesus’ post-resurrection activities is the number of appearances He made to His followers. These encounters not only solidified the truth of His resurrection but also helped to dispel fear and confusion among His disciples. In the historical perspective, scholars acknowledge that these appearances are vital for understanding the transformational impact of Jesus’ resurrection on His followers, as seen in the explosive growth of the early church.
In the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, His appearances were not limited to just the disciples but included others as well. For instance, in Matthew 28:9, as the women approached the tomb, they encountered the risen Christ, who greeted them. This moment was not only significant because it was one of the first post-resurrection encounters but also declared that Jesus wanted to reveal Himself not just to men, but to women, affirming their role in the faith.
Similarly, in John 20:14-17, Mary Magdalene stands outside the empty tomb weeping, and upon seeing Jesus after His resurrection, He instructs her to go and tell His brothers (the disciples) about His risen state. This shows how Jesus valued personal relationships and the importance of sharing good news with others.
When Jesus appeared to the disciples in John 20:19-23, He immediately reassured them by offering peace, which reflects His understanding of their fear and doubt. Cleopas and another disciple had their eyes opened to recognize Jesus as He walked with them on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-35). This experience highlights the importance of understanding scripture, as Jesus explained how the Old Testament prophecies pointed to Him and His resurrection, deepening their faith and understanding of God’s plan for salvation.
In total, the Gospels record several appearances of Jesus during the 40 days following His resurrection. In Acts 1:3, it is noted that He presented Himself alive “after His suffering, by many infallible proofs,” emphasizing the certainty of His resurrection. Each of these encounters served to strengthen the faith of His followers, while revealing the compassionate and patient nature of Jesus as He worked to mend their shattered hopes.
Moreover, the appearances metaphorically represent Jesus breaking boundaries, showing that His resurrection was not merely for a select few but for all of humanity. These encounters serve as a call to us today to seek a personal relationship with Christ and to share His love and message with others, just as the disciples were commissioned to do.
The Great Commission
Following His resurrection, one of the most important commissions that Jesus entrusted to His disciples is known as the Great Commission. This pivotal command can be found in Matthew 28:16-20, known as the moment when Jesus authoritatively instructed His followers to spread the good news to the entire world. Here, Jesus instructed them to make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Jesus emphasized the necessity of teaching these new disciples to obey His commands and assured them of His presence until the end of the age.
The Great Commission is significant for several reasons. First, it came with a divine authority; Jesus declared, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me” (Matthew 28:18). This proclamation reminds us of who Jesus is—His divine sovereignty over all creation, providing assurance to His followers that they can carry out their mission with boldness, knowing they are backed by divine power.
In Mark 16:15, Jesus succinctly commands them to “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.” This directive reflects His heart for the lost and marginalized, indicating that the message of salvation is for everyone without distinction. The inclusivity of His message points to the embracing nature of God’s love, which breaks down barriers of ethnicity, social standing, and gender. Jesus’ own ministry mirrored this missional compassion, and His commission tasked His followers to continue this legacy.
Then, in Acts 1:8, even before His ascension, He assures them that they will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon them and they will be His witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. This power would enable the disciples to carry out the mission with confidence, underscoring the important truth that we do not undertake the task alone; the Holy Spirit empowers us as we seek to share the gospel.
The Great Commission also holds a significant place in biblical interpretation, as it sets the stage for the spread of Christianity throughout history. The first followers of Jesus took these words seriously and embarked on the great task of evangelizing, teaching, and nurturing new believers in their faith. Their commitment ultimately laid the foundation for the global Church we see today.
In modern times, the Great Commission remains as relevant as ever. It serves as a rallying point for us as believers to participate actively in God’s mission. It challenges us to share the love and grace of Christ with those around us, operating in our daily lives as ambassadors for His Kingdom. We are encouraged to embrace this calling locally and globally, reminding us that the call to share the gospel is not just the responsibility of a few, but of all who follow Christ.
The Ascension of Jesus
The ascension of Jesus, which is recorded in Luke 24:50-53 and Acts 1:9-11, marks a crucial event in Christian theology. Following His resurrection, Jesus spent forty days appearing to His disciples, providing them with further proof of His resurrection and instructing them on the next steps forward as new leaders in the faith. The ascension represents the completion of His earthly ministry and the triumphant return to His rightful place in heaven.
In Luke 24:50-51, we see that Jesus led His disciples out to Bethany, where He lifted up His hands and blessed them. As He was blessing them, He parted from them and was carried up into heaven. This event should be seen as an affirmation of His divine nature, reinforcing the belief that Jesus is both fully God and fully man. He is now crowned with glory at the right hand of the Father, signaling that His authority extends over all creation (Ephesians 1:20-23).
Acts 1:9 elaborates that as they watched, a cloud took Him out of their sight. The disciples were left gazing into the heavens, no doubt filled with a mix of awe and uncertainty. In this moment, two angels appear and ask them why they stand looking into heaven (Acts 1:10-11). The reminder they receive from the angels is that Jesus will return in the same way He ascended, highlighting the hope of His second coming. This hope is an essential doctrine found throughout the New Testament, reminding believers that our Savior is alive and will come again to establish His Kingdom in fullness.
Jesus’ ascension is also crucial because it heralds the coming of the Holy Spirit, who would empower the apostles and all believers for the mission they were to carry out. Jesus had promised His disciples that they would not be left alone (John 14:16-18). The arrival of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost (Acts 2) is a fulfillment of Jesus’ promise and provides the necessary encouragement and strength for carrying out the Great Commission.
In theological terms, the ascension underscores the dual nature of Jesus—fully human, fully divine. As He ascended, He also intercedes for us before the Father (Romans 8:34, Hebrews 4:14-16), reminding us of His continuing presence and involvement in our lives. The ascension invites us to look forward with hope and assurance in our faith. We are left with the promise of Jesus’ return and the privilege of participating in His mission until then.
Through the ascension, we are reminded to focus on the eternal, placing our hope in the glory to come while engaging in our present lives with purpose. The ascension encourages us to recognize that while we may sometimes feel alone or overwhelmed, we have the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the promise of Jesus’ ongoing presence.
Final Thoughts
Reflecting on what Jesus did after His resurrection reveals a beautifully woven message of hope, purpose, and mission. Jesus’ appearances to His disciples not only affirmed His resurrection but deeply comforted their hearts and minds. Each interaction reinforced faith, highlighting the personal nature of Jesus’ love. His Great Commission serves as a call to every believer to continue His work by sharing the good news of salvation. Finally, the ascension marks the transition to a new phase in God’s redemptive plan, reminding us of Jesus’ divine authority and the power that comes from Him through the Holy Spirit. As we contemplate these events, let us embrace our role as ambassadors for Christ, sharing His love with the world and looking forward in hope to His return.
Let us remember that Jesus chose to reveal Himself, empower His followers, and ultimately usher in the Holy Spirit to guide us in our mission. We can find comfort in knowing that we are not alone as we walk our journey of faith, equipped with the assurance that He is always with us.
May we, like the early disciples, be transformed by the truth of Christ’s resurrection, motivated by the urgency of the Great Commission, and hope-filled because of His ascension. As we walk in faith, let’s commit to being active participants in God’s ongoing story.
Further Reading
30 Bible Verses About Getting Closer To God (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Removing People From Your Life (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Israel (With Explanation)
30 Bible Verses About Being Lukewarm (With Explanation)
4 Ways to Encounter Grace and Truth: A Study on John, Chapter 4