Today we will talk about What Did Jesus Do After He Rose From The Dead. Many Christians do not know what this means. Be in the mode of meditation as we read through God’s word. The resurrection of Jesus is a foundational event of the Christian faith, representing victory over sin and death. After His glorious rising from the dead, Jesus did not simply ascend into heaven. Instead, He engaged with His followers and even gave them instructions on how to continue His mission. Understanding what Jesus did after this miraculous event helps us grasp the essence of our faith and our role as believers. Let us walk through the significant actions of Jesus following His resurrection, each shedding light on His divine purpose and love for humanity.
What Did Jesus Do After He Rose From The Dead
A Time of Revelation: Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene
One of the most touching accounts of Jesus’ post-resurrection appearances is found in John 20:11-18, where He meets Mary Magdalene. Mary, having come to the tomb early in the morning, is distressed because she cannot find Jesus’ body. In this moment of despair, she turns and sees Jesus but does not initially recognize Him. When Jesus calls her name, “Mary,” she responds, realizing who He is. This intimate encounter reveals the personal nature of Jesus’ relationship with His followers. In the Hebrew culture, a name carries great significance and connotes identity and relationship. By calling her by name, Jesus affirms their personal connection (John 10:3). This interaction symbolizes how Jesus seeks to have individual relationships with all of us, inviting us into His presence.
In Matthew 28:9-10, we read about another moment when Jesus appears to Mary and her companions as they are leaving the tomb. Jesus greets them, saying, “Do not be afraid.” His words carry comfort and reassurance, which is particularly relevant for anyone experiencing fear or uncertainty. The act of revealing Himself to women first demonstrates Jesus’ countercultural actions in a society that often devalued women. It highlights His radical inclusion and love, affirming the vital role of women in His ministry and the early church.
Gathering With His Disciples: The Commissioning
After appearing to Mary, Jesus then makes His way to His disciples. In these moments, He reassures them and instructs them. In Luke 24:36-49, when Jesus appears to His disciples, they are startled and frightened. He shows them His wounds and shares peace with them. This moment is crucial; it’s more than just a greeting. Jesus is reinforcing the message of hope. He embodies His teachings about peace, faith, and resurrection life.
In this gathering, He commissions His disciples in Matthew 28:18-20, giving them the Great Commission. He instructs them to go forth, making disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Jesus was delegating His mission to them, empowering them to carry on the work He started. The Greek word for ‘go’ in this context is “poreuō,” meaning more than just traveling; it implies a lifestyle of evangelism and outreach. We are invited into this ongoing journey, a partnership in spreading the message of hope and salvation.
Opening Their Understanding: The Road to Emmaus
An interesting account of Jesus’ post-resurrection ministry happens on the Road to Emmaus in Luke 24:13-35. Two of His disciples were walking, discussing recent events, when Jesus joins them, though they did not recognize Him initially. Through their conversation, He opens the Scriptures to them, revealing how the events that transpired fulfilled the prophecies. The Hebrew Scriptures, or Tanakh, are rich with predictions about the Messiah, and Jesus uses these references to inspire faith and understanding.
Once they reach their destination, the disciples invite Him to stay with them. As He breaks bread and blesses it, their eyes are opened, and they recognize Him. It’s a wonderful portrayal of fellowship — a reminder that Jesus is present in the ordinary, everyday acts of our lives. The act of breaking bread is significant in the Christian tradition, symbolizing communion, unity, and remembrance of Jesus’ sacrifice. This moment spurs the disciples to return to Jerusalem with joy to share the news, emphasizing how sharing the experience of the risen Christ ignites a passion for evangelism.
Jesus’ Preparation: The Awaiting Time
In another significant moment, Jesus takes time to prepare His followers for the next phase of their journey. In Acts 1:4-8, before His ascension, He tells them to wait in Jerusalem for the promised Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit would empower them to be His witnesses to the ends of the earth. This period of waiting is essential for spiritual growth and preparation. The Greek word for ‘wait’ used here is “perimenō,” which conveys an active anticipation. It implies that while they are waiting, they should be praying and readying themselves for the great work ahead.
Jesus emphasizes the importance of the Holy Spirit in John 14:16-17, where He assures them of the Helper, who will dwell with them and guide them. This assurance builds their faith, knowing they are not alone in their mission. With the promise of the Holy Spirit, the power of God would be available to them, equipping them for the challenges they would face. We, too, are invited to wait on God in anticipation of what He will do in our lives, trusting that the Spirit empowers us in our daily walk and ministry.
The Ascension: Jesus Takes His Place
Finally, we reach the moment of Jesus’ ascension. In Acts 1:9-11, He is taken up into the clouds while His disciples watch. This event signifies His exaltation and establishes Jesus’ authority over heaven and earth (Matthew 28:18). The historical view of the ascension is traditionally understood as Jesus taking His throne, fulfilling the prophecy in Daniel 7:13-14, where the Son of Man is given authority and glory. The clouds symbolize divine presence and glory, reinforcing that Jesus is returning to His rightful place with the Father.
The angels present at this event remind the disciples that Jesus will return in the same way He ascended — a promise of hope and fulfillment (Acts 1:11). This promise encourages us in our daily lives, letting us know that Christ’s work is not finished. He invites us to be part of bringing His kingdom to earth until His return. Just as the disciples faced the challenge of living in a world without Jesus physically present, we, too, live with the same faith and expectation, actively participating in His mission.
Final Thoughts
In summary, the actions of Jesus after His resurrection are rich with meaning and purpose. From His personal encounter with Mary Magdalene to His commissioning of the disciples, each moment reveals His love and the importance of individual relationships. We see how He opened the Scriptures to provide understanding and how He prepared His followers for the future with the promise of the Holy Spirit. Finally, His ascension serves as a reminder of His authority and the hope we have in His eventual return. Every step of Jesus’ post-resurrection journey was about preparing and sending us to share His love and message with the world.
As we reflect on these moments, let us embrace our role in sharing the story of Jesus. We, too, are empowered through the Holy Spirit to live out our faith actively and share the hope we have in Him. Jesus’ actions remind us of our mission and the love He has for each of us. Let’s continue to seek Him, grow in our understanding, and be ready to step out in faith as His witnesses.
May we be encouraged and inspired by what Jesus did after He rose from the dead, knowing that we are part of His ongoing story, empowered and called to make a difference in the lives of those around us.
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