What Did Jesus Do After He Was Resurrected
Today we will talk about what did Jesus do after he was resurrected. Many Christians do not know what this means. The resurrection is a cornerstone of our faith; it symbolizes hope, new beginnings, and eternal life. After Jesus rose from the dead on that glorious Easter morning, He appeared to His disciples and others over a period of time, teaching and encouraging them. As we go through the Scriptures together, let’s keep our hearts open to the teachings and revelations about our Savior. We want to understand and visualize what those days were like after Jesus conquered the grave. So, as we read through God’s Word, let’s be in a state of meditative reflection, allowing His truths to shape our lives.
1. The First Appearances to Mary Magdalene and the Disciples
After Jesus rose from the dead, one of His first interactions was with Mary Magdalene. This encounter symbolizes immense grace and hope. Mary went to the tomb early in the morning, only to find it empty. The Greek word used for “tomb” is “mnemeion,” which refers to a place of remembrance. It’s significant that the first person to witness the resurrected Jesus was a woman, emphasizing the value and role of women in the early church (John 20:11-18). When Mary recognized Jesus, He instructed her to share the news with the disciples. This act is often viewed as a signal of the Gospel being brought to all mankind—spreading the good news was not limited to a specific demographic.
Later, Jesus appeared to His disciples in a locked room. The Bible tells us in John 20:19-23 that Jesus said, “Peace be with you!” This message of peace is vital; it shows how, though they were afraid and in shock, Jesus brought them comfort. Moreover, He commissioned them, adding the command to forgive sins, establishing the foundation for their mission moving forward. This encounter reassured the disciples of their task ahead and ignited the flame of evangelization, which later transformed the world.
2. Eating with the Disciples
Another remarkable moment was when Jesus shared a meal with His disciples. In Luke 24:36-43, He appeared to them while they were discussing His resurrection and demonstrated that He was not a ghost, but in fact alive and real. He asked for food and ate a piece of broiled fish, a mundane yet intimate act that signified the physicality of His resurrection. It was not just a spirit but His glorified body that they were seeing. The Greek word for “fish” is “ichthys,” which has also been used historically as a symbol of Christianity. Sharing a meal highlights the importance of fellowship and community in the life of a believer.
This act of dining holds a deeper meaning as well—it reinforces the idea that resurrection was not just a spiritual concept but a physical reality. It shows us that Jesus embodies both the human experience and the divine promise of eternal life. This emphasis on fellowship in the Christian faith is now mirrored in practices like the Eucharist, where believers come together to remember Christ’s ultimate sacrifice.
3. The Great Commission
Before Jesus ascended into heaven, He gave His disciples what we refer to as the Great Commission. This can be found in Matthew 28:16-20. Here, Jesus instructed His followers to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. The Hebrew word “mitzvah” means ‘commandment,’ embodying the action Jesus asked of His followers. It represents an important directive in taking the message of salvation to the world.
The urgency of this command is underscored by the truth that these were the final instructions of Christ as a mortal being. Knowing that His earthly ministry was coming to an end, He imparted His authority to His disciples, affirming that He would be with them always. This promise not only empowered them but also speaks to us today, encouraging us to carry on the work that Jesus began, sharing His love and grace in every corner of the earth.
4. Post-Resurrection Teachings
Over the course of the forty days following His resurrection, Jesus took time to teach His disciples “about the kingdom of God” (Acts 1:3). This instruction was essential for understanding the mission ahead. Combining teachings from both the Old and New Testaments, Jesus clarified the Scriptures concerning His life, death, and resurrected glory. In this way, He reconnected the dots for the disciples, allowing them to see how every prophecy pointed toward Him.
One prominent example is found in the story of the disciples on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-35). They were confused and uncertain about the events that had taken place, and Jesus, who joined them en route, explained how the Scriptures foretold of His suffering and glory. This journey brings to light the method Jesus used to empower His believers: through the Word. Each lesson He imparted was not just to feed their minds; it was to shape their hearts, preparing them for the mission they were about to undertake.
5. The Ascension
After teaching and preparing His followers, Jesus ascended into heaven. This significant event is recorded in Acts 1:9-11, where the disciples watched as He was taken up in a cloud. The Greek word “anabaino” means to go up or ascend, a perfect representation of the divine authority of Christ. This moment was not just an end but a beginning—Jesus promised the Holy Spirit would come to empower them for the work ahead.
The ascension marks a critical point in the Christian faith; it affirms Jesus as Lord and positions Him at the right hand of the Father (Hebrews 10:12). This act also serves as a reminder that although Jesus returned to heaven, He continues to intercede for us. With His ascension, the disciples were tasked with spreading the Gospel, and they did so with fervor, knowing Christ would be with them through the Holy Spirit.
Final Thoughts
In summary, what Jesus did after His resurrection was monumental. He appeared to Mary Magdalene, reassuring her of His victory over death and commissioning her to share the good news. He brought comfort to His disciples, and through shared meals, He demonstrated the physical reality of His resurrection. Jesus empowered His followers by giving them the Great Commission and teaching them about the kingdom of God during those forty days.
Finally, Jesus’ ascension provided a transformative moment that launched a new era of spreading the Gospel. For us, these events foundation our faith and provide a roadmap for our spiritual journeys. As we continue to reflect on these moments, it is essential to remember that we are part of this ongoing story. We carry His message forward with the assurance that Jesus is with us, guiding us every step of the way.
Let us embrace the teachings of Jesus and the call to be His disciples in the world, sharing His love and grace with all whom we meet. After all, our journey of faith begins with recognizing that He is alive and present in our lives today.
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