Today we will talk about what did Jesus do during the 40 days after the resurrection. This significant period is filled with amazing events that shed light on His mission and purpose. Many Christians may not fully grasp what this means or how it impacts our faith today. Let’s take some time to reflect on these 40 days when Jesus walked the earth after rising from the dead. As we explore through Scripture, we will uncover the reasons why this time was essential for His disciples and followers. Get ready to immerse yourself in the beauty of God’s Word!
What did Jesus do during the 40 days after the resurrection
1. Jesus Appeared to Mary Magdalene
One of the very first appearances of Jesus after His resurrection was to Mary Magdalene. This is not just a beautiful moment; it speaks volumes about Jesus’ heart for those who feel lost or broken. Mary was the first to discover the empty tomb, and her interaction with Jesus shows how deeply He cares for individuals. The Hebrew name “Miriam” links her with the concept of bitterness, which relates to her sorrowful past. Jesus’ appearance to Mary illustrates an important truth: He reaches out to the hurting. In John 20:14-16, we read about this touching episode, and it highlights how Jesus knows our pain and calls us by name.
John 20:14-16 (NIV): “At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus. He asked her, ‘Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?’ Thinking he was the gardener, she said, ‘Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.’ Jesus said to her, ‘Mary.’ She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, ‘Rabboni!’ (which means “Teacher”).”
2. Jesus Met the Disciples
After appearing to Mary, the next significant event was His meeting with His disciples. The disciples were filled with doubt and fear, likely wondering what this resurrection meant for them. Jesus, in His tremendous love, didn’t just leave them in their confusion. Instead, He appeared to them in a locked room, offering peace and reassurance. The Greek word for “peace,” “Eirene,” evokes a sense of total well-being. In John 20:19-21, we see this interaction that not only calms their fears but also prepares them for the mission ahead.
John 20:19-21 (NIV): “On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you!’ After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord. Again Jesus said, ‘Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.’”
3. Jesus Taught the Disciples
During the 40 days, Jesus devoted much time to teaching His disciples. After experiencing His death and then His resurrection, the disciples had many questions. Jesus took the opportunity to explain the Scriptures and how they pointed to Him. In Luke 24:27, He uses the Hebrew Scriptures to show them how everything from Moses to the prophets was fulfilled in Him. This not only strengthened their faith but also solidified their understanding of the Gospel they would soon carry into the world.
Luke 24:27 (NIV): “And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.”
4. Jesus Commissioned the Disciples
Another meaningful moment during these days was when Jesus commissioned His disciples. This was pivotal for their future ministry. He instructed them to spread the Gospel to all nations, an act that not only empowered them but also expanded the vision for evangelism. The Great Commission as recorded in Matthew 28:18-20 might be the most recognized commandment Jesus gave before His ascension. It emphasizes our mission as believers to make disciples, baptize, and teach.
Matthew 28:18-20 (NIV): “Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.’”
5. Jesus Encouraged Thomas
One of the most memorable stories during the post-resurrection period is when Jesus appeared to Thomas, who doubted their accounts of seeing the Lord. This story, found in John 20:24-29, reassures us that Jesus welcomes our questions. Instead of reprimanding Thomas for his doubts, Jesus invited him to touch His wounds. The Greek word for “blessed” in verse 29 encourages us that while seeing is believing, faith can flourish even without physical evidence. This brings hope to those struggling with uncertainty in their faith.
John 20:24-29 (NIV): “Now Thomas (also known as Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, ‘We have seen the Lord!’ But he said to them, ‘Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.’ A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you!’ Then he said to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.’ Thomas said to him, ‘My Lord and my God!’ Then Jesus told him, ‘Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.’”
6. Jesus Spent Time with the Disciples on the Shore
In a heartwarming moment on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, Jesus reinforced the love and mission He had for His disciples. After an evening of fishing without success, Jesus instructed them to cast their nets on the other side, resulting in an abundant catch. This story conveys the idea of faith and obedience leading to divine abundance. In John 21:1-14, Jesus not only provides for their needs but also reaffirms Peter’s calling by asking him three times if he loves Him, symbolizing redemption and commissioning for Peter.
John 21:1-14 (NIV): “Afterward Jesus appeared again to his disciples, by the Sea of Galilee. It happened this way: Simon Peter, Thomas (also known as Didymus), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples were together. ‘I’m going out to fish,’ Simon Peter told them, and they said, ‘We’ll go with you.’ So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus. He called out to them, ‘Friends, haven’t you any fish?’ ‘No,’ they answered. He said, ‘Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.’ When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish.”
7. Jesus Gave Final Instructions Before His Ascension
Jesus understood the importance of preparation for His return to Heaven. Before ascending, He gave His disciples the Holy Spirit, who would empower them for their mission. In Acts 1:4-8, we observe His final instructions, emphasizing the need for spiritual power to carry out the work of spreading the Gospel. This promise of the Holy Spirit represents God’s continuous guidance and support for believers in the world. The word for “witness” in Greek (martys) implies not only vocal testimony but living out our faith through our actions.
Acts 1:4-8 (NIV): “On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: ‘Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’ Then they gathered around him and asked him, ‘Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?’ He said to them: ‘It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.’”
8. The Significance of Jesus’ Ascension
After instructing His disciples, Jesus ascended into Heaven, marking the completion of His earthly ministry. This event, recorded in Acts 1:9-11, signifies not just an end but a new beginning. As Jesus ascends, two angels appear to reassure the disciples that He will return. This promise is foundational to our hope as Christians. The Greek term for “ascension” (“anabaino”) implies a step upward, suggesting elevation to a higher status, ultimately to God’s right hand. Jesus’ ascension reassures us that He reigns and intercedes for us before the Father.
Acts 1:9-11 (NIV): “After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. ‘Men of Galilee,’ they said, ‘why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.’”
9. Jesus Continued to Encourage Existence of the Faith
During these 40 days, Jesus not only provided physical and spiritual support for His followers but also inspired them to keep their faith alive. He reassured them of the reality of His resurrection, giving them a hope that would carry them through tough times. In 1 Corinthians 15:6, Paul emphasizes that Jesus appeared to more than 500 followers alive at that time, ensuring that His resurrection wasn’t merely a mystical event but a physical reality witnessed by many. This tangible evidence served as encouragement for His church. It fosters an understanding of community within our faith.
1 Corinthians 15:6 (NIV): “After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers and sisters at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep.”
10. The Role of Jesus During This Time for Humanity
The 40 days after Jesus’ resurrection were not just moments filled with interactions but served a larger purpose for humanity. They set the stage for the birth of the Church, empowering and equipping believers for the Great Commission. Jesus modeled how to live out the faith, showing us His compassionate and instructive nature. These 40 days were key in transitioning from His earthly ministry to His heavenly reign. They strengthened the disciples and established a foundation for what would become a worldwide movement of faith, echoing the message of Jesus through the ages.
In conclusion, the actions of Jesus during these 40 days show His love, kindness, and commitment to His followers. Each event is filled with meaning, encouraging us today to remain steadfast in our faith and mission.
Final Thoughts
Reflecting on what Jesus did during the 40 days after His resurrection, I realize how essential this time was for strengthening the early disciples. Their encounter with Him helped them establish their faith and prepare for the mission ahead. The appearances of Jesus to Mary, the disciples, and others show His personal touch and reassurance. Even today, His instructions and promise of the Holy Spirit empower us to be witnesses of His love. We are reminded to have faith just as Thomas did and to boldly carry the message of salvation.
As we navigate our own faith journey, let’s remember the significance of these 40 days. They serve as a reminder that Jesus is actively involved in our lives, guiding us every step of the way. Let’s embrace the Great Commission, sharing the teachings and love of Christ with others, encouraging them just as we have been uplifted. Our journey continues with the assurance that we are never alone; He is always with us until the end of the age.
We can take comfort knowing that Jesus remains our source of hope and strength, just as He did with His disciples. Let’s commit ourselves to understanding His Word better and living in alignment with His call. This period served as the foundation for our faith, and it’s one we can carry forward as we grow closer to Him each day.
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