god medias What Happened after the resurrection of jesus
After the resurrection of Jesus, according to the New Testament accounts (primarily the Gospels and the Book of Acts), a series of significant events unfolded over approximately 40 days, culminating in his ascension into heaven.
Here’s a breakdown:
Numerous Appearances to Disciples and Followers (Over 40 Days):
- Mary Magdalene: She was the first to see the risen Jesus near the tomb (John 20:11-18).
- Other Women: Shortly after, Jesus appeared to other women who were coming from the tomb (Matthew 28:9-10).
- Peter: He appeared to Peter individually (Luke 24:34, 1 Corinthians 15:5).
- Two Disciples on the Road to Emmaus: Jesus walked and talked with two disciples who did not recognize him until he broke bread with them (Luke 24:13-35).
- The Disciples (without Thomas): He appeared to the disciples gathered in the Upper Room, showing them his hands and side (John 20:19-23, Luke 24:36-43).
- The Disciples (with Thomas): Eight days later, he appeared again to the disciples, this time with Thomas present, allowing Thomas to touch his wounds to confirm his identity (John 20:26-29).
- Seven Disciples by the Sea of Galilee: Jesus appeared to Peter, Thomas, Nathanael, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples while they were fishing, where he shared breakfast with them and reinstated Peter (John 21:1-25).
- More Than 500 People at Once: Paul mentions that Jesus appeared to over 500 brothers and sisters at one time, most of whom were still alive when Paul wrote his letter (1 Corinthians 15:6).
- James: He also appeared to his brother James (1 Corinthians 15:7).
- All the Apostles: Finally, he appeared to all the apostles collectively before his ascension (1 Corinthians 15:7, Acts 1:3-8).
Teaching and Instruction:
- During these appearances, Jesus spent time teaching his disciples about the Kingdom of God (Acts 1:3).
- He explained how his suffering, death, and resurrection fulfilled the prophecies of the Old Testament (Luke 24:44-47).
- He also prepared them for their mission, clarifying their understanding of his purpose and their future role.
The Great Commission:
- Before his ascension, Jesus gave his disciples what is known as the Great Commission. He instructed them to “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:18-20).
- He promised them his continued presence: “And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20).
- He also commanded them to wait in Jerusalem for the “promise of the Father,” which was the Holy Spirit, who would empower them to be his witnesses (Luke 24:49, Acts 1:4-5, 8).
The Ascension:
- Approximately 40 days after his resurrection, Jesus led his disciples to the Mount of Olives near Bethany.
- While he was blessing them, he was lifted up into heaven, and a cloud took him out of their sight (Luke 24:50-51, Acts 1:9).
- As they watched, two angels appeared and told them that Jesus would return in the same way he had left (Acts 1:10-11).
Disciples’ Actions After Ascension:
- The disciples returned to Jerusalem, filled with joy and hope.
- They gathered together in the Upper Room, praying and waiting as Jesus had commanded (Acts 1:12-14).
- During this time, they chose Matthias to replace Judas Iscariot as the twelfth apostle (Acts 1:15-26).
- Ten days after the ascension, on the Day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit descended upon them, empowering them to preach the Gospel with boldness (Acts 2:1-4). This marked the birth of the Christian Church.
In summary, after his resurrection, Jesus spent 40 days providing irrefutable proof of his victory over death, preparing and commissioning his disciples for their mission, and promising them the power of the Holy Spirit, before ascending to his place of honor at the right hand of God the Father.
Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
Key Takeaways
- After the resurrection of Jesus, he made numerous appearances to his disciples and followers over 40 days, demonstrating his victory over death.
- He taught about the Kingdom of God and clarified the significance of his death and resurrection to prepare his disciples for their mission.
- Before his ascension, Jesus delivered the Great Commission and promised his presence and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit.
- Approximately 40 days after his resurrection, Jesus ascended to heaven, with angels promising his return.
- The disciples then returned to Jerusalem, waiting in prayer, and later received the Holy Spirit on Pentecost, marking the birth of the Christian Church.
