LIFE AFTER THE RESURRECTION

Ten Things Jesus Did After the Resurrection

The disciple’s grief turned to joy after they discovered that Jesus had come back to life. The women found Jesus’ tomb empty. The angel proclaimed, “He is risen!” (Luke 24:6).  And then, Jesus started appearing to them at different times and places. Each visitation had a purpose as their hopes, once dashed by the cross, were slowly revived.

The Cross and the Resurrection

 

Ten Things Jesus Did After His Resurrection

The disciples would have forty days with Jesus between his resurrection and ascension. They didn’t seem to have any control over when he came to them. Sometimes he left as fast as he came. But, each visit had a specific purpose.

What was Jesus trying to accomplish in his final days with his disciples? He knew that he would soon be returning to heaven. What did he want to say to his disciples before he left? And what does that mean for us today?

1. He appeared to Mary Magdalene (John 20:11-18).

In the rush out of the tomb, Mary bumped into what she thought was a gardener. It was Jesus. When she recognized him she fell at his feet. Jesus told her to tell the others that he was going to the Father soon. Mary was the first disciple to see Jesus after his resurrection.

2. He appeared to two heart-broken disciples (Luke 24:13-35).

Cleopas and an unnamed disciple were walking home from Jerusalem to Emmaus, heartbroken over the crucifixion. Jesus appeared to them, taught them from Scripture why the Messiah had to die, and encouraged them. They didn’t recognize him until he broke the bread of fellowship with them. Immediately they went to tell the other disciples in Jerusalem.

Reflection: How does Jesus help you in times of disillusionment?

3. He appeared to the disciples hiding in Jerusalem (Luke 24:36-40; John 20:19-23).

The disciples were huddled together behind locked doors in a house in Jerusalem for fear of the Jewish authorities. Jesus appeared to them, showed them proof that it was him, encouraged them, ate with them (a sign of fellowship), and explained what was happening.

Reflection: In what ways does Jesus bring comfort when you are feeling afraid?

4. He met with his disciples in Galilee (Matthew 28:16; John 21:1-14).

The disciples returned to fishing in Galilee where Jesus appeared to them. He called them again away from fishing to a bigger purpose. He revealed his power through a miraculous catch of fish, ate with them, and instructed them on what would happen next.

5. He taught his disciples (Luke 24:27, 45).

There were so many things that the disciples could not fully understand until after the resurrection. Jesus spent a good deal of time explaining to them (from the Old Testament Scriptures) why everything had to happen the way it did.

Reflection: How do you hear Jesus in the reading of the Bible? What do the Scriptures do for you?

6. He gave his disciples the Holy Spirit (John 20:22; Acts 1:3).

Jesus was about to leave his disciples. He had promised that he wouldn’t leave them alone (John 14:18).  It would be ten days between his ascension and the coming of the Holy Spirit on the church at Pentecost (Acts 2:1). Jesus breathed the Holy Spirit on his disciples before he left them so that in the interim they would not be alone.

7. He blessed his disciples (Luke 24:50-51).

Jesus loved his disciples more than his own life. He blessed them before he left.

Reflection: How often do you reflect on the blessings of Jesus? How do his blessings make you feel?

8. He ate with his disciples (Luke 24:41-43; John 21:12-14; Acts 1:4).

Jesus wanted to repeatedly show his disciples two things – (1) he was literally, physically alive (not a ghost); and, (2) he was still in intimate fellowship with them. Eating with his disciples accomplished this.

9. He gave his disciples their marching orders (Matthew 28:18-20; Luke 24:46-49; John 21:15; Acts 1:8).

Jesus told his disciples that their mission was to share his saving and sacrificial love with the entire world — literally, all ethnic groups (Matt. 28:19). 1

Reflection: What are you actively and strategically doing to fulfil God’s marching orders for your life?

10. He ascended into heaven (Luke 24:50-53; Acts 1:9-11).

Jesus came from the father, and once his mission was complete, returned to the Father. His ascension into heaven is the final act of divine approval and we are reminded that someday he will return in the same dramatic fashion (Acts 1:11; Mark 13:26).

 

Jesus knew that he had limited time with his disciples. Every encounter with them was strategic. He needed to teach them, encourage them, and prepare them to change the world.

Reflection: How is Jesus preparing you to change the world?