After Jesus’ resurrection, He appeared to His disciples and others over a span of forty days, teaching and proving that He was alive. He finally ascended into heaven in the presence of His disciples.
Relevant Bible Verses
- John 20:19-20 – “On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, ‘Peace be with you.’ When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord.”
- Acts 1:3 – “He presented himself alive to them after his suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God.”
- Acts 1:9 – “And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight.”
Three Main Takeaways
- Proof of Resurrection: The appearances of Jesus after His resurrection serve as undeniable proof of His victory over death, affirming the core of Christian faith that Jesus is the Son of God, who died and rose again for the salvation of humankind.
- Foundation of the Church’s Mission: Jesus used the forty days to prepare His disciples for the mission ahead. Through His teachings, He laid the groundwork for the spread of the Gospel, emphasizing the importance of witness and the power of the Holy Spirit.
- Assurance of Jesus’ Authority and Ascension: Jesus’ ascension into heaven signifies His divine authority and the completion of His earthly mission. It also serves as a promise of the Holy Spirit’s coming and the assurance that Jesus is now advocating for us at the right hand of the Father.
