The period between Jesus Christ’s resurrection and ascension is a crucial yet often overlooked segment of the New Testament narrative. Spanning forty days, this time frame is rich with meaning and significance, as it encompasses Jesus’ final teachings, appearances, and preparations for His disciples before returning to heaven. This article aims to explore in detail what Jesus did during these forty days, drawing upon biblical accounts and theological implications.
Introduction
The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the cornerstone of Christian faith. It confirms His identity as the Son of God and affirms the promise of eternal life for believers. However, the days that followed His resurrection are equally important, as they provide insights into His mission, teachings, and the establishment of the Church. After appearing to His disciples and followers, Jesus spent a considerable time preparing them for their future without His physical presence.
Understanding what Jesus did between His resurrection and ascension not only enriches our appreciation of the Gospel accounts but also emphasizes His continued commitment to His followers and His divine plan for humanity. This article will examine various aspects of this period, including Jesus’ appearances, teachings, the Great Commission, and the significance of His ascension.
1. The Resurrection: A Defining Moment
1.1 The Events of Resurrection Morning
The resurrection of Jesus is chronicled in all four Gospels. On the third day after His crucifixion, early in the morning, Mary Magdalene and other women went to the tomb to anoint Jesus’ body. However, they found the tomb empty, and an angel informed them that Jesus had risen.
Matthew 28:5-7 states:
“But the angel said to the women, ‘Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and behold, he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him. See, I have told you.'”
This moment marks the beginning of the post-resurrection appearances of Jesus, which would affirm His victory over death and His authority.
1.2 Significance of the Resurrection
The resurrection is not merely an event; it is the foundation of Christian faith. As the Apostle Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 15:17:
“And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins.”
The resurrection signifies the defeat of sin and death, offering believers hope for eternal life. It confirms Jesus’ identity as the Messiah and establishes Him as the source of salvation.
2. Post-Resurrection Appearances
2.1 First Appearance to Mary Magdalene
After the resurrection, Jesus first appeared to Mary Magdalene. This encounter is significant for several reasons, including the role of women in the resurrection narrative and the personal nature of Jesus’ ministry.
In John 20:14-18, after initially not recognizing Him, Mary encounters the risen Christ, who calls her by name. This intimate interaction signifies the personal relationship Jesus desires with His followers. He instructs her to share the news of His resurrection with the disciples, highlighting her role as the first evangelist.
2.2 Appearance to the Other Women
Following His appearance to Mary, Jesus appears to the other women who were at the tomb. In Matthew 28:9-10, they encounter Jesus and worship Him. He reassures them and instructs them to tell His disciples to go to Galilee, where they would see Him.
2.3 Appearance to the Disciples
Jesus made several appearances to His disciples during the forty days following His resurrection:
2.3.1 The Road to Emmaus
One of the most notable encounters is the journey to Emmaus, described in Luke 24:13-35. Two disciples were walking to Emmaus, discussing the events of the past few days. Jesus joins them, although they do not recognize Him. He explains the Scriptures concerning Himself, revealing how the Old Testament points to His suffering and glory. Their eyes are opened when He breaks bread with them, and they recognize Him, leading to a powerful moment of realization and faith.
2.3.2 The Appearance in the Upper Room
In John 20:19-23, Jesus appears to His disciples in a locked room. He greets them with peace, shows them His wounds, and commissions them to continue His work. This appearance emphasizes His resurrection body, which bore the scars of His crucifixion, and reinforces the reality of His physical resurrection.
2.3.3 The Doubting Thomas Encounter
One of the most famous post-resurrection stories involves Thomas, who doubted the resurrection until he could see and touch Jesus’ wounds. In John 20:24-29, when Jesus appears again to the disciples, He invites Thomas to touch His wounds, affirming His resurrection and addressing Thomas’ doubts. This encounter illustrates Jesus’ patience and willingness to meet His followers in their doubts.
2.4 The Great Commission
In Matthew 28:16-20, Jesus gives the Great Commission to His disciples. He instructs them to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them and teaching them to obey everything He has commanded. This command establishes the mission of the Church and underscores the importance of evangelism and discipleship in the life of believers.
3. Teaching and Clarifying the Scriptures
3.1 The Importance of Teaching
During the forty days, Jesus continued to teach His disciples, clarifying His mission and purpose. This teaching was crucial for the disciples, who needed to understand the significance of His death and resurrection in light of the Scriptures.
3.2 Fulfillment of Prophecy
In Luke 24:44-47, Jesus states:
“These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.”
He opens their minds to understand the Scriptures, emphasizing how His suffering, death, and resurrection were part of God’s redemptive plan. This teaching reinforces the continuity between the Old Testament and the New Testament, showing how Jesus fulfills the prophecies concerning the Messiah.
3.3 Instruction on the Kingdom of God
Acts 1:3 states:
“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.”
During this time, Jesus taught the disciples about the Kingdom of God, emphasizing its present reality and future fulfillment. He prepared them for their role in advancing the Kingdom after His ascension, equipping them with the knowledge and understanding necessary for their mission.
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4. Preparing for the Ascension
4.1 The Promise of the Holy Spirit
Before His ascension, Jesus made a crucial promise to His disciples regarding the coming of the Holy Spirit. In Acts 1:4-5, He instructs them to wait in Jerusalem for the Holy Spirit, who would empower them for their mission.
4.2 The Significance of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is central to the life of the Church and the believer. Jesus’ promise of the Spirit signifies the continuation of His presence among His followers. The Holy Spirit would guide, teach, and empower them, fulfilling Jesus’ promise that He would not leave them as orphans (John 14:18).
4.3 The Ascension
The ascension of Jesus is a pivotal moment in Christian theology. In Acts 1:9-11, after giving final instructions and promising the Holy Spirit, Jesus is taken up into heaven before the disciples’ eyes. Two angels appear, assuring the disciples that Jesus will return in the same manner.
5. Theological Significance of the Ascension
5.1 Affirmation of Jesus’ Divine Nature
The ascension affirms Jesus’ divine nature and His authority over all creation. As He ascends to the right hand of the Father, it signifies His exaltation and the completion of His redemptive work on earth.
5.2 Preparation for His Return
The promise of Jesus’ return, as indicated by the angels, underscores the Christian hope of His second coming. Just as He ascended, He will return to fulfill God’s ultimate plan for humanity.
5.3 Empowerment of the Church
The ascension leads to the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost, empowering the Church to fulfill the Great Commission. This empowerment is crucial for the growth and mission of the Church, as believers are called to witness to the world.
6. The Legacy of Jesus’ Teachings and Actions
6.1 Impact on the Disciples
The teachings and actions of Jesus during this period had a profound impact on His disciples. They transitioned from fear and confusion to boldness and clarity. Empowered by the Holy Spirit, they became witnesses of the resurrection, preaching the Gospel and establishing the early Church.
6.2 Foundation of the Christian Faith
The events between the resurrection and ascension laid the foundation for Christian faith and practice. The Great Commission, the promise of the Holy Spirit, and the teachings about the Kingdom of God continue to shape the mission and identity of the Church today.
6.3 A Call to Action
Believers today are called to reflect on the significance of this period in their own lives. Just as Jesus prepared His disciples for their mission, He calls us to engage in the Great Commission, share the Gospel, and live empowered by the Holy Spirit.
Conclusion
The forty days between Jesus’ resurrection and ascension are rich with theological significance and practical implications. Through His appearances, teachings, and the promise of the Holy Spirit, Jesus equipped His disciples for their mission and laid the groundwork for the Church.
As we reflect on this pivotal time in Christian history, we are reminded of the hope and empowerment that comes from the resurrection. The legacy of Jesus’ actions during this period continues to inspire and challenge believers to live out their faith boldly, sharing the message of Christ with the world. Understanding what Jesus did between His resurrection and ascension deepens our appreciation of His work and reinforces our commitment to His mission.
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