And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied.

1 Corinthians 15:17-19 ESV

But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead… (1 Corinthians 15:20 ESV).

During Jesus’ three-year ministry with his followers, he explained how he would die, be buried, and then live again after three days (John 2:19-22 ESV). But after Jesus’ body was sealed in the tomb, the disciples were filled with despair, fear, and hopelessness. Many went into hiding. They had believed Jesus was the Messiah, and then their hopes were shattered. Jesus fulfilled Old Testament prophecies through his death, yet their faith waned. Apparently, they forgot his promise to escape the grave. The future loomed as dark as the day he died. Even when Jesus appeared multiple times to numerous people, they were frightened and skeptical about his identity.

Jesus spent forty days with people around Jerusalem and Galilee after he rose from the grave. The Bible does not end with Easter Sunday.

Have you ever wondered what Jesus did after his resurrection? 

Jesus made at least ten appearances during the forty days before he rose to heaven. We learn some interesting things:

• Confirmation of his identity, that he was truly alive (Luke 24:39). 

• Explanation of the kingdom of God—his reign (Acts 1:3).

• Development of his followers’ belief in him (1 Corinthians 15:6). 

• Demonstration of his new glorified body (Luke 24:36). 

• More commands were given to the disciples, (Acts 1:4-5); the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20). 

• Reassurance that he would return (Mark 16:19-20).

• Jesus restored Peter after his denial (John 21:15-17).

• Display of his knowledge of all things (John 21:6).

Thank you, Christ Jesus for your resurrection life that gives us forever hope and reassurance as we await your second coming. While we wait we can trust you as the Holy Spirit empowers us to make disciples. 

Karen Sims