The resurrection of Jesus is the most important event in human history. But have you ever wondered what Jesus was doing during the 40 days between His resurrection and His ascension into heaven?
The Bible doesn’t record everything that happened in those six weeks, but it does give us some incredible snapshots. Let’s take a closer look.
1. Jesus Appeared to Many People
After rising from the dead, Jesus didn’t just vanish into heaven. He appeared physically and personally to a wide variety of people over the course of 40 days (Acts 1:3). These weren’t visions or dreams — He was truly alive, and His body was real. He even ate with His disciples (Luke 24:42–43).
Some of His post-resurrection appearances include:
- Mary Magdalene (John 20:11–18)
- The women returning from the tomb (Matthew 28:9–10)
- Two disciples on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13–35)
- The disciples — first without Thomas, then with him (John 20:19–29)
- Seven disciples by the Sea of Galilee (John 21)
- Over 500 people at once (1 Corinthians 15:6)
- James, His brother (1 Corinthians 15:7)
These appearances were essential. They proved His resurrection beyond a doubt and strengthened the faith of His followers for the mission ahead.
2. Jesus Taught About the Kingdom of God
Acts 1:3 tells us that during these 40 days, Jesus “spoke about the kingdom of God.”
He helped His followers understand how His death and resurrection fulfilled the Scriptures. He opened their minds to the Old Testament prophecies and how they pointed to Him (Luke 24:44–47). It was a crash course in biblical theology — straight from the Risen Christ Himself!
3. Jesus Gave the Great Commission
One of the most powerful moments in this 40-day window was when Jesus gave what we now call the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18–20).
“Go and make disciples of all nations… teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.”
This was not just a pep talk. It was a mission mandate. Jesus was passing the baton to His disciples — and to us. His message was clear: “You’ve seen the truth. Now go share it with the world.”
4. Jesus Restored Peter
After Peter denied Jesus three times, many would have thought his ministry was over. But Jesus met Peter on the shore of the Sea of Galilee and gently reinstated him (John 21).
Three times Jesus asked, “Do you love Me?” And three times Peter responded. Jesus followed up with, “Feed My sheep.”
It’s a beautiful picture of grace, restoration, and calling.
5. Jesus Promised the Holy Spirit
Jesus told His disciples not to rush ahead, but to wait for the Holy Spirit (Luke 24:49; Acts 1:4–5). He promised that the Spirit would give them power to be His witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8).
Jesus was preparing them — and us — to be bold, Spirit-filled ambassadors of the gospel.
6. Jesus Ascended into Heaven
Finally, after 40 days, Jesus led His disciples to the Mount of Olives. There, He ascended into heaven while they watched (Acts 1:9–11).
Two angels appeared and said something truly amazing:
“This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen Him go.”
That promise still gives us hope today: Jesus is coming again.
Final Thoughts
Jesus didn’t waste a single moment after His resurrection. He showed up. He taught truth. He healed wounds. He empowered His disciples. And He launched the greatest mission the world has ever known.
If you’re a follower of Jesus, you’re part of that mission. And just like those early disciples, we have the same risen Savior, the same Spirit, and the same calling — to go, to love, to serve, and to make disciples until He returns.
Let’s be faithful.
