The resurrection of Jesus is the foundation of our Christian faith. But what happened in the time between Jesus’ resurrection and His return to Heaven?
According to Acts 1:3, Jesus remained on earth for 40 days after He rose from the dead. During that time, He appeared to His followers, deepened their understanding of Scripture, gave them instructions for the future, and promised the power of the Holy Spirit.
Let’s explore what Jesus did during those 40 days—and what it means for us today.
1. He Showed That He Was Really Alive
“During the forty days after He suffered and died, He appeared to the apostles from time to time, and He proved to them in many ways that He was actually alive. And He talked to them about the Kingdom of God.”
— Acts 1:3 (NLT)
Jesus didn’t just rise from the grave—He made sure His followers knew it was true. He appeared to individuals and groups, including more than 500 people at one time (1 Corinthians 15:6). He ate with them, spoke with them, and invited them to touch His hands and His side.
This wasn’t just to impress them—it was to reassure them. Jesus met His friends in their confusion and fear and gave them peace and confidence.
He still meets us that way today.
2. He Helped Them Understand the Scriptures
“Then He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures.”
— Luke 24:45 (NLT)
Jesus walked with two of His disciples on the road to Emmaus and opened the Scriptures to show how everything pointed to Him—from Moses to the prophets. He did the same with the rest of the disciples.
Many believers today find parts of the Bible confusing. But Jesus, through the Holy Spirit, still opens our understanding. When we ask Him for insight, He is faithful to help us see how God’s Word connects and how it all centers on Him.
3. He Talked About the Kingdom of God
“And He talked to them about the Kingdom of God.”
— Acts 1:3b (NLT)
Jesus spoke often about the Kingdom of God during His earthly ministry—and He continued to teach about it after the resurrection.
The Kingdom of God isn’t just a future place—it’s God’s rule and reign in our lives now. When we submit to Jesus, love others, and live by His values, we help advance His Kingdom on earth.
4. He Gave the Great Commission
“Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the Name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you.”
— Matthew 28:19–20a (NLT)
Before He returned to Heaven, Jesus gave His followers a mission: to go into the world, make disciples, and teach people to follow Him.
This call wasn’t just for the apostles—it’s for us too. Whether you’re a teacher, student, parent, musician, retiree, or pastor, you’re called to make disciples. We do this through loving conversations, faithful living, prayer, and serving others in Jesus’ Name.
5. He Promised the Holy Spirit
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be My witnesses, telling people about Me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
— Acts 1:8 (NLT)
Jesus knew we’d need help to carry out His mission. So He promised to send the Holy Spirit—His very presence living inside us—to empower us, comfort us, teach us, and give us courage.
That same Spirit is available to us today. We don’t serve in our own strength. We live and minister by the power of the Holy Spirit.
6. He Ascended into Heaven
“After saying this, He was taken up into a cloud while they were watching, and they could no longer see Him.”
— Acts 1:9 (NLT)
Jesus’ earthly work was complete, and it was time to return to the Father. But He didn’t leave without hope. As the disciples stood staring into the sky, angels told them:
“Jesus has been taken from you into Heaven, but someday He will return from Heaven in the same way you saw Him go!”
— Acts 1:11b (NLT)
Jesus is now seated at the right hand of the Father, praying for us and preparing a place for us (Romans 8:34; John 14:2–3). One day, He will return in power and glory.
What This Means for Us Today
These 40 days weren’t just a transition—they were foundational. Jesus:
- Proved His resurrection
- Opened Scripture to His followers
- Taught about the Kingdom of God
- Commissioned the Church
- Promised the Holy Spirit
- Ascended in victory
We now live in light of all that.
We walk in resurrection power.
We are part of God’s advancing Kingdom.
We are filled with the Holy Spirit.
And we are waiting for Jesus to return.
Personal Reflection
- Are you living with the awareness that Jesus is alive and with you?
- Are you grounded in His Word and His mission?
- Are you relying on the power of the Holy Spirit in your daily life?
Jesus is alive—and He is still calling us to follow Him wholeheartedly.
