The 40 days following Jesus’ resurrection were a profound and purposeful period in which He appeared to His followers, affirmed His victory over death, and prepared His disciples for the mission ahead. From revealing Himself to Mary Magdalene and walking with two disciples on the road to Emmaus, to showing His wounds to Thomas and performing miracles like the miraculous catch of fish, Jesus offered undeniable proof of His resurrection. These moments weren’t just about reassurance—they were about relationship, restoration, and revelation, especially seen in how He restored Peter and shared deeper truths about the Kingdom of God.
During this time, Jesus also gave vital instructions, most notably the Great Commission, urging His disciples to spread the Gospel to all nations. He promised the coming of the Holy Spirit and ascended into heaven in their sight, marking both the end of His earthly ministry and the beginning of the Church’s mission. These 40 days were a bridge between resurrection and Pentecost, filled with divine encounters and spiritual empowerment. Keep reading for a deeper dive into each appearance, teaching, and miracle—and discover how they still shape Christian faith and purpose today.
The 40 days following Jesus’ resurrection are crucial to understanding the foundation of the Christian faith. During this period, Jesus made several appearances to his disciples and others, offering proof of his resurrection, providing final teachings, and giving important instructions. This article explores what Jesus did during these significant 40 days, highlighting key events and their impact.
1. Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene
The first person to see the risen Jesus was Mary Magdalene. According to the Gospel of John, Mary went to the tomb early in the morning and found it empty. As she wept, Jesus appeared to her. Initially, she didn’t recognize him but soon realized it was Jesus when he called her name (John 20:11-18). This encounter is important as it underscores the personal and loving nature of Jesus’ ministry.
2. Jesus Appears to the Disciples
The Upper Room
On the evening of the same day, Jesus appeared to his disciples in a room where they were hiding, fearful of the Jewish authorities. Despite the doors being locked, Jesus stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” He showed them his hands and side, proving he was indeed their risen Lord (John 20:19-23). Thomas, who wasn’t present, doubted their story. A week later, Jesus appeared again, specifically inviting Thomas to touch his wounds. Thomas responded with a powerful declaration of faith, “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:24-29).
On the Road to Emmaus
Another significant appearance was to two disciples on the road to Emmaus. They didn’t recognize Jesus until he broke bread with them. This story, found in Luke 24:13-35, highlights how Jesus’ resurrection fulfilled scripture and how he continued to teach and reveal himself to his followers.
3. Jesus Provides Final Instructions
During these 40 days, Jesus gave crucial instructions to his disciples. One of the most important commands was the Great Commission. He instructed them to “go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19-20). This directive emphasized the global mission of spreading the Gospel.
4. Jesus’ Miraculous Catch of Fish
Another noteworthy event was when Jesus appeared to some of his disciples by the Sea of Galilee. They had been fishing all night without success. Jesus, standing on the shore, instructed them to cast their net on the right side of the boat. They obeyed and caught a large number of fish. It was at this moment that they recognized Jesus (John 21:1-14). This miracle reaffirmed Jesus’ divinity and provided a powerful reminder of his provision and guidance.
5. Jesus Restores Peter
Peter, who had denied Jesus three times before the crucifixion, was restored during a significant conversation with Jesus. After breakfast, Jesus asked Peter three times if he loved him, each time instructing him to “feed my sheep” (John 21:15-19). This act of forgiveness and commissioning emphasized the theme of restoration and responsibility.
6. Teachings About the Kingdom of God
Throughout these 40 days, Jesus continued to teach his disciples about the Kingdom of God. Acts 1:3 states, “After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God.” These teachings were vital as they prepared the disciples for their mission after Jesus’ ascension.
7. The Promise of the Holy Spirit
Jesus also promised the coming of the Holy Spirit. He instructed his disciples to stay in Jerusalem and wait for the “gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about” (Acts 1:4). This promise was fulfilled on the day of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles, empowering them for their ministry (Acts 2).
8. Jesus’ Ascension
The 40 days culminated in Jesus’ ascension into heaven. He led his disciples to the Mount of Olives, blessed them, and was taken up before their eyes (Luke 24:50-51, Acts 1:9-11). This event not only confirmed his divine nature but also set the stage for his return, as the angels declared, “This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven” (Acts 1:11).
Conclusion
The 40 days following Jesus’ resurrection were filled with appearances, teachings, and miraculous events that reinforced the reality of his resurrection and prepared his disciples for their mission. These events provided proof of his victory over death, emphasized the importance of spreading the Gospel, and highlighted the promise of the Holy Spirit. Understanding these days helps us grasp the foundation of Christian faith and the continuity of Jesus’ ministry. By reflecting on these events, we can find inspiration and guidance in our own faith journey.
FAQs: What Did Jesus Do During the 40 Days Following His Resurrection?
1. Who was the first person to see Jesus after his resurrection?
Mary Magdalene was the first person to see the risen Jesus. She encountered him near the tomb on the morning of his resurrection (John 20:11-18).
2. Did Jesus appear to his disciples after his resurrection?
Yes, Jesus appeared to his disciples multiple times. He first appeared to them in a locked room, showing them his wounds to prove he was alive (John 20:19-29).
3. What is the significance of Jesus’ appearance on the road to Emmaus?
Jesus appeared to two disciples on the road to Emmaus, revealing himself through the breaking of bread. This event highlights how Jesus’ resurrection fulfilled scripture (Luke 24:13-35).
4. What instructions did Jesus give to his disciples during these 40 days?
Jesus gave several important instructions, including the Great Commission, where he commanded them to make disciples of all nations and baptize them (Matthew 28:19-20).
5. What miracle did Jesus perform by the Sea of Galilee?
Jesus performed a miraculous catch of fish, instructing his disciples to cast their net on the right side of the boat. This event reaffirmed his divinity and guidance (John 21:1-14).
6. How did Jesus restore Peter after his denial?
Jesus restored Peter by asking him three times if he loved him and instructing him to “feed my sheep,” symbolizing forgiveness and commissioning him for future ministry (John 21:15-19).
7. What did Jesus teach about during the 40 days?
Jesus continued to teach about the Kingdom of God, providing crucial instructions and preparing his disciples for their mission (Acts 1:3).
8. What promise did Jesus make about the Holy Spirit?
Jesus promised the coming of the Holy Spirit, instructing his disciples to wait in Jerusalem for this gift, which was fulfilled on the day of Pentecost (Acts 1:4, Acts 2).
9. How did the 40 days after Jesus’ resurrection end?
The 40 days concluded with Jesus’ ascension into heaven. He blessed his disciples and was taken up before their eyes, with angels promising his return (Luke 24:50-51, Acts 1:9-11).
10. Why are these 40 days significant for Christians?
These 40 days are significant because they provided proof of Jesus’ resurrection, reinforced his teachings, prepared the disciples for their mission, and highlighted the promise of the Holy Spirit, laying the foundation for the Christian faith.
