Exploring the Miraculous Journey: What Jesus Did After His Resurrection

The resurrection of Jesus Christ is a cornerstone of Christian faith, symbolizing victory over sin and death. This miraculous event is not the end of the story; the days following His resurrection until His ascension are rich with meaning, teachings, and the foundation for the Christian church. The accounts answering the question, “What did Jesus do after his resurrection?” are primarily recorded in the four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) and the Acts of the Apostles. These narratives provide not only historical insights but also profound theological implications.

What Did Jesus Do After His Resurrection?

After His resurrection, Jesus appeared to His disciples and followers on several occasions. These appearances were significant, as they served as undeniable proof of His resurrection, offering comfort, instruction, and commissioning to His followers.

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1. Mary Magdalene: One of the first recorded appearances of the resurrected Jesus was to Mary Magdalene, near the tomb. This encounter, detailed in John 20:11-18, underscores the personal relationship Jesus had with His followers and highlights the role of women in the early Christian community.
2. The Road to Emmaus: In Luke 24:13-35, Jesus appeared to two disciples walking from Jerusalem to Emmaus. This appearance is crucial for its emphasis on Scripture, as Jesus explained the prophecies concerning Himself. This incident underscores the importance of the Bible in understanding Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection.
3. The Disciples Without Thomas: Jesus also appeared to His disciples in a locked room, offering peace and showing His wounds as proof of His resurrection. This event, recorded in John 20:19-23, is particularly significant for the institution of the sacrament of reconciliation.
4. The Disciples With Thomas: Doubting Thomas’s story, found in John 20:24-29, teaches about faith and the blessedness of those who believe without seeing.
5. The Miraculous Catch of Fish: In John 21, Jesus appeared to several disciples on the Sea of Galilee, leading to a miraculous catch of fish. This appearance reinforces Jesus’ role as the provider and the significance of obedience to His instructions.
6. The Great Commission: Matthew 28:16-20 recounts Jesus’ appearance to the disciples in Galilee, where He gave the Great Commission, instructing them to make disciples of all nations, baptizing them, and teaching them to obey His commands.
7. The Ascension: Acts 1:6-11 describes Jesus’ ascension into heaven in the presence of His disciples. This event marks the end of His earthly ministry and the beginning of His spiritual reign.

Teachings and Instructions

During these appearances, Jesus provided critical instructions and teachings:

• Forgiveness and Reconciliation: Jesus emphasized forgiveness, a central tenet of Christianity, teaching His followers to forgive others as they have been forgiven.
• The Promise of the Holy Spirit: Jesus promised the coming of the Holy Spirit, who would empower the disciples to continue His work.
• Love and Service: The reinstatement of Peter in John 21:15-19 highlights Jesus’ teaching on love, service, and leadership.