Easter Sunday is one of the most important days for Christians. It celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. But what happened to Jesus after He rose from the grave? Many people are familiar with the Easter story, but not everyone knows what came next. This article will explore the events that took place after Easter Sunday. We will follow what the Bible says in a simple and clear way so that anyone can understand.
Jesus Rose from the Dead
On the third day after His crucifixion, Jesus rose from the dead. This happened early in the morning on the first day of the week, which we now call Easter Sunday. The resurrection is recorded in all four Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.
When some women came to visit Jesus’ tomb, they found the stone rolled away and the tomb empty. An angel told them, “He is not here; He has risen, just as He said” (Matthew 28:6).
This event changed everything. Jesus had defeated death, just as He promised. But His work on earth was not finished. He still had important things to do before returning to heaven.
Jesus Appeared to Many People
After He rose, Jesus appeared to His followers several times over a period of 40 days. These appearances helped prove that He was really alive. He did not just rise as a spirit. He had a real, physical body. He ate with people, let them touch Him, and spoke clearly with them.
Let’s look at some of the people and groups Jesus visited after His resurrection.
Mary Magdalene
Jesus first appeared to Mary Magdalene. She was one of His most devoted followers. At first, she did not recognize Him. She thought He was the gardener. But when Jesus called her by name, she knew it was Him (John 20:11–18).
The Other Women
Jesus also appeared to the other women who had come to the tomb. They worshiped Him, and He told them to tell the disciples that He was alive (Matthew 28:8–10).
Two Disciples on the Road to Emmaus
That same day, Jesus appeared to two disciples walking to a village called Emmaus. They were talking about what had happened. Jesus walked with them, but they didn’t recognize Him at first. He explained the Scriptures to them, showing how everything pointed to the Messiah. When they stopped to eat, He broke bread, and their eyes were opened. They realized it was Jesus (Luke 24:13–35).
The Disciples in a Locked Room
Later that evening, Jesus appeared to His disciples in a room where they were hiding. They were afraid of being arrested. Jesus suddenly stood among them and said, “Peace be with you” (John 20:19). He showed them His hands and side to prove He was really alive.
Thomas Doubts
One disciple, Thomas, was not there when Jesus appeared. He said he wouldn’t believe unless he saw Jesus for himself. A week later, Jesus appeared again, this time with Thomas there. Jesus told him, “Put your finger here; see my hands.” Thomas believed and said, “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:24–29).
More Appearances
Jesus also appeared to seven disciples by the Sea of Galilee (John 21), to over 500 people at once (1 Corinthians 15:6), and even to His half-brother James. These appearances helped build the faith of the early Church. They saw with their own eyes that Jesus had risen.
Jesus Taught His Disciples
During the 40 days after His resurrection, Jesus spent time teaching His disciples. He helped them understand the Scriptures and prepared them for the mission ahead. He talked about the Kingdom of God and explained why everything had happened the way it did.
He reminded them that everything written about Him in the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms had to be fulfilled (Luke 24:44–45). Jesus helped them see how the Old Testament pointed to Him.
The Great Commission
Before Jesus left the earth, He gave His followers a mission. This is called the Great Commission. It is found in Matthew 28:18–20:
“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore 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.”
Jesus told His disciples to go into the world and share the good news. He wanted them to tell people about Him, to teach them, and to baptize them. This mission is still important today.
The Promise of the Holy Spirit
Jesus knew His followers would need help. Before He left, He promised to send the Holy Spirit. The Spirit would give them power, comfort, and guidance. Jesus told them to stay in Jerusalem and wait for this gift.
He said in Acts 1:8:
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
This promise would be fulfilled just days later at Pentecost.
The Ascension of Jesus
After 40 days, Jesus took His disciples to the Mount of Olives, near Jerusalem. There, He gave them His final instructions. Then, something amazing happened. Jesus was taken up into heaven right before their eyes.
Acts 1:9 says:
“After He said this, He was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid Him from their sight.”
The disciples stood there, looking up. Two angels appeared and said, “Why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus will come back in the same way you have seen Him go into heaven” (Acts 1:11).
This event is called the Ascension. It marked the end of Jesus’ earthly ministry and the beginning of the Church’s mission.
Jesus at the Right Hand of God
After Jesus ascended into heaven, He sat down at the right hand of God. This is a place of honor and power. The Bible says Jesus is now our High Priest. He speaks to God on our behalf.
Hebrews 1:3 says:
“After He had provided purification for sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.”
Jesus is still active today. He prays for us, guides His Church, and prepares a place for us in heaven.
The Coming of the Holy Spirit
Ten days after the Ascension, the disciples were in Jerusalem for the Feast of Pentecost. Suddenly, the Holy Spirit came upon them. There was a sound like a rushing wind, and what looked like tongues of fire appeared over their heads. They began to speak in different languages.
This event is described in Acts 2. It marked the birth of the Church. The disciples were no longer afraid. They began to preach boldly. Thousands of people believed in Jesus that day.
The Holy Spirit helped them remember everything Jesus had taught. He gave them strength to face persecution and courage to spread the Gospel.
Jesus Will Come Again
The story of Jesus does not end with the Ascension. The angels said He would come back. Christians believe Jesus will return one day. This is called the Second Coming.
Jesus will come to judge the world, defeat evil, and make everything new. Those who believe in Him will live forever with Him in a place where there is no more pain or death.
Revelation 21:4 says:
“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain.”
This promise gives hope to all who follow Jesus.
Why This Matters Today
The events that happened after Easter Sunday show us that Jesus is alive and powerful. He didn’t just rise and disappear. He spent time with His followers, taught them, and gave them a mission.
He promised to always be with them. He gave them the Holy Spirit to help them. And He promised to return.
These truths are still important today. Jesus is still with us. The Holy Spirit still works in our lives. And we still have a mission—to share the love and truth of Jesus with others.
Conclusion
After Easter Sunday, Jesus continued to reveal His power and love. He appeared to many people, taught His followers, and gave them a mission. He then ascended to heaven and sent the Holy Spirit to help His people. And one day, He will come again.
Understanding what happened after Easter helps us grow in our faith. It reminds us that Jesus is not a distant figure from history. He is alive, present, and working in our lives today.
If you believe in Him, you are part of His story—a story that continues until He comes again.
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