Many preachers preach on the resurrection of Jesus as they should since it is the most important event in history and without it we would still be lost sinners, yet many neglect to preach on the ascension of Jesus and the events of Jesus in the 40 day period between the resurrection and the ascension. Following the resurrection of Jesus, he walked on earth for forty more days, but this time in his resurrected, glorified body to show the disciples what they could look forward to. Jesus was able to do things in his glorified body such as walk through walls that he could never do in his physical body prior to his crucifixion. All of us will be able to do the same thing when we get our glorified bodies at the rapture. During this forty day period Jesus would give his final instructions to his disciples before ascending to heaven and not returning physically here on earth again until his second coming at the end of the great tribulation. There are nine forty day periods mentioned in scripture with the last two dealing with Jesus, his first having been his forty days of temptation in the wilderness by Satan just before the start of his public ministry. They all have to do with trials and temptations except for this 40 day period of Jesus between his resurrection and his ascension were Jesus used this period as a time of preparation, teaching and instruction with his final commands to his disciples. It was also to show himself alive with many infallible proofs so they could boldly preach about him to the world. (Acts 1:1-3 The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach,
2 Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen:
3 To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:) Jesus did not appear to everyone like he did when he walked the earth, but rather only to certain people. (Acts 10:40-41 Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly;
41 Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead.)
During the three days and three nights that Jesus was in the grave he went and preached to the spirits in hell. (I Peter 3:18-19 For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:
19 By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison;) This does not refer to unsaved people who had died as people are never referred to as spirits in scripture, they are only said to have a spirit. Jesus never preached to the unsaved people as people can never get a second chance at salvation following death which is why people need to choose Jesus while they are still alive. These spirits are not the wicked people of Noah’s day as many people teach. In scripture spirits refers to angels and in this case it refers to those angels who sinned with the women in Genesis 6 producing the giants. Jesus preached to these evil angels to proclaim victory over them and that their impending doom was now sealed. Jesus also preached to them that he had taken captivity captive and was going to release all of those who were saved and bring them to heaven following his resurrection. Prior to the resurrection of Jesus, the old testament saints were held captive by Satan, but now Satan was defeated and his doom sealed as Jesus rose victorious from the grave. [Ephesians 4:8-10 8 Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.
9 (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth?
10 He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.)]
Jesus rose from the grave on that glorious early Sunday morning which we call Resurrection Day which was the feast of firstfruits as our firstfruits of resurrection. (I Corinthians 15:20 But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.) Jesus had to rise first and get his glorified body first before any saints who had died could get theirs. This also allows us to get ours in the future for those who are saved. Early in the morning at sunrise of that resurrection day several women including Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of Jesus, Salome, and Joanna and other women brought spices and ointments for the preparation of the body of Jesus since they were unable to finish it prior to the sabbath following the crucifixion of Jesus. (Matthew 28:1 In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre.) (Mark 16:1-2 And when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, had bought sweet spices, that they might come and anoint him.
2 And very early in the morning the first day of the week, they came unto the sepulchre at the rising of the sun.) (Luke 23:56-24:10) (John 20:1 The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulchre, and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulchre.) Notice that these women just as the male disciples did not believe Jesus when he said he would rise from the grave for if they did then they never would have come to prepare his body. If the men believed then they would have come early in the morning as well to see the empty grave. An angel appeared to them to tell the women that Jesus was not there, but was risen as he said he would. The angel told them to hurry back and tell the disciples and Peter. Peter was specifically mentioned not because he was above the other apostles as the Roman Catholic Church teaches, but rather because Peter had denied Jesus three times and God wanted Peter to know that he had been forgiven and was still loved by God and would still be used by Jesus. The women did as they were told and then Peter and John ran to the grave to see and Mary Magdalene followed along. After the men saw the empty grave, they left, but Mary stayed behind and wept. It was at this time that Jesus made his first appearance following his resurrection as he spoke with Mary Magdalene. Mary thought he was the gardener, but then Jesus said that it was him and for her to go and tell the disciples that she saw him. (John 20:14-18 And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus.
15 Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away.
16 Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master.
17 Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.
18 Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that he had spoken these things unto her.) Notice that it was Mary Magdalene a woman who was given the privilege of being the first person to see the resurrected Jesus and not one of the male apostles or disciples. God is no respecter of persons. (Acts 10:34 ¶ Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:) In verse 17 Jesus told Mary not to touch him until he had ascended to his and Mary’s Father and his and Mary’s God. This does not refer to the ascension but was rather a part of the redemption of mankind. Jesus ascended to heaven to place his blood on the heavenly altar which completed the redemption for all people. This completed what was started on the cross at Calvary and was necessary for if Jesus had never placed his blood on the heavenly altar to be accepted by God the Father then we would still be dead in our sins. Mary was not allowed to touch Jesus so she did not pollute him as she was unclean due to sin. Once Jesus returned from heaven then he could be touched as was seen later on the same day.
Once Jesus completed the work necessary for man’s redemption and returned from heaven on that same resurrection day then he next appeared to the women that had come to the grave as they were on their way to tell the disciples what the angel had said. At this point he could now be touched and was as the women held his feet and worshipped him. Jesus did not stay long in heaven before returning. (Matthew 28:9-10 ¶ And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him.
10 Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me.)
The next appearance by Jesus on that resurrection day was to Cleopas and another disciple of Jesus who was Peter as they were walking from Jerusalem to the nearby town of Emmaus. (Luke 24:13, 18) (Luke 24:34 Saying, The Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared to Simon.) (I Corinthians 15:5 And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve:) This appearance can be found in Luke 24:13-35 and in (Mark 16:12-13 ¶ After that he appeared in another form unto two of them, as they walked, and went into the country.
13 And they went and told it unto the residue: neither believed they them.). When they first saw Jesus they did not know it was him as Jesus appeared in another form. Jesus asked them why they were sad and they said do you not know what happened over the last three days and Jesus said what things. They told him about Jesus and then Jesus scolded them and began to relate to them about what the scriptures have to say about Jesus beginning with Moses and the prophets. The men’s hearts burned within them as Jesus spoke. When they got to Emmaus then Jesus sat at a meal with them and opened their eyes so they knew it was him and then he disappeared. Jesus in his resurrected, glorified body could now move at the speed of thought and vanish and reappear in new locations. These two men went back to Jerusalem to then tell the other apostles and disciples.
Jesus’ next appearance on this resurrection Sunday was in the evening at meal time to all of the apostles as well as other disciples in Jerusalem where they were shut up in a house behind closed doors for fear of the Jews. (John 20:19-23 19 ¶ Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.
20 And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord.
21 Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.
22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:
23 Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained.) During this appearance to the apostles and disciples then Jesus opens their eyes to understand scripture and what Jesus had taught them during his 3.5 year earthly ministry. Jesus used this time to instruct them to preach repentance and that all people needed their sins forgiven by Jesus. (Luke 24:45 Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures,) In the Luke account found in Luke 24:36-49 we see Jesus ate with the disciples in verse 43 which shows how we will still be able to eat with our glorified bodies. Also found in (Mark 16:14-18 ¶ Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen.
15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;
18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.) John 20:19 shows how Jesus was able to appear out of nowhere into the middle of a room with a locked door. This shows how in our glorified bodies we also will be able to appear into a room without having to enter through a door or window. Some of the disciples in this room may have been some of the people whose graves were opened at the crucifixion of Jesus. Scripture says over 500 people saw Jesus during this 40 day period at one time, but many are not mentioned on the exact timing when. (I Corinthians 15:6 After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep.) Jesus was busy on this resurrection Sunday making many appearances in multiple places.
Jesus next appeared eight days later on the following Sunday before his disciples who were again in this same room. Jesus did this since Thomas was not there when Jesus came the last time and he said unless he could see the nail prints in the hands of Jesus and touch his pierced side then he would not believe. Jesus came so that Thomas could see and touch him. When Thomas saw he believed and called Jesus his Lord and his God. (John 20:24-29 24 ¶ But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came.
25 The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe.
26 ¶ And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you.
27 Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing.
28 And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God.
29 Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.) Jesus said blessed are those who believe without seeing as we must do today. Verse 30 says Jesus did many other signs that are not written. (John 20:30-31 ¶ And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book:
31 But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.)
Jesus next appeared to seven of the disciples as they were fishing on the sea of Galilee. (John 21:1-2 After these things Jesus shewed himself again to the disciples at the sea of Tiberias; and on this wise shewed he himself.
2 There were together Simon Peter, and Thomas called Didymus, and Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee, and two other of his disciples.) The disciples had been fishing all night without catching anything but Jesus called out to them from the shore and told them to cast their net on the right side. They did not realize it was Jesus, but did as he told them and they caught 153 fishes. It was then that John realized it was Jesus and they all headed to shore. It has been said that the 153 fishes represent the 153 people mentioned in scripture who received a direct blessing by Jesus. It also represents how these disciples will now be fishers of men’s souls just as God commanded them rather than fishing for their own pleasure. 153 is 9 x 17 with 9 meaning the fruit of the Spirit and 17 means victory. We get victory by obeying the Holy Ghost. We see Jesus eating again in this account here in John 21. Jesus restores Peter as useful for him. (John 21:15-19 ¶ So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.
16 He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep.
17 He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.
18 Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not.
19 This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me.)
There appears to be at some point that Jesus may have appeared to his brother James as seen in I Corinthians 15:7 (I Corinthians 15:7 After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles.) and that Jesus also met the disciples in Galilee as the angel said he would and told in Matthew 28:16-18. (Matthew 28:16-18 16 ¶ Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them.
17 And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted.
18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.)
The final appearance of Jesus during this 40 day period mentioned in scripture is his ascension from the mount of olives. Jesus had spoke of this future event to his disciples during his 3.5 year ministry. (John 6:62 What and if ye shall see the Son of man ascend up where he was before?) This is on the 40th day since his resurrection. The ascension is mentioned in three places; Mark, Luke, and Acts. Many modern bibles either remove one or more of these places or at least casts doubt on the ascension belonging in scripture with footnotes. (Mark 16:19 ¶ So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God.) (Luke 24:50-51 ¶ And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them.
51 And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven.) (Acts 1:9-12 9 And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.
10 And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel;
11 Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.
12 Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day’s journey.) Just before his ascension, Jesus commanded the disciples to remain in Jerusalem and to wait for the Comforter, who is the Holy Ghost whom he would send. Ten days after the ascension of Jesus on the feast of Pentecost, the Holy Ghost was given to the disciples. Jesus would later appear to Paul on the road to Damascas but he was in heaven. (Acts 9:3-6 And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven:
4 And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?
5 And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.
6 And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.) Jesus will not return here to earth until his second coming. Just before his ascension he commanded the disciples to go into all the world and teach the nations and tell the people how they needed to repent and confess that they are a sinner and call upon Jesus to be their Saviour. The same command applies to us today. They were then to baptize the saved people in the name of the Godhead and Jesus includes himself showing he is God. This command is known as the Great Commission. (Matthew 28:19-20 ¶ Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.) Following the ascension of Jesus, the disciples no longer hid in fear, but became bold in preaching Jesus to a lost and dead world.
I have shown the various appearances of Jesus from his resurrection to his ascension as best as I can as it can be challenging to piece all of the accounts given in the gospels, Acts, I Corinthians, and other places in scripture. Following the ascension of Jesus he now sits on the right hand of God the Father, as many places in scripture show, waiting for the timing of his second coming as King. For those who are not saved, realize that you are a sinner and call upon Jesus today so that you too may say even so come Lord Jesus as we await his second coming which will be soon.
