What Did Jesus Do in the 40 Days After His Resurrection?
According to Christian beliefs, after Jesus rose from the dead, He didn’t go straight to heaven. Instead, Jesus stayed on earth for 40 days. During that time, He appeared to many of His followers. He talked to them, comforted them, and taught them more about God’s kingdom.
The Bible says in Acts 1:3 that Jesus:
“showed himself alive… by many convincing proofs, appearing to them over a period of forty days.”
The People Jesus Appeared To After His Resurrection:
1. Mary Magdalene
Jesus first appeared to Mary Magdalene at the tomb on Easter morning. She didn’t recognize Him at first, but when He called her by name, she knew it was Him.
“She turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus… Jesus said to her, ‘Mary.’ She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, ‘Rabboni!’ .” - John 20:14 -16
2. The Disciples Without Thomas
Later that day, Jesus appeared to a group of disciples who were hiding in a locked room. He showed them His hands and side to prove it was really Him (John 20:19–20).
“Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you!’ After he said this, he showed them his hands and side.” - John 20:19 - 20
3. The Disciples With Thomas (A Week Later)
A week later, Jesus returned to appear to the disciples again - this time with Thomas, who had doubted the earlier reports.
“Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you!’ Then he said to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here… stop doubting and believe.’” - John 20:26–28
4. Two Disciples on the Road to Emmaus
Jesus also walked alongside two disciples on the road to Emmaus. They didn’t recognize Him until He broke bread with them, just like He had done at the Last Supper.
“When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him…” - Luke 24:30–31
5. Seven Disciples at the Sea of Galilee
In John 21, Jesus appeared to seven disciples while they were fishing. He performed a miracle by helping them catch a huge number of fish, then cooked breakfast for them on the shore.
“Jesus said, ‘Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.’ … Jesus came, took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish.” - John 21:6–13
6. More Than 500 People at Once
Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 15:6 that Jesus appeared to over 500 brothers and sisters at the same time, many of whom were still alive when Paul wrote his letter. This large appearance adds strong historical support for the resurrection.
“After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers and sisters at the same time, most of whom are still living…” - 1 Corinthians 15:6
7. James, the Brother of Jesus
Jesus also appeared to James, His earthly brother. James had not believed in Jesus during His ministry but later became a leader in the early church - this appearance may have been the turning point (1 Corinthians 15:7).
“Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles.” - 1 Corinthians 15:7
What Happened on Ascension Day?
On the 40th day after Easter, something amazing happened: Jesus ascended into heaven. This is what Christians celebrate on Ascension Day.
After spending time with His followers, teaching and encouraging them, Jesus led them out to the Mount of Olives, just outside Jerusalem. There, something miraculous happened. As His disciples stood around Him, Jesus gave them final instructions. He told them to wait in Jerusalem for the gift God had promised - the Holy Spirit. Then, as they were watching, He was lifted up into the sky, disappearing into a cloud.
The Ascension into heaven is documented in Acts 1:9–11:
“After He said this, He was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid Him from their sight.” (Acts 1:9)
Two men in white (angels) then told the apostles:
“This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way…” (Acts 1:11)
This moment, observed as Ascension Day, is traditionally celebrated on the 40th day after Easter. It underscores the belief in Jesus’ ongoing divine authority and the promise of His return - a cornerstone of Christian eschatology.
The Meaning of the Ascension
The Ascension holds deep meaning in the Christian faith:
- It confirms Jesus’ divine nature: He didn’t just rise from the dead; He returned to heaven in glory.
- It marks the end of Jesus’ earthly ministry and the beginning of the Church’s mission.
- It was the moment Jesus passed the torch to His disciples, promising they’d receive the Holy Spirit soon (Acts 1:8).
- It reminds us that Jesus will return, just as He left.
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What Does the Book of Acts Say?
The Book of Acts, often called Acts of the Apostles, picks up right after Jesus’ resurrection and Ascension into heaven. It’s one of the most exciting and powerful books in the Bible because it tells the story of how the early Church began and how Jesus’ followers spread the Good News throughout the world.
Acts shows us how Jesus’ final instructions, His ascension, and the promise of the Holy Spirit came together to launch a global movement. Here are several important verses that talk about Jesus' last instructions and what happened next:
- Acts 1:8 – “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you…”
- Acts 1:7 – Jesus reminds them that only God knows when the end will come.
- Acts 1:18 – Describes what happened to Judas after he betrayed Jesus.
- Acts 17:28 – “In Him we live and move and have our being.”
- Acts 20:24 – Paul says his mission is more important than his life.
These verses show how the early Church began and how followers were empowered to share the Good News.
What Happens After Death?
Death is one of life’s greatest mysteries, but for Christians, it’s not the end of the story. Those who believe in Jesus don’t face death with fear, but with hope and peace. The Bible gives clear and comforting answers about what happens after we die, especially for those who follow Christ.
One of the comforting truths in the Bible is that when someone who believes in Jesus dies, they go to be with Him. Paul says in 2 Corinthians 5:8:
“To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.”
This bible verse is often quoted at funerals and memorials because it expresses a powerful truth: when a believer dies, they immediately go to be with Jesus. There’s no gap, no delay, no fear. Just the joyful presence of the Lord.
This means death isn’t the end for Christians. Many people find comfort in saying the rosary prayer for the dead and even use a rosary during funerals or times of loss.
We also find peace in verses like “bible verse about death” or "bible verse about death of loved one” because we trust we’ll see our loved ones again.
While we don’t have every answer about heaven, Jesus gave us enough to trust Him. He said in John 14:2:
“In my Father’s house are many rooms… I am going there to prepare a place for you.”
For those left behind, the Ascension of Jesus reminds us that heaven is real, and Jesus is already there - waiting, welcoming, and preparing a future full of joy.
What Does Heaven Look Like?
Though the Bible doesn’t give a full picture of what heaven looks like, it offers poetic glimpses:
- The firmament in Genesis is seen as a boundary between earth and heaven (Genesis 1:6–8).
- Leaves are often symbols of healing and new life (Revelation 22:2 – “the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations”).
- The Bible encourages us to always look up, keeping our hearts focused on eternity (Colossians 3:1–2).
Even though we don’t know all the details, we believe heaven is a beautiful place full of God's presence.
Ascension Day Traditions
Many Christian communities celebrate Ascension Day with church services, hymns, and readings from the Book of Acts. Some believers reflect on what it means to live between Jesus’ departure and His promised return.
It’s also a time to look upward, not just physically, like the disciples did, but spiritually. It’s a reminder to live with hope, purpose, and expectation, because as the Bible promises, Jesus is coming again.
Though the Bible doesn’t command specific rituals for Ascension Day, over time, believers across the world have created beautiful traditions and customs to reflect on this powerful moment in Jesus’ story.
1. Church Services - Many churches hold Ascension Day services that include:
- Readings from Acts 1:1–11, Luke 24:50–53, and Mark 16:19–20
- Hymns like “Hail the Day That Sees Him Rise” or “Crown Him with Many Crowns”
- Sermons focusing on Jesus’ final instructions, the promise of the Holy Spirit, and the hope of His return
2. Processions and Outdoor Worship
In some parts of the world, especially in Europe, outdoor processions and services are held to symbolize Jesus being “lifted up” into heaven. Participants might walk to a hill or a high place to represent the Mount of Olives, where the ascension took place.
Churches may even ring bells or release doves during the service, symbolizing peace and the Holy Spirit.
3. Blessings and Eucharist
In traditional liturgical churches (Catholic, Orthodox, Anglican, Lutheran), Ascension Day often includes the Eucharist (Holy Communion). The priest may give a special blessing of the congregation, echoing Luke 24:50 where Jesus blessed His disciples just before He ascended.
4. Fasting or Prayer Vigils Before Pentecost
Some Christians treat the time between Ascension Day and Pentecost (which happens 10 days later) as a time of waiting and prayer, just like the disciples did in Acts 1:14. This may include:
- Daily prayer or devotions
- Reading Acts 1 and 2 to prepare spiritually for Pentecost
- Fasting or meditative silence, especially in monastic communities
Even if it’s not a public holiday in every country, many believers mark it in personal ways through prayer and Bible reading.
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Final Thoughts: Why the Ascension Still Matters
The ascension of Jesus wasn’t the end of the story. It was the beginning of the Church’s mission on earth. Jesus left, but He sent the Holy Spirit, and one day, He promised to return.
Ascension Day traditions help Christians remember this promise. Whether it’s through prayer, reading scripture, or simply looking up, we hold onto the hope that Jesus is coming back.
References:
The Holy Bible, New International Version. Zondervan, 2011.
What is the meaning and importance of the ascension of Jesus Christ?, https://www.gotquestions.org/ascension-Jesus-Christ.html, accessed on 23.04.2025
The Ascent of Joy, https://www.desiringgod.org/messages/the-ascent-of-joy, accessed on 23.04.2025
