Our purpose and design is to glorify God.
That which Glorifies God is what Magnifies Jesus and dignifies humans.
All this is done through the power of the Holy Spirit. Resulting in Lives Changed By Christ.
Jesus calls us to follow Him.
Join us in this year long study in the Life of Jesus by visiting here or join the email list at
https://groups.google.com/g/magnify-jesus for emails.
50Then He led them out as far as Bethany, and lifting up His hands He
blessed them. 51And while He was blessing them, He left them and was
carried up into heaven. 52After worshiping Him, they returned to
Jerusalem with great joy. 53And they were continually in the temple
complex blessing God.[1]
Then Jesus led them out along the road to Bethany, and lifting his hands to heaven, he blessed them, and then began rising into the sky, and went on to heaven. And they worshiped him, and returned to Jerusalem filled with mighty joy, and were continually in the Temple, praising God.
God is ... What do we learn about God in this passage?
We are ... What do we learn about people in this passage?
How did the disciples respond to their new understanding of Jesus? Why do the disciples react so differently when Jesus is taken away now in Luke 24:50-53 as compared when he was taken away by the Crucifixion in Luke 24:46?
Luke 24:52 lets us know that the apostles experienced great "joy" on the heels of Jesus' departure. Why the change from an earlier attitude of mixed feelings and troubled hearts.
I will ... What has the Holy Spirit revealed to us in this passage? How can I apply it to my life this week?
As we move toward the study of his disciples in the book of Acts, how will you continue to study the life of Christ as you remain His disciple?
You can ... Who do you know who needs to hear this? Feel free to share with others by social media links at the bottom of this.
With You Always
As the disciples stood and watched, Jesus began rising into the air, and soon he disappeared into heaven. Seeing Jesus leave must have been frightening, but the disciples knew that Jesus would keep his promise to be with them through the Holy Spirit. This same Jesus, who lived with the disciples, who died and was buried, and who rose from the dead, loves us and promises to be with us always. We can get to know him better through studying the Scriptures, praying, and allowing the Holy Spirit to make us more like Jesus.
Jesus' physical presence left the disciples when he returned to heaven (Acts 1:9), but the Holy Spirit soon came to comfort them and empower them to spread the gospel of salvation (Acts 2:1-4).
Jesus Appears to the Disciples in Jerusalem Luke 24:44-49
Intro Questions
Jesus Ascends to
His Father
Luke 24:44–53
44Then He told them, “These are My words that I spoke to you while I was
still with you, that everything written about Me in the Law of Moses, the
Prophets, and the Psalms must be fulfilled.” 45Then He opened their minds to understand the
Scriptures. 46He also said to them, “This is what is written: the
Messiah would suffer and rise from the dead the third day, 47and
repentance for forgiveness of sins would be proclaimed in His name to all the
nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48You are witnesses of these
things. 49And look, I am
sending you what My Father promised. As for you, stay in the city until you
are empowered from on high.”
50Then He led them out as far as Bethany, and lifting up His hands He
blessed them. 51And while He was blessing them, He left them and was
carried up into heaven. 52After worshiping Him, they returned to
Jerusalem with great joy. 53And they were continually in the temple
complex blessing God.[1]
Then he said, "When I was with you before, don't you remember my telling you that everything written about me by Moses and the prophets and in the Psalms must all come true?"
Then he opened their minds to understand at last these many Scriptures! And he said, "Yes, it was written long ago that the Messiah must suffer and die and rise again from the dead on the third day; and that this message of salvation should be taken from Jerusalem to all the nations: There is forgiveness of sins for all who turn to me. You have seen these prophecies come true.
"And now I will send the Holy Spirit upon you, just as my Father promised. Don't begin telling others yet—stay here in the city until the Holy Spirit comes and fills you with power from heaven.
God is ... What do we learn about God in this passage?
We are ... What do we learn about people in this passage?
How does Luke 24:45-48 apply to us now? How can we act on these instructions more fully?
What task does he give them? With what promise? How must they have felt?
What message did Jesus entrust to his apostles to share with others? What responsibility do you have in this task?
I will ... What has the Holy Spirit revealed to us in this passage? How can I apply it to my life this week?
In light of your circumstances, where is the mission field Jesus has sent you? Who are some of the people you can witness to by your life? By your words? Who are the disciples in your life who encourage your service to Christ?
How do you respond to his mission for you:
(a) Let's get going!
(b) I couldn't possibly do that!
(c) He didn't mean me!
(d) I'm scared, but I'll trust him! Why?
You can ... Who do you know who needs to hear this? Feel free to share with others by social media links at the bottom of this.
Study God's Word
The phrase "Moses, the prophets, and the Psalms" is a way to describe the entire Old Testament. In other words, the entire Old Testament points to the Messiah. For example, Jesus' role as prophet was foretold in Deuteronomy 18:15-20; his sufferings were prophesied in Psalm 22 and Isaiah 53; his resurrection was predicted in Psalm 16:9-11 and Isaiah 53:10-11. Jesus opened these people's minds to understand the Scriptures. The Holy Spirit does this in our lives today when we study the Bible. Have you ever wondered how to understand a difficult Bible passage? Besides reading surrounding passages, asking other people, and consulting reference works, pray that the Holy Spirit will open your mind to understand, giving you the needed insight to put God's Word into action in your life.
Luke wrote to the Greek-speaking world. He wanted them to know that Christ's message of God's love and forgiveness should go to all the world. We must never ignore the worldwide scope of Christ's gospel. God wants all the world to hear the Good News of salvation.
The story is reported from the Southeast Asian nation of Malaysia. Ng Swee Hock is a 65-year-old man who lives near Butterworth, one of the coastal cities in that distant country. His son, Wei, had taken him to the hospital after he stopped breathing at home.
Doctors tried CPR on the man for 45 minutes, but had no success restarting his heart and other functions. They finally discontinued their efforts and pronounced Ng Swee Hock dead. Amazingly, two and a half hours later, the man spontaneously began breathing again and his heart started beating. He was transferred to ICU and seems to be making a recovery!
We are tempted to dismiss this story as incredible for several reasons. First, dead people don’t come back to life. Second, it’s odd that this report comes from a faraway place where it can’t easily be verified. Third, nobody has ever heard of such a thing happening. Have they?
Actually, this is rare, but documented. The medics call it “Lazarus Syndrome” after the man revived by Jesus in John 11. Only 38 cases have been reported—one recently in Cali, Colombia, and another in London. In each case, a short time after being pronounced “dead,” a person begins breathing and functioning again. Sometimes a complete recovery is made; sometimes the trauma is too much and the person dies actually a short time later. But this is resuscitation, not resurrection.
He told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem” (Luke 24:46-47 NIV).
On that shocking Sunday morning, the tomb was found empty and Jesus was reported to be alive. This was no resuscitation after a few minutes; this was a resurrection after days in the tomb. When the report went out, it met with all the normal and expected skepticism.
Many instantly dismissed the idea of Jesus returning to life. The dead don’t rise again; the cemeteries are full, not empty! The story was actually laughable in Athens; nobody had ever heard of such a thing happening! And as for the location of the first announcement of Jesus’ return—well, that’s a problem.
You see, the story began to be broadcast from the very place in all the world where the facts could most easily be verified—Jerusalem, where it all happened. And the authorities tried to silence the report, but they couldn’t produce or account for the body of Jesus. And there were not two or three or 12 people claiming that Jesus is alive, but more than 500 declared that they, too, had seen Him!
Shocking story? It was then and it is now. Yet it’s true. Dead and buried for days, then alive and walking. Who else ever did this? Who could Jesus be—if not the Son of God, who gives life to all?
36 While they were still talking about this, Jesus
himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.”
37 They were startled and frightened, thinking they
saw a ghost. 38 He said
to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds?39 Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch
me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have.”
40 When he had said this, he showed them his hands
and feet. 41 And while
they still did not believe it because of joy and amazement, he asked
them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” 42
They gave him a piece of broiled fish, 43 and he took it and ate it in their presence.
44 He said to them, “This is what I told you while
I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in
the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.”
45 Then he opened their minds so they could
understand the Scriptures. 46 He
told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the
dead on the third day, 47 and
repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all
nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48
You are witnesses of these things. 49 I am going to send you what my Father has promised;
but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”
Summarize
main story: Describe the events
of the story in your own words.
vReview and retell the story.
Reflections
for applications:
vLook at tension in doubt: Luke 24:36-38
oWhen kids
talk to their parents about doubt.
oDo you ever have doubts?
§You're
not alone. About 2/3 of Christians say they have doubts.
§“Why do doubts rise in your minds?”
oThere is always more to see: Luke 24:39
§He gave
them assurance.
§With
assurance, He gives them a calling.
§Doubts don’t make you a bad person.
§John 20:28-29Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!”
Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not
seen and yet have believed.”
oWhere are you looking?
§“Believing is seeing.”
§1 Corinthians 1:18 “For the message of the cross is
foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the
power of God.”
§Amid all the reasons you have to doubt, look for reasons to believe.
Digging
Questions:
·How will
you respond to this question Jesus asked?
·What do these biblical texts tell you about God and His nature?
·What is God calling us to do?
Take Away
Challenges
·What has the Holy Spirit revealed to you in this passage? How will
you apply it to your life this week?
·Whom do you know who needs to hear this?
·What is God bringing to your attention in this discussion? What
beliefs, thoughts or actions need to be addressed or changed?
Jesus Commissions
His Disciples to Continue His Work
Matthew 28:16–20; Mark 16:15–18
Mt 28:16–20The eleven
disciples traveled to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had directed
them. 17When they saw Him, they worshiped, but some doubted. 18Then
Jesus came near and said to them, “All
authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19Go, therefore, and make disciples of
all nations [Mk 16:15bGo into
all the world and preach the gospel to the whole creation], baptizing them in the name of the
Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And
remember, I am with you always†,
to the end of the age.
Mk 16:16–18“Whoever believes and is baptized will be
saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. 17And these
signs will accompany those who believe: In My name they will drive out demons;
they will speak with new tongues; 18they will pick up snakes; if
they should drink anything deadly, it will never harm them; they will lay hands
on the sick, and they will get well.”*
Jesus’
Great Commission
This passage from Matthew is called the
Great Commission, because it is the fullest statement of His commission for
world missions and evangelism. As followers of Christ, we are to be on mission
for Him in our local communities as well as the remote corners of the globe.
All the Gospels and the Book of Acts have
some form of a commission spoken by Jesus (see Mark 16:15; Luke 24:47–48; John
20:21; Acts 1:8).[1]
Then the eleven disciples left for Galilee, going to the mountain where Jesus had said they would find him. There they met him and worshiped him—but some of them weren't sure it really was Jesus!
He told his disciples, "I have been given all authority in heaven and earth. Therefore go and make disciples in all the nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and then teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you; and be sure of this—that I am with you always, even to the end of the world."
God is ... What do we learn about God in this passage?
We are ... What do we learn about people in this passage?
I will ... What has the Holy Spirit revealed to us in this passage? How can I apply it to my life this week?
You can ... Who do you know who needs to hear this? Feel free to share with others by social media links at the bottom of this.
Go and Tell
God gave Jesus authority over heaven and earth. On the basis of that authority, Jesus told his disciples to make more disciples as they preached, baptized, and taught. With this same authority, Jesus still commands us to tell others the Good News and make them disciples for the Kingdom. We are to go—whether it is next door or to another country—and make disciples. It is not an option, but a command to all who call Jesus "Lord." We are not all evangelists in the formal sense, but we have all received gifts that we can use to help fulfill the great commission. As we obey, we have comfort in the knowledge that Jesus is always with us.
Jesus' words affirm the reality of the Trinity. He did not say baptize them into the names, but into the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The word Trinity does not occur in Scripture, but it well describes the three-in-one nature of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
#Trinity
Watch "Who is the Holy Spirit? What Scripture Teaches
If you were laid off from work today or your job was terminated, where would you go to get yourself together?
Jesus Appears to
Two Followers at Emmaus
Luke 24:13–32
13Now that same day two of them
were on their way to a village called Emmaus, which was about seven miles from
Jerusalem. 14Together they were discussing everything that had taken
place. 15And while they were discussing and arguing, Jesus Himself came near and began to walk along with them†.
16But they were prevented from recognizing Him. 17Then He
asked them, “What is this dispute that you’re having with each other as you are
walking?” And they stopped walking and looked discouraged.
18The one named Cleopas answered Him, “Are You the only visitor in Jerusalem who
doesn’t know† the things that happened there in these days?”
19a“What things?” He asked them.
19bSo they said to Him, “The things concerning Jesus the Nazarene, who
was a Prophet powerful in action and speech before God and all the people, 20and
how our chief priests and leaders handed Him over to be sentenced to death, and
they crucified Him. 21But we were hoping that He was the One who was about to redeem Israel†. Besides
all this, it’s the third day since these things happened. 22Moreover,
some women from our group astounded us. They arrived early at the tomb, 23and
when they didn’t find His body, they came and reported that they had seen a
vision of angels who said He was alive. 24Some of those who were with us went
to the tomb† and found it just as the women had said, but they
didn’t see Him.”
25He said to them, “O how unwise
and slow you are to believe in your hearts all that the prophets have
spoken! 26Didn’t the Messiah have to suffer these things and enter
into His glory?” 27Then beginning with Moses and all the Prophets,
He interpreted for them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself.
28They came near the village where they were going, and He gave the
impression that He was going farther. 29But they urged Him: “Stay
with us, because it’s almost evening, and now the day is almost over.” So He
went in to stay with them.
30It was as He reclined at the table with them that He took the bread,
blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. 31Then their eyes were
opened, and they recognized Him; but He disappeared from their sight. 32So
they said to each other, “Weren’t our hearts ablaze within us while He was
talking with us on the road and explaining the Scriptures to us?”[1]
33That very hour they got up and returned to Jerusalem, and found the
Eleven and those with them gathered together, 34who said, “The Lord has certainly been raised, and
has appeared to Simon!†” 35Then
they began to describe what had happened on the road, and how He was made known
to them in the breaking of the bread.[1]
That same day, Sunday, two of Jesus' followers were walking to the village of Emmaus, seven miles out of Jerusalem. As they walked along they were talking of Jesus' death, when suddenly Jesus himself came along and joined them and began walking beside them. But they didn't recognize him, for God kept them from it.
"You seem to be in a deep discussion about something," he said. "What are you so concerned about?" They stopped short, sadness written across their faces. And one of them, Cleopas, replied, "You must be the only person in Jerusalem who hasn't heard about the terrible things that happened there last week."
"What things?" Jesus asked.
"The things that happened to Jesus, the Man from Nazareth," they said. "He was a Prophet who did incredible miracles and was a mighty Teacher, highly regarded by both God and man. But the chief priests and our religious leaders arrested him and handed him over to the Roman government to be condemned to death, and they crucified him. We had thought he was the glorious Messiah and that he had come to rescue Israel.
"And now, besides all this—which happened three days ago—some women from our group of his followers were at his tomb early this morning and came back with an amazing report that his body was missing, and that they had seen some angels there who told them Jesus is alive! Some of our men ran out to see, and sure enough, Jesus' body was gone, just as the women had said."
Then Jesus said to them, "You are such foolish, foolish people! You find it so hard to believe all that the prophets wrote in the Scriptures! Wasn't it clearly predicted by the prophets that the Messiah would have to suffer all these things before entering his time of glory?"
Then Jesus quoted them passage after passage from the writings of the prophets, beginning with the book of Genesis and going right on through the Scriptures, explaining what the passages meant and what they said about himself.
By this time they were nearing Emmaus and the end of their journey. Jesus would have gone on, but they begged him to stay the night with them, as it was getting late. So he went home with them. As they sat down to eat, he asked God's blessing on the food and then took a small loaf of bread and broke it and was passing it over to them, when suddenly—it was as though their eyes were opened—they recognized him! And at that moment he disappeared!
They began telling each other how their hearts had felt strangely warm as he talked with them and explained the Scriptures during the walk down the road. Within the hour they were on their way back to Jerusalem, where the eleven disciples and the other followers of Jesus greeted them with these words, "The Lord has really risen! He appeared to Peter!"
Then the two from Emmaus told their story of how Jesus had appeared to them as they were walking along the road and how they had recognized him as he was breaking the bread.
God is ... What do we learn about God in this passage?
We are ... What do we learn about people in this passage?
This story happened late in the day in which Jesus rose from the dead. What do you think caused these two disciples to leave town? * Fear, * Disillusionment, * Overload, * Loneliness, or * Despair.
What are the two disciples talking about as they walk in Luke 24:19-24? What tones of voice do you hear? What hopes are dashed? What plans might they be making? Who do they react to the "stranger"?
In what way can meeting Jesus change a person’s life?
Why didn't they recognize Jesus when he joined them? What opened their eyes?
Why does Jesus call his disciples “foolish” and “slow to believe” in Luke 24:25?
From your knowledge of Old Testament prophecy, what passages might "the stranger" have discussed with them in Luke 24:25-27?
In his rebuke Jesus identifies the cause of the disciples’ despair – reluctance to accept the meaning of Scriptures about the Messiah’s suffering (v. 25). Describe a time when you were challenged to change your view about a biblical event or teaching?
Why did Jesus do a roundabout Bible study rather than just, reveal his identity immediately and directly?
Why did Jesus act as if he was going further?
What has happened to the other disciples that has caused them to change their minds from Luke 24:11? Why a special appearance to Peter?
I will ... What has the Holy Spirit revealed to us in this passage? How can I apply it to my life this week?
What prevents people from recognizing and accepting Jesus as Savior?
What is the closest you have come to "throwing in the towel" spiritually?
Where is your "Road to Emmaus" -- the place where Jesus surprised you recently? What helps you recognize Jesus alongside you when you are down?
How well do you think you can explain the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and the way a person can have a relationship with him? Try rehearsing or role playing this in your mind. Who could you communicate these truths with today?
You can ... Who do you know who needs to hear this? Feel free to share with others by social media links at the bottom of this.
Step of Faith
Why did Jesus call these disciples foolish? Even though they well knew the biblical prophecies, they failed to understand that Christ's suffering was his path to glory. They could not understand why God did not intervene to save Jesus from the cross. The world has not changed its values: A suffering servant is no more popular today than two thousand years ago. But we have not only the witness of the Old Testament prophets, but also the witness of the New Testament apostles and the history of the Christian church all pointing to Jesus' victory over death. Will we step outside the values of our culture and put our faith in Jesus? Or will we foolishly continue to be baffled by his Good News?
The disciples from Emmaus were counting on Jesus to redeem Israel—that is, to rescue the nation from its enemies. Most Jews believed that the Old Testament prophecies pointed to a military and political Messiah; they didn't realize that the Messiah had come to redeem people from slavery to sin. When Jesus died, therefore, they lost all hope. They didn't understand that Jesus' death offered the greatest hope possible.
Religious Leaders Bribe the Guards
Matthew 28:11-15
Intro Questions
Soldiers Bribed
by the Sanhedrin
Matthew 28:11–15
11As they were on their way, some of the guard came into the city and
reported to the chief priests everything that had happened. 12After
the priests had assembled with the elders and agreed on a plan, they gave the soldiers a large sum of money13and
told them, “Say this, ‘His disciples came during the night and stole Him while
we were sleeping.’ 14If this reaches the governor’s ears, we will
deal with him and keep you out of trouble.”
15So they took the money and did as they were instructed. And this story
has been spread among Jewish people to this day.[1]
As the women were on the way into the city, some of the Temple police who had been guarding the tomb went to the chief priests and told them what had happened. A meeting of all the Jewish leaders was called, and it was decided to bribe the police to say they had all been asleep when Jesus' disciples came during the night and stole his body.
"If the governor hears about it," the Council promised, "we'll stand up for you and everything will be all right."
So the police accepted the bribe and said what they were told to. Their story spread widely among the Jews and is still believed by them to this very day.
God is ... What do we learn about God in this passage?
We are ... What do we learn about people in this passage?
I will ... What has the Holy Spirit revealed to us in this passage? How can I apply it to my life this week?
You can ... Who do you know who needs to hear this? Feel free to share with others by social media links at the bottom of this.
Amazing News
Jesus' resurrection was already causing a great stir in Jerusalem. A group of women was moving quickly through the streets, looking for the disciples to tell them the amazing news that Jesus was alive. At the same time, a group of religious leaders was plotting how to cover up the Resurrection. Today there is still a great stir over the Resurrection, and there are still only two choices—to believe that Jesus rose from the dead, or to be closed to the truth—denying it, ignoring it, or trying to explain it away. Which choice have you made?
The problem with the Council's story that the disciples stole the body is that these same disciples later suffered greatly; some were even martyred for their faith in the risen Christ. If they knew that they had stolen a dead body in order to keep up a hoax, it is highly doubtful that they would willingly die for that hoax.
After His resurrection, Jesus made several appearances to His 11 disciples as well as to other followers. According to the Book of Acts, these appearances occurred across a period of 40 days before His ascension to the Father (see Acts 1:3).
Through these appearances Jesus gave His followers “convincing proofs” (Acts 1:3) that He was alive. Here’s a list of Jesus’ post-resurrection appearances recorded by the Gospel writers:
• To Mary Magdalene at the empty tomb in Jerusalem (Mark 16:9; John 20:11–18).
• To other women at the empty tomb (Matt. 28:1–10).
• To two followers on their way to Emmaus (Mark 16:12–13; Luke 24:13–32).
• To Peter, apparently in Jerusalem (Luke 24:33–35).
• To ten of His disciples in Jerusalem, Thomas absent (Luke 24:36–43; John 20:19–25).
• To the eleven disciples in Jerusalem, Thomas present (John 20:26–29).
• To His disciples at Lake Galilee (John 21:1–14).
• To His disciples at His ascension near Jerusalem (Mark 16:19–20; Luke 24:44–53).
The apostle Paul also mentioned three appearances of Jesus not recorded by the Gospel writers. These appearances were to five hundred believers, to James and all the apostles, and to Paul himself (1 Cor. 15:6–8). The Book of Acts also mentions the post-resurrection appearances of Jesus (Acts 1:3)
8So, departing quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, they ran
to tell His disciples the news. 9Just then Jesus met them and said, “Rejoice!” They came up, took hold of His
feet, and worshiped Him. 10Then Jesus told them, “Do not be afraid.
Go and tell My brothers to leave for Galilee, and they will see Me there.”[1]
The women ran from the tomb, badly frightened, but also filled with joy, and rushed to find the disciples to give them the angel's message. And as they were running, suddenly Jesus was there in front of them!
"Good morning!" he said. And they fell to the ground before him, holding his feet and worshiping him.
Then Jesus said to them, "Don't be frightened! Go tell my brothers to leave at once for Galilee, to meet me there."
God is ... What do we learn about God in this passage?
We are ... What do we learn about people in this passage?
I will ... What has the Holy Spirit revealed to us in this passage? How can I apply it to my life this week?
You can ... Who do you know who needs to hear this? Feel free to share with others by social media links at the bottom of this.
He Won't Give Up
Jesus told the women to pass a message on to the disciples—that he would meet them in Galilee, as he had previously told them (Mark 14:28). But the disciples, afraid of the religious leaders, stayed hidden behind locked doors in Jerusalem (John 20:19). The disciples had already run away from Jesus at the time of his greatest need; one of them had betrayed Jesus to his death and another had denied ever knowing him. Imagine the sorry group they must have been as they sat hidden and locked away. But Jesus did not give up on them. He met them first right in their secret room in Jerusalem (Luke 24:36) and then later in Galilee (John 21). Jesus gives second chances—and more! No matter how bad your sin, he is ready to forgive. He has great work for you to do!
By "my brothers," Jesus meant his disciples. This showed that he had forgiven them, even after they had deserted him. Their relationship would now be even stronger than before.
After His resurrection, Jesus made
several appearances to His 11 disciples as well as to other followers.
According to the Book of Acts, these appearances occurred across a period of 40
days before His ascension to the Father (see Acts 1:3).
Through these appearances Jesus gave His
followers “convincing proofs” (Acts 1:3) that He was alive. Here’s a list of
Jesus’ post-resurrection appearances recorded by the Gospel writers:
• To Mary Magdalene at the empty tomb in
Jerusalem (Mark 16:9; John 20:11–18).
• To other women at the empty tomb (Matt.
28:1–10).
• To two followers on their way to Emmaus
(Mark 16:12–13; Luke 24:13–32).
• To Peter, apparently in Jerusalem (Luke
24:33–35).
• To ten of His disciples in Jerusalem, Thomas
absent (Luke 24:36–43; John 20:19–25).
• To the eleven disciples in Jerusalem, Thomas
present (John 20:26–29).
• To His disciples at Lake Galilee (John
21:1–14).
• To His disciples at His ascension near
Jerusalem (Mark 16:19–20; Luke 24:44–53).
The apostle Paul also mentioned three
appearances of Jesus not recorded by the Gospel writers. These appearances were
to five hundred believers, to James and all the apostles, and to Paul himself
(1 Cor. 15:6–8). The Book of Acts also mentions the post-resurrection
appearances of Jesus (Acts 1:3).[1]
