Published: April 2025 | Reading Time: 7 minutes
Tags: Jesus Resurrection, Christianity, New Testament, Easter, Faith
Why the Resurrection of Jesus Matters
The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the cornerstone of Christian faith. Celebrated every Easter, it represents victory over death and the promise of eternal life. But many people wonder — what exactly happened after Jesus rose from the dead? This blog post walks through the key events after the resurrection, based on the Bible, and explains their lasting significance for believers today.
1. Jesus Rose from the Dead on the Third Day
According to the Gospels (Matthew 28, Mark 16, Luke 24, John 20), Jesus was crucified on a Friday and buried in a tomb. On the third day—Sunday morning—He rose from the dead. This miraculous event was first discovered by women followers, including Mary Magdalene, who found the tomb empty.
Key Bible Verse:
“He is not here; he has risen, just as he said.” – Matthew 28:6 (NIV)
Why This Matters:
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Confirms Jesus' divinity.
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Fulfills Old Testament prophecy.
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Validates Christian faith (1 Corinthians 15:14).
2. Jesus Appeared to His Followers Over 40 Days
After the resurrection, Jesus didn’t immediately ascend to heaven. Instead, He stayed on earth for 40 days, appearing to more than 500 people (1 Corinthians 15:6). These appearances were crucial for strengthening the faith of the early church.
Major Appearances:
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Mary Magdalene (John 20:11–18)
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Disciples on the Road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13–35)
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The Eleven Disciples (Luke 24:36–49, John 20:19–23)
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Doubting Thomas (John 20:24–29)
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Breakfast by the Sea (John 21)
Key Takeaway:
Jesus showed His resurrected body, ate with the disciples, and allowed them to touch His wounds — confirming He was physically alive, not just a spirit or vision.
3. Jesus Gave the Great Commission
One of the most important moments after His resurrection was when Jesus gave His followers a mission:
The Great Commission (Matthew 28:18–20):
“Go and make disciples of all nations... teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.”
What This Means for Christians Today:
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Spread the Gospel.
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Baptize believers.
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Teach and disciple others.
This command still fuels modern Christian evangelism and missionary work.
4. Jesus Ascended to Heaven
40 days after His resurrection, Jesus led His disciples to the Mount of Olives. There, He gave final instructions and ascended into heaven in their presence (Acts 1:9–11).
Key Moment:
“...He was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight.” – Acts 1:9 (NIV)
Two angels appeared and told the disciples He would return in the same way — a cornerstone belief known as the Second Coming.
5. The Coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost
Before ascending, Jesus told His followers to wait in Jerusalem for the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:4–5). Ten days later, during Pentecost (Acts 2), the Holy Spirit came upon them in power.
Impact of Pentecost:
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Disciples began preaching boldly in many languages.
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Over 3,000 people were baptized that day.
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This marked the birth of the Christian Church.
Final Thoughts: The Resurrection Is Just the Beginning
What happened after Jesus was resurrected wasn’t the end — it was the beginning of the global Christian movement. His resurrection proved He is the Son of God, His appearances confirmed the truth to His followers, and His ascension pointed to a future return. The coming of the Holy Spirit empowered believers to spread the message — and that mission continues today.
FAQs
Q: How long did Jesus stay on earth after His resurrection?
A: 40 days, according to Acts 1:3.
Q: Who was the first person to see Jesus after the resurrection?
A: Mary Magdalene (John 20:11–18).
Q: What is the significance of the resurrection?
A: It validates Jesus as the Messiah and confirms the promise of eternal life for all who believe in Him.
Want to Learn More?
👉 Check out these recommended Bible passages:
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Luke 24
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John 20–21
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Acts 1–2
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1 Corinthians 15