What happened after the Resurrection?

Following the celebration of the Resurrection, one may wonder what events occurred afterward. The New Testament documents several events that took place during the 50 days after Jesus’ death.

To start, let’s look at what happened according to the biblical timeline of the feasts. Jesus was crucified during the biblical festival of Passover, buried on the Feast of Unleavened Bread, and resurrected on the Feast of First Fruits. The final spring festival is known as Pentecost, which occurred 50 days after Passover and is knows as the day when the Holy Spirit was given to the Church.

3 Days after the death of Jesus

During the three days following the death of Jesus, many things took place.

The Resurrection: Jesus rose from the dead! An earthquake hit, then an angel of the Lord rolled away the stone door to the tomb and sat on it. The Roman guards witnessed this event. Matthew 28:1-4

The Angel Announcement: When Mary Magdalen and the other women arrived at the tomb to anoint the body with spices they were met by an angel. The angel told them that Jesus had risen! The angel also instructed them to tell the disciples what they had seen. (Matthew 28:5-8)

Jesus Appeared to Mary Magdalene: As Mary sat weeping at the tomb, Jesus appeared to her. Afterward, she ran to tell the Disciples what she had seen. (John 20:11-18)

The Disciples Peter and John raced to the tomb. Upon arriving they found it just as the women had said. Jesus had risen! (John 20:1-10)

The Guards Reported: When the guards witnessed these events, they reported to the chief priests, who instructed them to spread a false narrative of theft by the disciples, attempting to conceal the truth. (Matthew 28:11-15)

40 Days after the Resurrection of Jesus

After the resurrection of Jesus, He appeared to many people in different ways and various places before His final ascension to heaven. His appearances took place over a 40 day period.

Road to Emmaus: Two of Jesus’ followers left Jerusalem to return home to Emmaus. On the way, they were met by Jesus, however, they did not recognize Him at first. After they had dinner together, Jesus revealed to them who He was. Jesus left them and they returned to Jerusalem to tell the Disciples what they had seen. (Luke 24:13-35)

Jesus Appeared to 10 Disciples: As the Disciples gathered, except Thomas, Jesus appeared to them and taught them. (John 20:19-25)

Jesus Appeared to 11 Disciples: This time when Jesus appeared to the Disciples, Thomas was there and felt Jesus’ hands and side. (John 20:26-30)

Jesus Appeared to 7 Disciples: While seven of the disciples were at the Sea of Tiberias [Sea of Galilee] Jesus appeared to them. They had a meal and Peter was given special instructions. (John 21:1-19)

Jesus Appeared to Others: After appearing several times to the Disciples, Jesus appeared to a crowd of over 500. (I Corinthians 15:6)

The Great Commission: Later when Jesus appeared to the Eleven, He instructed them to preach the Gospel and disciple others. He also instructed them to wait in Jerusalem for the Holy Spirit. (Mark 16:14-18, Acts 1:1-8)

The Ascension: After Jesus gave His Disciples final instructions He ascended into heaven. (Acts 1:9-11)

7 Days after the Ascension of Jesus

Rounding out the last 7 days between the death of Jesus and Pentecost. After Jesus’ ascended, His disciples gathered in Jerusalem in preparation for the Feast of Pentecost.

The Giving of the Holy Spirit: On the day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit was poured out on the Disciples and those with them. They immediately began telling others about Jesus.

During the 50 days after Jesus’ death, He had many interactions with his Disciples and followers, providing them with guidance and encouragement. Unfortunately, we often celebrate Easter and then move on without realizing that the story did not end with the resurrection.

However, what if this year we are more purposeful and utilize the time between Easter and Pentecost to connect with others? What if every day, we reach out to a different person to offer support and motivation? Let’s make this period between now and Pentecost meaningful and significant for eternity by intentionally connecting with others.

To learn watch this short video on the Biblical Feasts.

To study more about the feasts, see our Biblical Feasts & Holy Days Study.