An Easter Timeline Part 2

Yesterday, we traced the story of Jesus from His arrest to His burial. Today, we continue with the events that followed. While this part of the story is more familiar to many, there are still details that might surprise you. Did you know Jesus spent 40 days on earth after His resurrection? Or that Mary Magdalene initially mistook Him for a gardener? Read on to explore these moments and more.

Resurrection: 

• At dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene, Mary the Mother of James, and a woman called Salome went to look at the tomb and found that the large stone covering its entrance had been rolled away (Matthew 28:1–2; Mark 16:1–3).

• Peering inside in astonishment, they saw two angels in white robes who declared, “He is not here; He has risen.” (Luke 24:4–6; John 20:12).

• Mary Magdalene ran to tell Simon Peter and the beloved disciple (aka John) that the Lord’s body was missing, and the two disciples set off, racing side by side toward the tomb (John won the race) (John 20:2–4).

• Although John reached the tomb first, he waited for Peter to enter ahead of him; inside they saw only the folded linen burial clothes, confirming that Jesus had indeed been raised (John 20:5–8).

• Overwhelmed by a mix of fear and joy, the women and disciples hurried away to share the astonishing news with the other followers, proclaiming, “He is risen from the dead.” (Matthew 28:7; Mark 16:8).

Post‑Resurrection Appearances (Day 1–40)

• Mary Magdalene’s Encounter: After they departed, Mary remained by the tomb, weeping (John 20:11). As she stooped to look into the tomb, she saw two angels in white, sitting where Jesus’ body had been. They asked her why she was weeping. She replied, “They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid Him” (John 20:13). Turning around, she saw Jesus standing there, but did not recognize Him immediately. Jesus asked her the same question: “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” Mistaking Him for the gardener, she pleaded, “Sir, if you have carried Him away, tell me where you have laid Him, and I will take Him away” (John 20:15).

• Then Jesus said her name—“Mary.” At that moment, her eyes were opened. She recognized Him and cried out “Rabboni!” (meaning Teacher).  Jesus then commissioned her to announce His resurrection to the disciples (John 20:14–18; Mark 16:9).

• Emmaus Road: Two disciples walking to Emmaus encountered the risen Jesus, who opened the Scriptures to them.  (Luke 24:13–35).

• Appearance to the Disciples (without Thomas): That same evening, Jesus appeared among the disciples in a locked room, showed them His hands and side as proofs of His identity, greeted them with peace, and breathed on them, commissioning them to forgive sins (John 20:19–23; Luke 24:36–49).

• Appearance to Thomas: Eight days later, Jesus returned to the disciples, invited Thomas to touch His wounds, leading Thomas to declare “My Lord and my God,” and affirming the blessedness of all who believe without seeing (John 20:24–29).

• Dawn by the Sea of Galilee: At dawn on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, Jesus appeared to seven of His disciples as they fished, directed them to a miraculous catch, and restored Peter with three affirmations of love, charging him to feed His sheep (John 21:1–19).

• Great Commission: In Galilee, the resurrected Jesus met the Eleven on a mountain, declared that all authority in heaven and on earth had been given to Him, and commanded them to make disciples of all nations, baptizing and teaching in His name (Matthew 28:16–20).

• Appearance to Over Five Hundred: Paul later records that Jesus appeared to more than five hundred believers at once, most of whom were still alive when Paul wrote, underscoring the widespread testimony of His resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:6).

• Jesus Leads the Disciples to the Mount of Olives: On the 40th day after His resurrection, Jesus gathers His disciples and leads them to the vicinity of Bethany, specifically to the Mount of Olives, just outside Jerusalem.  (Luke 24:50; Acts 1:12)

Blessing and Ascension into Heaven

• After giving final teachings and instructions, Jesus lifts His hands and blesses the disciples. While blessing them, He is taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud receives Him, hiding Him from their sight.  (Luke 24:51; Acts 1:9)

• Promise of His Return As the disciples stand gazing into the sky, two men in white robes (angels) appear beside them and declare that Jesus will return in the same way He ascended into heaven. This provides hope and expectation of His second coming. (Acts 1:10–11)

Looking back at everything that happened between Jesus’ resurrection and ascension, it’s clear these 40 days weren’t just about appearances—they were about preparing His followers for what was coming next. He gave them proof, purpose, and a promise. With His ascension, the baton was passed. And now, we hold that baton, called to continue the work He began and to share the hope of His return. The story didn’t end there—it was just beginning.