Between Resurrection and Ascension

We recently celebrated the death of Jesus and his resurrection at Easter. This is our most beautiful festivity! I read about these events in the Bible and it made such an impression on me again!

This year I suddenly wondered what Jesus did after the resurrection until he ascended to heaven. That must have been a very special time for him, because he knew that he would soon be leaving the earth. And he knew that the disciples were discouraged, doubting, disappointed and sad because they had not yet understood what had happened.

What was important to him in this short time?
I have briefly outlined below what the four Gospels say about what he did and what he said (Matthew 28:9-20; Mark 16:5-20; Luke 24:3-53; John 20 and 21). These are things that are very important not only for the disciples back then, but also for us. The Holy Spirit reminds us of these teachings again and again – and he keeps reminding us…

I have personalized the list because it also applies to you and me. (The corresponding events from the Bible are in brackets):

• He tells you not to be afraid, even if there are things you don’t understand (e.g. when Mary sees the risen Jesus or that he is suddenly standing in the room even though they had locked the doors). He offers you his peace, helps you to no longer doubt or be afraid. (Mary at the tomb, Thomas who needed to touch Jesus’ wounds) He blesses you, listens to you, takes your worries seriously, has fellowship with you, shares the bread with you and touches you deep down (disciples of Emmaus).

• He tells you who he is. He proclaims his authority and identity. He confirms that he has returned to God and that he is nevertheless with you for eternity because he has sent the Holy Spirit to be with you.

• As the Son of God, he gives you your assignment and the corresponding authority to make disciples, to baptize people, to be a witness and ambassador. He encourages you to perform miracles in his name and tells you that he will protect you (gathering of the disciples). He teaches you that your part, that is, what you can add to the situation, is important (fish for the meal).

• He emphasizes the importance of faith. He warns you against unbelief and stubbornness. He praises you because you believe in him even though you don’t see him (Thomas, who doubted). He tells you that faith and baptism ensure salvation – and that there is condemnation for those who do not believe.

• He teaches you. He explains the Holy Scriptures to you from the prophets onwards and shows you what they say about him. He asks you questions so that you reflect and ponder about the context (disciples of Emmaus).

• He takes care of you when you are still trapped in guilt, sets you free, gives you your assignment and invites you to follow him (Simon Peter: tend my sheep). He warns you not to worry about the assignment of others, but to follow him, Jesus.

• He provides you with instructions for your next step (the disciples were to wait for the Holy Spirit in Jerusalem).

What Jesus did in those 40 days between the resurrection and ascension shows the Gospel in abbreviated form. I think these are things and topics that were really important to Jesus. He wanted his disciples to understand who he is and who they are. He sets them free, gives them their assignment and empowers them to do it.

It’s so beautiful to see how he took his disciples and the people who followed him seriously! Jesus knew the people around him and felt with them! He was close to them and took care of their fears. He gave them the foundation, the equipment and the authority for their assignment. Jesus trusted them with the assignment he gave them! He loved them and believed in them.

I was deeply moved to look at those 40 days and put together this outline because it also applies to us!

Jesus still speaks to us through the Holy Spirit and will tell us lovingly what we need to know. So let us be encouraged and strengthened! Let’s accept our assignment! To do so, we must listen to him; Jesus wants to encourage us, give us strength, teach us, bless us and commission us. He knows exactly what we need and is happy to give! He was close back then and is with us forever! He also gives us the foundation, the equipment and the authority for our assignment. He believes in you and me! He trusts us to carry his good news into the world and will help us to do so.