After Jesus was crucified and died on the cross, his disciples were left in a state of shock and grief. They had left everything to follow Jesus, believing him to be the Messiah they had been waiting for. However, with Jesus’ death, their hopes and dreams seemed to have been shattered.
But what did the disciples do after Jesus died? Let’s take a look at some of the events that occurred in the days and weeks following Jesus’ crucifixion.
The Disciples Fled
Immediately after Jesus’ arrest, his disciples fled in fear for their lives. They knew that they too could be arrested and possibly executed if they were caught with Jesus. Even Peter, who had earlier declared that he would never deny Jesus, denied him three times when questioned by those who recognized him as one of Jesus’ followers.
Matthew 26:56 says, “But all this was done that the Scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled.” This reference speaks to the prophecy that predicted how the Messiah would suffer.
The Tomb Was Found Empty
Three days after Jesus’ death, some of his female followers went to his tomb to anoint his body with spices. However, when they arrived at the tomb, they found it empty. An angel told them that Jesus had risen from the dead, just as he had promised.
This news was initially met with skepticism by some of the disciples who did not believe it until they saw Jesus for themselves.
Mark 16:14 says,”Later He appeared to them as they sat at supper; and He rebuked their unbelief and hardness of heart because they did not believe those who had seen Him after He had risen.”
Jesus Appeared to His Disciples
After his resurrection from the dead, Jesus appeared several times to his disciples. He showed them his wounds and ate with them, proving that he was not a ghost but was indeed alive.
During one of these appearances, Jesus gave his disciples the Great Commission, telling them to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
Matthew 28:19-20 says,”Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
The Disciples Spread The Gospel
After Jesus’ ascension into Heaven, his disciples went out into all parts of the world to spread his message. They preached about Jesus’ death and resurrection and encouraged people to believe in him as their Savior.
Despite facing great persecution and even martyrdom for their faith, they continued to spread the gospel. Their efforts were successful as many people came to faith in Jesus Christ.
Acts 2:41-42 says,”Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in breaking bread, and in prayers.”
In conclusion, while Jesus’ death left his disciples feeling lost and alone at first. However through their faith in him as their Savior they were able to overcome their doubts.
They went on to spread his message far beyond what any person could have expected. Today we continue on with this mission by spreading His message through churches all around us!