After the Resurrection, Jesus’ disciples were faced with a life-changing event that would shape the course of their lives forever. The Resurrection was not only a powerful testament to Jesus’ divinity, but it also served as a call to action for his disciples.
So, what did they do after the Resurrection? Let’s take a closer look.
The Disciples’ Reaction
At first, the disciples were overwhelmed with shock and disbelief. They had just witnessed their Lord and Savior die on a cross and be buried in a tomb. However, when they heard news of the Resurrection, their joy and excitement knew no bounds.
John 20:20 says, “The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.” This joy was not just because Jesus had risen from the dead but because it meant that everything he had said about himself was true. They now understood that he truly was the Son of God.
The Great Commission
After spending time with his disciples, Jesus gave them what is now known as the Great Commission. In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus said to them:
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
This command from Jesus was significant as it meant that his message was not just for those who were present at that time but for future generations as well.
Pentecost
Before leaving his disciples, Jesus told them to wait in Jerusalem until they received power from on high. This power came in the form of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.
In Acts 2:1-4, we read that “When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting.
They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.”
This event was significant as it gave the disciples the power they needed to go out and spread the message of Jesus to all nations.
The Spread of Christianity
Armed with the Holy Spirit’s power, Jesus’ disciples went out into the world to spread his message. They travelled far and wide, preaching about Jesus’ life, death, and Resurrection.
Their efforts were not in vain as Christianity continued to spread throughout the world. Today, Christianity is one of the largest religions in the world with millions of followers.
Martyrdom
However, spreading Christianity was not an easy task for Jesus’ disciples. Many of them faced persecution and even martyrdom for their beliefs.
For example, Acts 12:1-2 tells us that “It was about this time that King Herod arrested some who belonged to the church, intending to persecute them. He had James, the brother of John, put to death with the sword.”
Despite facing such challenges, Jesus’ disciples remained steadfast in their faith and continued spreading his message until their last breath.
Conclusion
In conclusion, after witnessing Jesus’ Resurrection, his disciples were filled with joy and received a new sense of purpose. They went out into the world armed with the power of the Holy Spirit and spread Jesus’ message far and wide.
Their efforts helped Christianity become one of the largest religions in the world, but it also came at a great cost as many of them faced persecution and martyrdom. Nonetheless, their unwavering faith serves as an inspiration for Christians everywhere.