What did Jesus do after the resurrection? 40 Days with Jesus

This week, I am continuing to reflect upon an email I received this weekend from Steve Laube. He’s in the publishing industry and one whom I admire. I appreciate how he boldly weaves his faith into his business. But, this isn’t about publishing, writing, or business.

The piece he shared was something he wrote back in 2002 called Gray Saturday. It’s a reflective piece about the Easter weekend. He writes about the Dark Friday when Christ was crucified, the Gray Saturday which was a time of sadness and fear, ending with the Light of Sunday! It was a day of celebration of life, love, and hope.

His reminder to me and his readers was that so often we stay stuck in Gray Saturday. We celebrate the Light of Sunday on the traditional Easter Sunday. But, we are often drawn back to the feelings of the bleak Saturday.

Forgetting the truth found in the dawn. Let us be mindful of this during the coming months.
We have been given a choice of days in which we can live.
None of us want to wallow in Dark Friday.
None of us should be satisfied with Gray Saturday.
Instead, let us celebrate and embrace the peace and warmth of the gracious gift of Christ’s resurrection and life. (Excerpt of Gray Saturday by Steve Laube)

After pondering on his piece all weekend, I of course moved my thoughts to my prayer journal.

Personal Application and Praise – Journal Prompts

1. What part of the Easter story felt especially relevant or comforting this year?
   Why does it resonate so deeply?
2. How can I celebrate Easter not just as a holiday, but as a living reality every day?
3. Write a letter of praise and gratitude to Jesus for what He has done—on the cross, in the grave, and through the resurrection

Steve commissioned in his article, “Let us celebrate and embrace the peace and warmth of the gracious gift of Christ’s resurrection and life.”

How do I take the celebration beyond the excitement of Easter Sunday into my daily lives ..beyond? After His resurrection, Jesus spent 40 days on earth before his transfiguration. That was 40 days he walked among his followers, the ones who would be left on earth to spread the good news of the gospel.

Jesus’ Legacy

He Proved He Was Alive: During this time, he made his presence known. He appeared first to the women at the tomb, then to Peter. Then, to the two disciples on the road to Emmaus. Later he appeared behind locked doors to the ten disciples. Then, he appeared to Thomas. His grand finale, to over 500 people at once (1 Cor. 15:6). This wasn’t a time to be quiet and hide. These were the days where he lived by his example of going out and being among the people.

Our lesson we can learn from his example is the only way the message of Christ will be known is if we walk, live, and be out IN the world. No, we don’t conform to the world. But, they can’t see Jesus in us, if we aren’t out there to be seen.

Can you imagine their fear and uncertainty they must have been experiencing? The anger of the crowds that yelled “Crucify Him” must have still been echoing in their ears. But, these 40 days after his resurrection, he used the time to be among them, comfort them, and teach them.

But, his last 40 days weren’t just a time to comfort his followers. These were a Part 2 to His Part 1. In his Part 2, He fully commissioned them to be His witnesses.

“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you…” (Matt. 28:19–20).

Before He ascended, He made sure they new the mission, their task, their calling… Make disciples.

Christ didn’t just rise.

He mobilized.

40 Days with Jesus Journal Prompts

1. Reflecting on Resurrection Life

• Today, how have I experienced or seen evidence of Christ’s living presence in everyday moments or interactions? How might I extend Christ’s resurrection joy and hope to someone in my life today or tomorrow?

2. Scripture and Personal Growth

• What is one verse or scripture passage related to Christ’s post-resurrection appearances, hope, or peace? How does this passage guide me personally today, and what new insights or spiritual guidance can I gain from it?

3. Gratitude and New Beginnings

• Reflecting on Christ’s victory over death, what aspects of redemption, hope, or renewal am I especially grateful for today? How does the resurrection of Christ inspire fresh beginnings, forgiveness, or renewal within me personally?

4. Recognizing Christ’s Presence

• In the forty days after His resurrection, Jesus appeared to His disciples to strengthen their faith. Where or in whom have I recognized Jesus’ presence and love recently? What is one step I can take to strengthen my own faith or deepen my trust in God’s presence?

5. Mission and Calling

• As Christ commissioned the disciples to spread the Good News following His resurrection, in what ways do I feel God’s calling on me today? How can I actively contribute, however small, to sharing Christ’s love, hope, or peace in the context of my daily interactions or duties?

I hope these prompts help you as you Journal to Jesus.

My hope and prayer is to draw nearer to Jesus during these days to extend the Light of Sunday throughout all my days!

For a list of 40 scripture passages to use along side the journal prompts, scroll below: