What Happened After Jesus Died? The Next 72 Hours

08 Mar What Happened After Jesus Died? The Next 72 Hours

Posted at 21:13h in All, Festivals, Good Friday, important days by admin 0 Comments

After Jesus drew his last breath, his lifeless body was quickly taken down, prepared for burial, and placed in a tomb owned by Joseph of Arimathea. The Sabbath followed, with the tomb sealed and guarded. On the third day, the women found the tomb empty, an angel declaring Jesus had risen. The disciples initially doubted the report, but Jesus soon appeared to them, showing his wounds and commissioning them to make disciples. If you’d like to learn more about what happened next, there’s plenty to explore.

Key Takeaways

Jesus’s body was prepared for burial according to Jewish customs and placed in a tomb owned by Joseph of Arimathea.
The tomb was sealed and guarded by Roman soldiers to prevent the body from being stolen.
On the third day, the women found the tomb empty, and an angel announced that Jesus had risen from the dead.
Jesus appeared to the disciples, showed them his wounds, and commissioned them to make disciples of all nations.
After 40 days, Jesus ascended to heaven, and the disciples returned to Jerusalem filled with joy.

The First Three Days After Jesus’s Death

What happened in the hours and days after Jesus’s death on the cross? After taking his last breath, his lifeless body was taken down and prepared for burial. His followers, devastated by the loss of their teacher and friend, quickly worked to ensure his proper interment before sundown, as Jewish law required. They placed his body in a tomb owned by Joseph of Arimathea, a secret follower of Jesus.

The next day, the Sabbath, was a day of rest and reflection for Jesus’s disciples. They mourned their loss, uncertain of what the future held. Meanwhile, the chief priests and Pharisees approached Pontius Pilate, requesting that guards be posted at the tomb to prevent the disciples from stealing the body and claiming Jesus had risen, as he’d foretold. Pilate granted their request, and the tomb was sealed and guarded.

On the third day, the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to the tomb at dawn. To their astonishment, they found the stone rolled away and the tomb empty. Suddenly, an angel appeared and told them not to be afraid, for Jesus had risen from the dead, just as he’d promised. The women hurried to tell the disciples, who at first didn’t believe their story.

Later that day, Jesus himself appeared to his disciples, greeting them with the words “Peace be with you.” He showed them the wounds in his hands and side, proving his identity. The disciples were overjoyed to see their master alive again. Jesus then commissioned them to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

Over the next 40 days, Jesus appeared to his followers on numerous occasions, teaching them and preparing them for the work they were to undertake. He explained how his death and resurrection fulfilled the Scriptures, and he promised them the power of the Holy Spirit to guide and empower them.

Finally, on the 40th day, Jesus led his disciples to the Mount of Olives, where he blessed them and then ascended into heaven, disappearing from their sight. The disciples returned to Jerusalem, filled with joy and ready to carry out the mission Jesus had entrusted to them. The story of Jesus’s life, death, and resurrection had only just begun to transform the world.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Happened to Jesus’s Body After His Burial?

After his burial, Jesus’s body remained in the tomb for three days until he was resurrected, as foretold. His tomb was found empty, and he appeared to his disciples.

Where Was Jesus’s Spirit During the Three Days?

According to Christian beliefs, during the three days after his death, Jesus’s spirit went to preach to the spirits in prison and then descended into Hades before rising from the dead.

How Did the Disciples React to Jesus’s Death?

The disciples were devastated and disillusioned after Jesus’s death. They hid in fear, doubting His promise to rise again. Yet, their grief turned to joy when Christ appeared to them alive on the third day.

What Preparations Were Made for Jesus’s Resurrection?

You’ll find the disciples prepared Jesus’s tomb, anointing His body and sealing the entrance. They awaited His promised resurrection, though they didn’t understand it would happen so soon.

Were There Any Witnesses to the Resurrection?

Yes, there were witnesses to Jesus’s resurrection. The women who went to the tomb on Sunday morning were the first to see the risen Christ.

Conclusion

You’re stunned, trying to make sense of it all. You recall Jesus’s words about rising again, but doubt creeps in. The waiting is agonizing. Then, on the third day, the tomb is found empty. Rumors swirl – has he truly risen? Your faith is tested, but a glimmer of hope emerges, hinting at the greater mysteries to unfold.