Back from the Dead

What if you came back from the dead? What would you do?

Most people have a list of things they want to check off before they “kick the bucket.” But here’s a twist: what would you do if you died… and then came back to life three days later? Would you hide? Start a new life under a different name? Who would even believe you?

Jesus didn’t hide. He didn’t reinvent himself or keep it quiet. After rising from the dead, he fulfilled every mission on his divine “bucket list.”

“After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God.” (Acts 1:3)

For forty days and beyond, Jesus made it crystal clear: he was alive. He showed up, spoke truth, and set everything in motion for the world-changing movement we now know as the Church.

Here’s a list of what Jesus did after his resurrection:

He appeared to individuals:

Mary Magdalene (John 20:14–16)
Mary, the mother of James, Salome, and Joanna (Matthew 28:9)
Peter (Luke 24:34)
James (1 Corinthians 15:7)

He appeared to small groups:

Two disciples on the Road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13–16)
The disciples without Thomas (John 20:19–24)
All the disciples, including Thomas (John 20:26–28)
Seven disciples fishing on the Sea of Galilee (John 21:1–2)
Eleven disciples on the mountain in Galilee (Matthew 28:16–17)

He appeared to the masses:

Over 500 people at one time (1 Corinthians 15:6)

He fulfilled his mission:

Gave the Great Commission (Matthew 28:16–20; Mark 16:15–16)
Promised the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:7–8)
Ascended into heaven (Acts 1:9–11; Hebrews 1:3–4)
Sent the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:1–31)
Launched his Church—3,000 people saved in one day (Acts 2:42–47; Acts 4:32–37)
Appeared to Saul on the road to Damascus (Acts 9)
Continues to build his church (1 Peter 2:4-7)
Is planning his return (Revelation 22:12, 20)

With such an extensive list, there’s no denying that Jesus wanted his bodily resurrection—and his mission for us—to be seen, known, and believed. None of it was done in secret. These were public events with lasting impact.

The life change Jesus initiated by rising from the dead has circled the globe again and again, offering forgiveness, grace, and hope to untold millions of people. Just as he said: “This gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.” (Matthew 24:14)

Do you believe it? Jesus said, “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” (John 20:29)

Think about it: