Discuss John 20 Page 4

Sons of GOD : Genesis 6:2, Job 1:6, Job 2:1, Job 38:7, Revelation 12:10, John 1:12 "But as many as receive him, to them gave he power to become the sons of GOD, even to them that believe on his name:"

Romans 8:14 "For as many as are led by the Spirit of GOD, they are the sons of GOD."

Philippians 2:15 "That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of GOD, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world."

1John 3:1 "Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of GOD: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not."

Matthew 5:16, Luke 8:19, Matthew 23:9, John 20:17, John 4:23, John 16:28, Matthew 6:7-34 did you notice how many times GOD is referenced as "our, your Father " in that portion of chapter 6? Matthew 7:11,

Mark 3:33-35,

1John 3, Romans 8:29,

Contrast = John 8:41-47, 1John 2:23, Matthew 3:9

Hopefully these are all helpful in your study

She had other children too. On the cross, Jesus said "John, behold your mother."

She wasn't alone.

John 19:26-27,

Hopefully this is helpful

What happen to Mary the mother of Jesus after the Ascension ?

Dear Ginia, Peace what you describe is on the devil, he doesn't look after himself, does he? Job 40 and 41 chapter.

I think You will need to read this and the referrals several times. I myself have heard a useful sermon from Derek Prince, about the enemies we meet. On youtube, Useful information and learning.

Be blessed in the name of Jesus and know that everything is easy on the path of light. Jesus Loves You, i love u in Christ.

John 20:1-10

Dear "Chris", good spoken ty :) John 20:1-10 Love u all in Christ

Hello, this is a frequently asked question and you can do an advanced search and find lots of discussions about it with verses if you desire.

Here are some verses to get you started. God bless.

Colossians 2:9

Acts 17:29

Romans 1:20

John 1:1

1 John 5:7-8

Genesis 1:26

Genesis 11:6-7

John 10:30

John 8:19

Philippians 2:5-8

2 Corinthians 5:19

John 1:3

Matthew 28:19

1 Peter 1:2

2 Corinthians 13:14

Deuteronomy 6:4

John 14:10

John 20:28

1 John 2:22-24

Isaiah 7:14

Matthew 1:23-25

Hebrews 1:8

Isaiah 44:6

The Bible literally refers to God as Godhead, so the few who are uncomfortable with that term can simply use the word Godhead instead. There's a mountain of scriptures showing the dynamic and divinity of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. We're here to defend Jesus Christ and anyone trying to discredit or smear His divinity. We should all pray for wisdom, understanding and truth as we read the scriptures so that we are not mislead by the enemy and buy into things that merely fulfill our itching ears.

John 1:1

1 John 5:7-8

Genesis 1:26

Genesis 11:6-7

John 10:30

John 8:19

Philippians 2:5-8

2 Corinthians 5:19

John 1:3

Matthew 28:19

1 Peter 1:2

2 Corinthians 13:14

Deuteronomy 6:4

John 14:10

John 20:28

1 John 2:22-24

Isaiah 7:14

Matthew 1:23-25

Hebrews 1:8

Isaiah 44:6

Colossians 2:9

Acts 17:29

Romans 1:20

I am fascinated by the stories in books and on TV of Mary Magdalene. So many details about her life with Jesus, but in my search, she only appears 11 times in the NT.

The first is Matthew 27:56 when Jesus is dying on the cross. The last is St. John 20:18 after His rise when she tells the Disciples what He said to her.

Where do all these stories about the lives of her and Jesus before the Cross come from?

I agree Mishael, that the Word is silent on what took place in that short time after Jesus' Ascension & then return to Earth. The matter in 1 Peter 3:18-20 is often taken as an event during that time, though I see the emphasis in this passage on the Spirit, i.e. Jesus was made alive from the dead by the Spirit and it was by this self-same Spirit that Jesus went to preach to the imprisoned spirits of evil men from Noah's day. Of course, when this took place can be debated.

Assuming then that Jesus went into His Father's Presence after His Resurrection ( John 20:17), the question arises, 'for what purpose?' Again, there's room for speculation & debate, though without clear Scripture, my sense was that the whole period of His Crucifixion, agony in death, burial & resurrection, was a time of great silence in Heaven & waiting anticipation for all that would transpire. The Father Himself chose silence & I can see that the whole host of Heaven were in 'bated breath' awaiting that glorious instance of life from the dead of the Son of God. Then if that be the case, Jesus' Ascension demanded a victory celebration as He entered Heaven's portals as the Victor. A victory over death, over sin's deathly grip, over the limitations of the Old Covenant of Law & assurance of the Covenant of Grace through His Blood, over all satanic endeavours as Jesus takes up His Position (after Acts 1:9) at the Father's right Hand, ever living to make intercession of His blood-bought (through His High Priestly role).

Even as the high priests of old placed themselves between God & the people (during their short life span), offering sacrifices that would withhold God's Anger, so Jesus, in the order of Melchisedek & not Aaron, 'continues forever, having an unchangeable priesthood' ( Hebrews 7:23,24), displaying the marks of His Own Sacrifice on His Body, qualifying Him to be our High Priest forever interceding for us before the Father. Blessings brother in your pursuits.

Hello brother. I wouldn't be able to help with this passage (especially John 20:17) in Hebrew as you would need to find a Hebrew reader who has the 'whole' Bible in Hebrew & not just the 'Tanakh' (Old Testament portions). As you know, the NT was written in Greek, so to read it in Hebrew would require a Jew who has come to faith in Christ & reads the whole Bible in his native Hebrew.

But to John 20:17, brothers Jesse or Giannis would do better than me (for the Greek language), but my understanding of the verse is as follows: I don't interpret the prohibition placed by Jesus on Mary not to touch Him was anything to do with defiling Him. It seems that from Matthew 28:1-10 we learn two things:

a. when they met the Angel who told them that Jesus was risen from the dead, he also told them to "go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead". So, I see that there was an urgency to leave the area & give out this news. And on the way to meet with the disciples, they met Jesus.

b. when Jesus revealed Himself to them, they fell to their knees to "touch" (lit. to grab) his feet/ankles in worship ( Matthew 28:9). But John then describes that event ( John 20:17) & writes that Jesus said to them: "Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God." Again, that sense of urgency comes up; Jesus had arisen from the dead & was preparing for His Ascension. The Marys holding onto Jesus, to talk/worship Him & keep Him with them a little longer, would only delay this important journey to Heaven. So after this occasion with the ladies & His appearing that same evening on the Lord's Day, I must assume that Jesus went into His Father's Presence in the interim. Therefore, I can't assimilate the fact of Jesus' High Priestly position & the abstention to touch Him of being relevant here. Maybe the other brothers can add or refute my understanding of this event.

The Day of Pentecost AFTER Jesus ascended to heaven, visually.

About one hundred and twenty followers of Christ ( Acts 1:15) were present, including the Twelve Apostles (Matthias was Judas' replacement) ( Acts 1:13, 26), Jesus' mother Mary, other female disciples and his brothers ( Acts 1:14). JESUS had sisters. All filled with the Holy Spirit.

Women were also identified to be among the 120. Mary the mother of Jesus is mentioned by name. The wives of the apostles were there ( 1 Cor. 9:5 "Have we not power to lead about a sister, a wife, as well as other apostles, and as the brethren of the Lord, and Cephas?"). Each of the wives was a devout believer in Christ. Part of the number of women would be those mentioned in Luke 8:1-3. "And it came to pass afterward, that he went throughout every city and village, preaching and shewing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God: and the twelve were with him, And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils, And Joanna the wife of Chuza, Herod's steward, and Susanna, and many others, which ministered unto him of their substance." See also Matt. 27:55-56; Luke 23:49,55. We would expect that the sisters of Jesus were also believers by this time, as His brothers had become. Jesus was much more inclusive of the women than were the scribes and PHARISEES. The women had accompanied Him as He went through every city and village. The very first person to announce the Risen Christ was Mary Magdalene ( John 20:11-18).

Mishael: taken from history recorded in Book of Acts; by the Disciples (Luke), and Jewish people. Paul had not been born again yet. After he was, he went to the wilderness to be taught by the Lord for 3 YEARS. Corinthians was not written down yet.

Women spread the Gospel too; house to house. Outside of the synagogues in their courtyards. That's what disciples do_spread the Good News. WORD of mouth, house to house.

Mishael

Circular arguments on this topic remind me of an Abbott and Costello "who's on first" skit. In case anyone isn't aware, here are some scriptures describing one God with three components: father, son, and holy spirit. We likely will never 100% comprehend God nor should we expect to, but the fact is the Bible describes God as a triune Godhead, uses plural terms, says the three are "one", and I will trust God's Word over man's word. Christians will keep sharing the truth of the scriptures everytime someone tries to challenge God's word.

Godhead:

Colossians 2:9

Acts 17:29

Romans 1:20

John 1:1

1 John 5:7-8

Genesis 1:26

Genesis 11:6-7

John 10:30

John 8:19

Philippians 2:5-8

2 Corinthians 5:19

John 1:3

Matthew 28:19

1 Peter 1:2

2 Corinthians 13:14

Deuteronomy 6:4

John 14:10

John 20:28

1 John 2:22-24

Matthew 1:23-25

Isaiah 7:14 - Jesus is called Immanuel which means "God with us"

Guess no one has attempted to answer you yet-so I will say the easiest answer is BOTH. In addition to this; of course we have the Holy Spirit as part of the Godhead. The easiest way; I suppose to look at it is that the Godhead (Elohim as mentioned in Genesis 1) consists of all 3 members of the Trinity. There is perfect unity; but different functions for each member. Jesus was referred to as my Lord and my God in John 20:28 by "doubting" Thomas after viewing His wounds after the Resurrection. Clearly; God the Father had to remain untouched by sin so that the universe could be held together; for sin had to bring death to the Son as predetermined by the Father ( Isaiah 53:10). Christ had conversations with and prayed to the Father; so clearly this is an eternal past; present and future state with the exception of that brief moment at Calvary.

It seems that the Holy Spirit is misunderstood for His main role bringing conviction of sin righteousness and judgment to come ( John 16:8). There is no scripture where the "helper" ( John 14:26) is instructed to be worshipped. Instead; it strengthens the believer; as a small reflection of Christ who possessed the Spirit "without limit" or measure ( John 3:34).

Believers have quibbled as to verses that mention the Trinity and others only mentioning baptism in the name of Christ. We also need to understand the Christophenes or preincarnate appearances of Christ. No one has seen the Father according to Christ; surely the full glory of God would kill a man ( John 1:18; Exodus 33:18-20). The Spirit has only been described in a visible manifestation or accompanying sign once; in Acts at Pentecost. Jesus makes it clear that when the Comforter (i.e. Spirit) comes that WE shall dwell with him ( John 14:23). He is to ask the Father and He sends it ( John 14:16).

I suppose a a good read of John is appropriate on these matters! Even one member of the Godhead is beyond our puny minds to understand. Agape. Rich P

Genesis 1:26 "And God said, Let us make man in our image"

("us" is plural. God is plural.)

1 John 5:7 "For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one."

"there are three"

John 1:1 "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God."

"Word was God."

There is no denying this says and means the Word was God. Who is the Word? The rest of John 1 reveals who.

John 8:19 "if ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also."

Philippians 2:5-8 "Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:"

"Christ Jesus...being in the form of God"

Matthew 28:19 "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:"

Deuteronomy 6:4 "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD:"

John 14:10 "Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works."

John 20:28

"And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God."

1 John 5:8 "And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one."

1 John 2:22-24

"Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son. Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: (but) he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also. Let that therefore abide in you, which ye have heard from the beginning. If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father."

Very interesting question. Only God can forgive sin; but we are told to "confess our sins to one another". ( James 5:16). We are told to reconcile with a brother before "offering a gift before the altar" ( Matthew 5:24). If we bear unforgiveness in our hearts; then the effectiveness of His grace is stunted; for the woman who put the perfume on Christ was forgiven much so she loved much ( Luke 7:47).

All of us individually are accountable before God. We can forgive "seventy times seven" ( Matthew 18:22); and Ephesians 4:32 indicates that we are to forgive others even as God has forgiven us. If we don't forgive others then God won't forgive us according to Matthew 6:14-15. This wouldn't necessarily indicate that we are nonbelievers; but if we don't bear fruit "worthy of repentence" ( Matthew 3:8-10) then we have to seriously test ourselves to see if we are in the faith ( 2 Cor. 13:5).

So the short answer is that God can only forgive others if they are wanting forgiveness. Each of us is judged individually; and since we are not God we don't have the authority as Christ did to forgive sins as the Pharisees stated only God can forgive sins ( John 20:23). Confessing our sins to one another can allow transparency so that the Lord can possibly speak a word of wisdom which in turn gives someone a better understanding of themselves; as well as clearing up what can be a stone wall in relationships ( Prov. 18:19). The best we can do is a formulaic process to give a partial assessment of sins in others as only God knows the intentions and motives of the heart even if the Spirit gives us a glimpse into such things. It is the same as asking can we save anyone by "confessional regeneration". The words are only effective if God grants one repentance first ( Acts 11:18; etc). Indirectly then; forgiving one another allows God to repair the sin or estrangement with Him.

Hi Jasmine, you asked several questions but I will just address your first question about God plural. It's plural because God is a triune being composed of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Beware of anyone pushing their own ideology and twisting scripture in order to accomplish their desired outcome. The Bible already says what it means and because it says this about God I choose to believe it.

Here are verses describing that. God bless.

John 1:1

1 John 5:7-8

Genesis 1:26

Genesis 11:6-7

John 10:30

John 8:19

Philippians 2:5-8

2 Corinthians 5:19

John 1:3

Matthew 28:19

1 Peter 1:2

2 Corinthians 13:14

Deuteronomy 6:4

John 14:10

John 20:28

1 John 2:22-24

Isaiah 7:14

Dear "Somefair", see that you have received many nice answers, i hope u have not been confused. Many also think differently.

Jesus was without sin but in a human body, BORN of a woman with flesh, muscles and bones. At least it's safe! He ate and then everything will come out naturally, right. Our Savior was and walked the earth like us! But after His death, Mary recognized His tone/soul;

John 20:17 Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.



What was His intention with that? And say do not touch Me. Clearly He understood that she would then have been completely confused. For others there they did not recognize Him, but she did. There was nothing to feel. He was a Spirit!

He really had a lot to do in those 40 days he was in this spirit world. He freed the prisoners who had gone before.

For afterwards, when the disciples had not yet received the Holy Spirit, they did not know Him either. They did not even dare to ask Him if He was the Lord! So in the last chapter of John we read about this. So here on Earth, Jesus was before the Son of Man, then He became Spirit. Then at Pentecost He give away the Holy Spirit. So we must not think that we will no longer have a body that needs food and the necessity of emptying afterwards. All the food we then get is from Jesus.

So then we may see the Face of God. But in Earth life we can not. Then we must die. God knows how to hide. Now we are hidden in Jesus Christ.

Hope to see you all a in a different form, and that we can recognize each other in the special way a soul has. God bless us in Jesus Name, love u in Christ.

Hi Jim, just noticed your comment about denying Jesus's divinity. People try to do that from time to time, but in order to do so requires cherry picking one verse, twisting it, then ignoring the mountain of other verses in the Bible. In this case you're conflating God's son with the phrase 'sons of God' which was used in a general sense. The same unsound logic can be applied to twist anything else into what you want it to mean. It's pretty hard to deny verses like John 1:1 that clearly say Jesus is God though. It takes mental gymnastics to escape the truth of such verses. Jesus in Isaiah 7:14 is called Immanuel which literally means "God with us" but its up to each person whether they want to accept Jesus or deny Him. 1 John 2:22-24

Do you consider yourself a Christian? To be a Christian means you follow Jesus Christ and if you don't believe Jesus is Lord then that is similar to what nonbelievers think. Some even admit who Jesus is, but still stubbornly won't accept Him. It's a spiritual battle. Matthew 7:21

John 14:6 - No one comes to the Father (also God) but through Jesus.

1 John 5:7 "For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one."

John 10:30 "I and my Father are one."

John 8:19 "if ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also."

Philippians 2:5 - 2:8 "Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:"

2 Corinthians 5:19 "To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation."

John 1:3 - All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.

John 20:28

Pretty hard to disregard all these Biblical truths about Jesus. He became flesh and died for you. Have you tried praying and asking who Jesus is and to reveal that to you?

Dear Leah, I am glad that you are searching Scriptures. May your study be richly blessed!

I read in Scripture that Jesus rose from the dead with the body he had before He died. He ate with the apostles and told them, "a spirit does not have flesh and bones and told Thomas to touch his wounds, which were indeed flesh. Luke 24:36-43 John 20:24-30.

When Jesus ascended into heaven, He did so bodily. In heaven His body is glorified, but is still a body of flesh and bones, only glorified, not being able to decay, age, be sick, injured, or die. He is this way forever, fully God and fully man glorified in one body.

We will be glorified like Jesus' humanity in the resurrection. Jesus will always retain His humanity and divinity. We will always retain our humanity, but will our humanity ever be changed! It will be so wonderful we cannot even imagine what it will be like for us! Can't wait.

Hi Sarah,

The Passover and how it was to be done you will find in Exodus 12:3-11, read all of Exodus 12. The Passover day is on the 14th of Nisan the day Jesus was crucified; this day is also a preparation day for the 15th the first day of 7 days of the Feast of Unleavened Bread. Jewish people on Passover, gather together for a ceremonial meal called a seder and telling of the story of the Exodus from Egypt.

Some Christians celebrate passion week and Easter Sunday, the day Jesus resurrected, and some just Easter Sunday. It is easy to get lost in traditions, there comfortable and many have reunions on these holidays.

You say you are concerned; Passover is one of the feasts that Israelites were required to return to Jerusalem. Many combine the Passover and the Unleavened Bread feast into 8 days and call it the feast of Passover or the Feast of Unleavened bread, they did that in the time of Jesus, Matthew 26:17 Luke 22:1.

By following traditions we can overlook what Jesus fulfilled, He rode in on the 10th of Nisan, the Passover day on the 14th of Nisan, the day He was crucified, the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world, the Tamid, the first and the last, the feast of Unleavened Bread with His perfect life, the feast of First Fruits, the day He was resurrected, He ascended the same time as the priest waved the Omer, John 20:17 He is the First Fruits of those who slept, 1 Corinthians 15:20, that we now call Easter.

1Peter 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

My understanding is Passover is a sacrifice that Jesus fulfilled; and no other blood sacrifice is needed, if done in faith, how you remember or honor it is up to you.

1 Corinthians 5:7 Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us:

God bless

RLW

(1) His miraculous birth was prophesied 800 years before His coming: "Behold a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Emmanuel" ( Isaiah 7:14, KJV).

(2) The prophecy was fulfilled to the letter. "Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favor with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus" ( Luke 1:30, 31, KJV).

(3) Jesus demonstrated human characteristics: He became tired ( John 4:6). He thirsted ( John 19:28), He ate food ( Luke 24:40-43), He showed feelings ( Mark 6:34), He wept ( John 11:35), He knew temptation ( Hebrews 4:15), and He died ( John 19:30).

Jesus Christ Accomplished the Works of His Father:

(1) He died on the Cross. This is the fundamental theme of the Gospel.

The fact of His death-One-fourth of the Gospels are dedicated to His Passion and Resurrection. (a) For this purpose He came into the world ( John 12:27). (b) His death was prophesied hundreds of years before He came ( Isaiah 53:3-8).

The meaning of His death. (a) It was a ransom for sin ( Matthew 20:28; Romans 3:24; 1 Peter 1:18). (b) It was to pay the penalty for sin ( Romans 3:24; 1 John 2:2; 4:10). Man is the object of God's wrath because of rebellion and sin, but God took the initiative in satisfying His wrath by sending His own Son to Calvary. (c) It is a reconciliation. The enmity between us and God has ended ( Romans 5:10), and we are restored to God ( 2 Corinthians 5:18, 19). (d) It is a substitution: He died in our place ( 1 Peter 3:18; 2 Corinthians 5:21). (e) In summary, the matter of sin has been completely dealt with ( 1 Peter 2:24; Hebrews 9:26; Hebrews 10:12).

(2) He was resurrected from the dead: This is unique and fundamental to Christianity.

The reality of the Resurrection ( John 20:1-10; 1 Corinthians 15:4).

The credibility of the Resurrection: (a) Jesus predicted it: Matthew 13:39-41; Luke 24:1-7. (b) The tomb was empty: John 20:11-13. (c) Many witnesses saw Him alive: the women ( Luke 23:55, 56); Mary Magdalene

Mary Ann Knight,

You ever notice after a wedding difference people will focus details on certain aspects of things? Sometimes it's things that you yourself didn't notice or didn't seem as significant as something else. Some talk about the cake, another about the people that attended, another can't get over how white the dress was, others saw the doves released.

There's also differences in personalities It may be one of reasons that Jesus chose the varying difference in people that wrote the Gospels. Knowing each would have a unique perspective & emphasis on different details.

Matthew speaks much about angels, major significant events pertaining angels. Matthew 4:6,11, Matthew 13:39,41,49, Matthew 18:10, Matthew 22:30, Matthew 24:31,36, Matthew 25:31-46, Matthew 26:53, in context: Matthew 26,

Mark 1:13, Mark 8:38, these following 3 Matthew & Mark both discuss: Mark 12:25, Mark 13:27,32,

Luke has emphasise on several events others do not mention: Luke 1, Luke 2, but, like Matthew & Mark mention Luke 4:10,

Luke 9:26, mentioned by atleast 1 other. Luke 12:8,9,

You asked also if the others were present or witnessed the angels, it looks like Luke 24:23, testifies to that question. & John 20:12, testifies to angels being present.

John also notes John 20:30-31, John 21:25,

Hopefully this is helpful

That would appear to be the case and I never notice this before and I've read God's word for over 45 years. I always took as he was transforming or changing from flesh to spirit but after Thomas touched him he said can a man touch spirit.

1 Corinthians 15:52

"In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed."

King James Version (KJV) this is the verse that came to my mind maybe Jesus was I also found this verse

Revelation 12:5

"And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and to his throne."

King James Version (KJV) You have some studying to do on this question

Please see these references: Mark 9:1-7, Matthew 17:2, Matthew 28:3, Luke 9:29, Revelation 19:11-16, Revelation 1:14, Mark 16:5, John 20:12, Acts 1:10, Ecclesiastes 9:8, Revelation 3:4,5, Revelation 7:9-17, Revelation 20:11, Isaiah 1:18, Revelation 6:2,11, Revelation 9:18, Daniel 11:35, Revelation 4:4, Daniel 7:9, Revelation 2:17, Daniel 12:10,

John 4:35,

But Also : Genesis 40:16-23, Joel 1:7, Leviticus 13, Revelation 15:6,

Hopefully these are helpful.

Hey Beth,

This day most Christians celebrate as Easter, resurrection day. This day, the first day after the Sabbath following Passover day was the Feast of Firstfruits, Leviticus 23:9-14. This feast is for the first harvest, the priest must wave the sheaf before the LORD, to be accepted before any of the first harvest could be eaten.

Mary came before sunrise and Jesus appeared to her first, she went to touch Him and He told her "Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father". Jesus is the Firstfruits of those who slept, and as the priest had to wave the sheaf over the alter before the LORD to be accepted, Jesus had to ascend to His Father to be accepted to fulfill the Feast of Firstfruits before He could be touched.

Just think, sunrise, on the morning of the Feast of First Fruits, the priest waving the sheaf of grain before the altar, and the other women arriving at the Lord's tomb, the same time Jesus ascended. The angel told the women to go tell the disciples to go to Galilee, and on their way, He returned and appeared to them, then they could touch Him, Matthew 28:5-10 but Mary could not because He had not yet ascended, same as the sheaf had to be waved before the LORD and accepted before they could eat of the first harvest.

From the beginning of Jesus time on earth the disciples thought He was going to set up the kingdom then, and just before He ascended, they asked Jesus if he at that time was going to set up the kingdom, Acts 1:6. My understanding of scripture after Jesus returned He was hear forty days teaching the apostles, Acts 1:1-5 before His ascension in Acts 1:9. He told them to stay in Jerusalem and wait for the promise of the baptizing of the Holy Ghost, this the second harvest (Pentecost).

He is now sitting at the right hand of the Father, the only mediator between us and God 1Timothy 2:5. He will be coming back as He left Matthew 24:30, to set up the kingdom on earth.

God bless,

RLW

Beth

From reading the gospel accounts post resurrection Jesus appeared now and then go His disciples, but it does not seems like He stayed on earth and resided at length between the resurrection and the Ascension . When He was talking with Mary He had arisen but had not gone to the Father in heaven yet. It seems that He went into heaven shortly after meeting with Mary, but this was not the Ascension. (Which happened 40 days after He arose from the dead). So He was in heaven with the Father and Holy Spirit most of the time between His resurrection and Ascension (the 40 day period).

Perhaps when He met Mary He did not have His incorruptible body yet and needed the Father to take Him to heaven to receive it.

But others may have different ideas about this.

Thanks for asking. It makes us think more deeply about this matter.

John 20:17 Jesus tells Mary not to hold on ,

He has not ascended, verse 27 he tells

Thomas to touch his side.

Did he ascend in between these verses?

Or was he on earth 40 days before ascension ?

Hey Jcbu, Chris, and GiGi,

The apostles did not deny or abandon Jesus they were confused, scared, shocked. They believed Jesus was the Messiah and the Son of God, they did not doubt that. Even though Jesus told them several times, Jesus being arrested, crucified, buried, and resurrected, Matthew 17:22-23, Matthew 20:18-19 John 20:9, and more. It was hidden from them. Luke 18:32-34. When He was arrested, crucified, and buried in a tomb they were in shock.

During the time they were with Jesus they thought He was going to set up the kingdom then. They even asked Him before He ascended if He was going to set up the kingdom, Acts 1:6. When He was killed, they did not know what to do, the Messiah, Jesus the Son of God was supposed to set up the kingdom, now He is dead. For three days they mourned and cried not knowing what they would do now.

Then Jesus told them when He met and ate with them and opened their eyes where they would understand, Luke 24:44-47. The purpose of His death and resurrection was hidden from them and Satan. Things was held from them and much they did not remember as Jesus told them in John 14:26.

We think about all the apostles were told and being with Jesus for 3.5 years how we would act if we were there. It is not that simple, as John wrote if everything that Jesus said was written down the world could not hold it, John 22:25.

They never lost their faith they were just in shock for three days and as we see 120 of the disciples were together at Pentecost,

God bless,

RLW

Hello,

1. Yes I believe in some ways our faith may be considered more complicated because they being with Jesus " physically " John 3:12, John 14:11, yet scripture says : 2 Chronicles 20:20, we have so many accumulated testimonies, prophecy fulfilled, the written WORD of GOD from many generations past in many ways we have all that to help build upon our faith. Then we have personal experiences & witness of miraculous events in our present days & years. I believe it's powerful to see the biblical text, New & Old Tstm & imagine the future with the stacked testimonies & understanding time accumulates more information. When the days of tribulation come the stacked accounts with all scripture will be that much bigger. GOD is amazing. I realized the other day the wealth of faith building information at our reach. I told a young man, "Yes, these days are difficult but we have so much to draw from". & GOD in HIS infinite wisdom gives each generation what they need. Romans 10:17, John 20:29,

2. Luke 23:43, I guess it applies to today to yes prove "nothing is impossible with GOD" Luke 1:37, & possibly to encourage us that it's not too late to repent, in dying moment.

Next. (?) Interesting observation. Matthew 4:12, Matthew 23:37, GOD gives people many chances to do good. Mark 6:20, Mark 6:19-31, read though, Mark 6:32-46, did Jesus even take time to mourn? It seems HE went to take a moment, yet compassion moved HIM to minister.

At 1st read I had thought you asked about Peter & Paul comparison of Peter released & Paul was not, also same "(charges) Acts 12:5-17, Acts 21:30-40, - Acts 22, - Acts 23, - Acts 24, - Acts 25, - Acts 26, - Acts 27,-, Acts 28,

My emotion would want to say "all chains are evil" however Mark 5:3-20, Jude 1:6, 2 Peter 2:4,

GOD uses all for good , Psalms 105:17-25, Romans 8:28-30, while Paul was in prison he wrote letters that became an important part of our HOLY Bible today.

3. James 1:5-8,

Hope this helps