The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the cornerstone of the Christian faith. It declared His divinity, fulfilled prophecy, and opened the way to eternal life.
But His story didn’t end at the empty tomb. Jesus continued appearing to His followers for 40 days, teaching and preparing them before ascending to heaven.
This timeline follows the key events from the resurrection to the ascension, based on the New King James Version (NKJV) Bible.
Jesus’ Body is Sealed in the Tomb – Late Friday Before Sunset (~6:00 PM)
Scripture: Matthew 27:57–61; Mark 15:42–47; Luke 23:50–56; John 19:38–42
Before the Sabbath began at sunset, Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus took Jesus’ body down from the cross. They wrapped Him in linen cloths with spices and laid Him in a new tomb carved out of rock. A large stone was rolled against the entrance, sealing the tomb.
Guards Are Posted at the Tomb – Saturday Morning
Scripture: Matthew 27:62–66
The next morning, the chief priests and Pharisees went to Pilate. Fearing that the disciples might steal the body and claim Jesus rose from the dead, they asked for the tomb to be secured. Pilate agreed. Soldiers were stationed and the stone was officially sealed.
Women Prepare Burial Spices – Saturday Evening (~6:30 PM)
Scripture: Luke 23:56
After resting during the Sabbath, the women who had followed Jesus from Galilee began preparing spices and fragrant oils to complete His burial rites. This likely took place after sundown when Sabbath restrictions ended.
Earthquake and Angel Appears – Early Sunday Morning (~Just Before Sunrise)
Scripture: Matthew 28:2–4
Before anyone arrived at the tomb, a great earthquake occurred. An angel of the Lord came down from heaven, rolled back the stone, and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes white as snow. The Roman guards shook with fear and fell as if dead.
Women Arrive at the Tomb – ~5:30–6:00 AM Sunday
Scripture: Matthew 28:1–8; Mark 16:1–8; Luke 24:1–8; John 20:1
At dawn, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, Salome, and other women came to the tomb with spices. They found the stone rolled away and the tomb empty. Angels told them, “He is not here, but is risen! Remember how He spoke to you…” (Luke 24:6)
Mary Magdalene Runs to Tell Peter and John – ~6:00 AM
Scripture: John 20:2
Upon seeing the stone rolled away and not understanding what happened, Mary Magdalene ran to tell Simon Peter and John, saying, “They have taken away the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid Him.”
Peter and John Visit the Tomb – ~6:15–6:30 AM
Scripture: John 20:3–10; Luke 24:12
Peter and John ran to the tomb. John outran Peter and arrived first but did not enter. Peter went in and saw the linen cloths lying there. John then entered and saw the same. He believed that the body was gone, just as Mary had said, but they still did not understand the Scripture that Jesus must rise from the dead.
Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene – ~6:30–7:00 AM
Scripture: John 20:11–18; Mark 16:9
Mary remained outside the tomb, weeping. She saw two angels inside and then turned around and saw Jesus, though she didn’t recognize Him. When He called her by name, she realized who He was. Jesus told her not to cling to Him but to go and tell the disciples. “Do not cling to Me… but go to My brethren and say to them, ‘I am ascending to My Father.’” (John 20:17)
Jesus Appears to Other Women – Shortly After 7:00 AM
Scripture: Matthew 28:9–10
As the other women were on their way to tell the disciples, Jesus met them. They held Him by the feet and worshiped Him. He comforted them and told them to tell the others He would meet them in Galilee.
Guards Report to the Chief Priests – Morning
Scripture: Matthew 28:11–15
The guards went into the city and reported what happened. The chief priests bribed them to say the disciples stole Jesus’ body while they were asleep, and promised to protect them from Pilate.
Jesus Appears on the Road to Emmaus – ~3:00 PM
Scripture: Luke 24:13–35; Mark 16:12
Two disciples were walking to the village of Emmaus. Jesus joined them, but they did not recognize Him. As He explained the Scriptures to them, their hearts burned within them. They recognized Him when He broke bread, and He vanished from their sight.
Jesus Appears to Peter – Late Afternoon
Scripture: Luke 24:34; 1 Corinthians 15:5
Later that day, Jesus also appeared to Simon Peter. Though this encounter is only briefly mentioned, it affirms a private appearance between the Lord and Peter.
Jesus Appears to the Disciples (Without Thomas) – Evening (~6:00–8:00 PM)
Scripture: Luke 24:36–43; John 20:19–23
That evening, Jesus appeared in the room where the disciples were gathered behind locked doors. He showed them His hands and side, said to them, ‘Peace be with you,’ and ate broiled fish in their presence to prove He was alive.
Jesus Appears to the Disciples (Including Thomas) – One Week Later
Scripture: John 20:26–29
Eight days later, Jesus appeared again. This time Thomas was present. Jesus invited him to touch His wounds. Thomas believed and declared, “My Lord and my God!”
Jesus Appears While Disciples Are Fishing – Week 2 or 3 After Resurrection
Scripture: John 21:1–14
Seven disciples went fishing on the Sea of Galilee. They caught nothing all night. At dawn, Jesus stood on the shore, but they didn’t recognize Him. He told them to cast the net on the right side. They caught 153 fish. John then said, “It is the Lord!”
Jesus Restores Peter – After the Breakfast by the Sea
Scripture: John 21:15–19
After eating, Jesus asked Peter three times, “Do you love Me?”—mirroring Peter’s three denials. Jesus then told him, “Feed My sheep,” restoring him to leadership.
Jesus Appears to Over 500 Disciples – During the 40 Days
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:6
Paul records that Jesus appeared to more than 500 brethren at once. Though not described in detail in the Gospels, this event occurred during the 40 days before His ascension.
Jesus Gives the Great Commission – Near the End of the 40 Days
Scripture: Matthew 28:16–20
On a mountain in Galilee, Jesus told His disciples to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them and teaching them to obey all He commanded. “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations… I am with you always.” (Matt. 28:19–20)
Jesus Ascends to Heaven – 40 Days After the Resurrection (~Thursday)
Scripture: Luke 24:50–53; Acts 1:3–11
Jesus led His disciples to the Mount of Olives. After blessing them, He ascended into heaven. Two angels appeared and told the disciples He would return in the same way. “This same Jesus… will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.” (Acts 1:11)
From the garden tomb to the clouds of heaven, Jesus revealed His victory and fulfilled every promise. He is risen. He is reigning. And one day, He will return.
