He is still thinking of us. Are we still thinking of Him? It would have been so easy for Him to go straight from the grave to heaven. He had fought many battles, worked hard, taught long, and loved much. Why did Jesus hang around for 40 days after He came from the tomb?

This was a fine Easter, full of joy, good news and traditional celebration. There were many happy children, good-looking clothes, and more people in church than usual. People have a way of thinking about Jesus during Holy Week and the Easter holiday, but many of us are right back to the old grind and Easter is done for another year.

However, Jesus was out making the most of the next 40 days after that first Easter. He wanted to be sure that his small band of apostles were on their feet and functioning again. The cross dealt a knock-out blow to most of them. They went down for a long count and Jesus was personally looking them up and spending time with them. There was nothing normal about the resurrection. It takes some getting used to. A new mindset had to be formed. There needed to be some integration of the facts into the faith. They needed to be put back up on their feet and sent back out into the street. It was not all over; it was beginning again and more.

Jesus had a lot of ground to cover in the brief days before him. He had more than 500 people to meet and greet. They needed to know that He was truly alive. Their testimony was vital to the constitution organization and accomplishment of His bride, His church. He wanted to enrich their faith, hand out assignments, challenge and support His band of followers. The arrival of the in-dwelling Holy Spirit was just around the corner. All must be ready for His coming. Jesus was on a mission that was not to fail. There was much for Him to accomplish between the grave and His trip to heaven.

Are you on His mission? Have you adopted His goals and priorities? Have you signed up on His team? You invited Him into your heart. You accepted His salvation. You glory in the Easter event. Don’t go into hibernation waiting for heaven. There is much to be done.

Matthew 28:18-20 (Simple English Bible) says Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, after you’ve gone out, make followers from all nations. Baptize them by the authority of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

“Teach them to obey everything I commanded you. Remember, I will always be with you – even until the end of time!”