DAILY TEXT, Sunday, April 5, 2026. They saw him for 40 days (Acts 1:3).

Let us examine the Scriptures every day 2026

Sunday, April 5, 2026

They saw him for 40 days (Acts 1:3).

It is Nisan 16, 33 AD, and Jesus' disciples are discouraged and paralyzed with fear. Two of them set out from Jerusalem for Emmaus. A stranger approaches them and walks with them. The disciples tell him how sad and disappointed they are about everything that has happened to Jesus. Then they have a conversation that will change their lives. “Beginning with Moses and all the Prophets,” the stranger explains to them why the Messiah had to suffer and die. When the three arrive at Emmaus, the disciples realize that this man is actually the resurrected Jesus (Luke 24:13-35).

Jesus appeared to his disciples many times during the last 40 days he was on earth. He encouraged them, and as a result, they stopped being sad and afraid and were filled with joy, confidence, and courage to preach and teach the Kingdom message. w24.10 12 pars. 1-3

What happened while two disciples of Jesus were on the road to Emmaus?

It is the 16th of Nisan in the year 33, and Jesus' disciples are disheartened and paralyzed with fear. Two of them set out from Jerusalem for Emmaus, a village about 11 kilometers (7 miles) away. They are terribly discouraged because Jesus, the man they followed, has just been executed. All their hopes for what the Messiah would do seem to have died with him. But they do not see what is about to happen.

A stranger approaches them and starts walking with them. The disciples tell him how sad and disappointed they are about everything that has happened to Jesus. Then they have a conversation that will change their lives. “Beginning with Moses and all the Prophets,” the stranger explains to them why the Messiah had to suffer and die. When the three arrive at Emmaus, the disciples realize that this man is actually the resurrected Jesus. They must have felt immense joy upon learning that the Messiah was alive (Luke 24:13-35).

Why did Jesus' disciples need encouragement?

Jesus’ disciples needed encouragement. Why? Because some had left their homes, families, and businesses to follow Jesus full-time (Matt. 19:27). Others had been ostracized by society for becoming disciples (John 9:22). They were willing to make these sacrifices because they believed Jesus was the promised Messiah (Matt. 16:16). But when Jesus was executed, their hopes were dashed, and they were left heartbroken.

What did Jesus do after he was resurrected?

Jesus understood that it was normal for the disciples to feel sad about his death. He knew that these feelings were not due to a lack of faith. So he began to encourage his friends on the very day he was resurrected. He appeared to Mary Magdalene as she wept at his tomb (John 20:11, 16). He appeared to the two disciples mentioned at the beginning of this article. And he also appeared to the apostle Peter (Luke 24:34). What lessons can we learn from Jesus’ example? Let’s analyze what happened when he appeared to Mary Magdalene.

All Rights Reserved Copyright © 2024 Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania JW.ORG.