Study Desk

The leading Jewish priests said to Pilate, "Don't write, ‘The King of the Jews.' But write, ‘This man said, I am the King of the Jews.'"

But when the soldiers came close to Jesus, they saw that he was already dead. So they did not break his legs.

But one of the soldiers stuck his spear into Jesus' side. Immediately blood and water came out.

Later, a man named Joseph from Arimathea asked Pilate for the body of Jesus. (Joseph was a follower of Jesus, but he did not tell anyone, because he was afraid of the Jewish leaders.) Pilate said Joseph could take Jesus' body, so he came and took it away.

They were both running, but the other follower ran faster than Peter and reached the tomb first.

He bent down and looked in. He saw the pieces of linen cloth lying there, but he did not go in.

But Mary stood outside the tomb, crying. While she was crying, she bent down and looked inside the tomb.

When Mary said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there. But she did not know that it was Jesus.

Jesus said to her, "You don't need to hold on to me! I have not yet gone back up to the Father. But go to my followers and tell them this: ‘I am going back to my Father and your Father. I am going back to my God and your God.'"

Thomas (called Didymus) was one of the twelve, but he was not with the other followers when Jesus came.

A week later the followers were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. The doors were locked, but Jesus came and stood among them. He said, "Peace be with you!"

But these are written so that you can believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God. Then, by believing, you can have life through his name.

Simon Peter said, "I am going out to fish." The other followers said, "We will go with you." So all of them went out and got into the boat. They fished that night but caught nothing.

Early the next morning Jesus stood on the shore. But the followers did not know it was Jesus.

Simon Peter got into the boat and pulled the net to the shore. It was full of big fish—153 of them! But even with that many fish, the net did not tear.

The truth is, when you were young, you tied your own belt and went where you wanted. But when you are old, you will put out your hands, and someone else will tie your belt. They will lead you where you don't want to go."

So a story spread among the followers of Jesus. They were saying that this follower would not die. But Jesus did not say he would not die. He only said, "Maybe I want him to live until I come. That should not matter to you."

This was after his death, but he showed them that he was alive, proving it to them in many ways. The apostles saw Jesus many times during the 40 days after he was raised from death. He spoke to them about God's kingdom.

John baptized people with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit."

But the Holy Spirit will come on you and give you power. You will be my witnesses. You will tell people everywhere about me—in Jerusalem, in the rest of Judea, in Samaria, and in every part of the world."