Did Jesus Know That He Would Come To Life Again?
Answer: He sure did! He not only knew he would come to life again, he also told his disciples about it at least three times.
But the disciples didn’t seem to hear Jesus or understand what he was talking about because they were totally shocked by his death.
They didn’t expect Jesus to come back to life, so when they saw him, they didn’t recognize him at first.
But when Jesus came up close, talked with them, and ate with them, they knew it was him.
After the Resurrection, Jesus appeared first to Mary Magdalene in the garden. Later, he appeared to two men walking on a road and then to the disciples gathered together in a room.
He appeared to hundreds of others, too.
Key verse: “They will laugh at me and spit on me. They will beat me with their whips and kill me. But after three days I will come back to life again.” (Mark 10:34)
Related verses: Matthew 16:21-23; 17:22-23; Mark 8:31-33; 9:30-32; 10:32-34; Luke 24:1-49; Acts 2:24; 1 Corinthians 15:3-8
Related questions: How did the disciples recognize Jesus after he had risen from the dead? Who saw Jesus first after he came back to life?
Why Did Jesus Go Up To Heaven Instead Of Staying Here On Earth?
Answer: Jesus is the Son of God, and his home is in heaven. He left his Father (and his home) to become a human being and live on the earth.
So it’s quite natural that Jesus would leave the earth and go back home. Jesus also went to heaven to prepare a place for us.
And although Jesus left us, he also sent the Holy Spirit to take his place and be with us.
Though Jesus couldn’t be in two places at once, the Holy Spirit can; he can be everywhere because he lives inside all people who have trusted in Christ as Savior.
Because Jesus went back to heaven, the Holy Spirit can be with you and in you, everywhere you go.
Key verses: “There are many homes in my Father’s house. I am going to prepare a place for you. I will come again and take you to me. Then you will be with me where I am about to go. If this weren’t so, I would tell you plainly.” (John 14:2-3)
Related verses: Mark 16:19; Luke 24:50-51; John 14:1-7, 15-21, 25-26; 16:5-16; Acts 1:7-11
Related questions: If Jesus is in heaven, does he still have scars on his hands, feet, and side? Why isn’t Jesus here on earth now?