There were forty days between two of the most celebrated events in Jesus’ life. Forty days where He walked, talked, and revealed Himself to His followers.

At first glance, it may not seem unusual… until you notice how He chose to appear. Not in crowds—but in conversations. Not in spectacle—but in presence.

On a road with two weary travelers (Luke 24:13-32).
In a locked room filled with fear (Luke 24:33-39).
Around a simple meal by the sea (Luke 24:40-43).

These were not random moments.
They were intentional encounters.

Jesus was not simply proving He was alive—He was preparing hearts. Moving them from confusion to clarity… from fear to faith… from followers to witnesses.

Not just witnesses… eyewitnesses.

Those who had seen Him. Heard Him. Touched the physical body of the risen Christ (John 20:24-29).

Because the message they would carry required more than information. It required encounter. As always, the most compelling testimony comes from those who speak from firsthand experience.

And so, in those forty days, Jesus prepared them. He strengthened their faith. He steadied their hearts. He calmed their fears. He anchored their confidence.

All leading to the moment He would entrust them with His final words—to "go into all the world and proclaim the good news"
(Matthew 28:19–20).

The days many overlook… were the days that made them ready.

Nothing was wasted. Not a word. Not a moment. Not a single encounter.

And what about us?

Has Jesus been intentional in your life? Have there been moments—quiet, personal, unmistakable—where His presence met you right where you were?

Because He still prepares His people the same way. Not always in the crowd… but often in the quiet.

Not always in the extraordinary… but in deeply personal encounters that change us from the inside out.

And those encounters are not just for comfort—they are for calling. To equip us. To strengthen us. To steady us. To send us.

Summary

The forty days after the resurrection were not random appearances—they were intentional encounters. Jesus prepared His followers, making them eyewitnesses and strengthening them for the mission ahead.

And He still meets us in personal ways today—preparing us to live and share His truth.

Prayer

Lord, thank You for the way You meet Your people—personally, intentionally, and with purpose. Open my eyes to recognize the moments You are drawing near… the quiet encounters that strengthen my faith and steady my heart. Prepare me, Lord. Not just to believe… but to bear witness. Give me confidence in what I have seen and known of You. And let my life reflect the truth of who You are. Use every moment—even the unseen, unnoticed ones—to shape me for Your purpose. Amen.

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© 2026 Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved

“Sit often under the influence of God’s Word.”🌻
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