The Last 40 days of Jesus

Jesus became known as Jesus of Galilee during his ministry. He spent a great deal of time in the villages of Galilee so after his resurrection he must have wanted those people to know he was alive. A good part of his last 40 days were spent there as Paul indicates in 1 Corinthians 15.

At the empty tomb Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were told by the angel in Matthew 8:7, “And now, go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead and he is going ahead of you to Galilee. You will see him there. Remember what I have told you.”

Luke 24:12 Peter went to the tomb to look but after seeing the empty linen wrappings he went home again, wondering what had happened instead of being filled with belief and heading for Galilee as the angel had instructed.

John 20:8 John however saw the empty wrappings and the head piece still intertwined and he understood Jesus had risen through the wrappings and left them behind(which didn't happen with the raising of Lazarus who came out of the grave still in burial wrappings and had to be freed.)

When the men Jesus met on the road to Emmaus went back to the disciples to tell them it was a point where the disciples began to believe that Jesus was alive. It was probably hearing this that started them in the direction of Galilee.

When Peter sees the Sea of Galilee he decides to go fishing. He was still struggling with believing at this point. He catches no fish. He sees Jesus on the shore fixing a meal for them but Peter doesn't recognize him. Jesus tells them to throw out their net on the right side of the boat. They get a big catch of fish and Peter realizes that this is Jesus and he is indeed alive.

After this they went on into the villages of Galilee where Jesus blessed the people where he had ministered before. Jesus was faithful to his friends in Galilee until it was time to go back to Jerusalem and ascend from the Mount of Olives.

During most of the 40 days Jesus was encouraging the faith of the people and preparing them to become part of the church (as seen in the book of Acts.)

Jesus was especially concerned that ordinary people he ministered to would see him alive and believe.

He went to Galilee because he was just as concerned that each person would believe not just the future leaders of the church.

Your faith and belief are that important to him too.