Jesus Appears to His Followers

³⁶While the two men were saying these things, Jesus himself stood among the group of followers. Jesus said to them, "Peace be with you." ³⁷This surprised the followers. They became afraid. They thought they were seeing a ghost. ³⁸But Jesus said, "Why are you troubled? Why do you doubt what you see? ³⁹Look at my hands and my feet. It's really me! Touch me. You can see that I have a living body; a ghost does not have a body like this." ⁴⁰After Jesus told them this, he showed them [the holes in] his hands and feet. ⁴¹The followers were amazed and very, very happy to see that Jesus was alive. They still could not believe what they saw. Jesus said to them, "Do you have any food here?" ⁴²They gave him a piece of cooked fish. ⁴³While the followers watched, Jesus took the fish and ate it. ⁴⁴Jesus said to them, "Remember when I was with you before? I said that everything written about me must happen--everything written in the law of Moses, the books of the prophets,* and the Psalms." ⁴⁵Then Jesus helped the followers understand these Scriptures* written [about him]. ⁴⁶Jesus said to them, "It is written that the Christ* would be killed and rise from death on the third day. ^47-48You saw these things happen--you are witnesses. You must go and tell people that their sins can be forgiven. Tell them that they must change their hearts and be sorry for their sins. If they will do this, then God will forgive them. You must start from Jerusalem and tell people these things in my name. This Good News* must be told to all people in the world. ⁴⁹Listen! My Father has promised you something; I will send it to you. But you must stay in Jerusalem until you have received that power from heaven."

Jesus Goes Back to Heaven

⁵⁰Jesus led his followers out of Jerusalem almost to Bethany. Jesus raised his hands and blessed his followers. ⁵¹While Jesus was blessing them, he was separated from them and carried into heaven. ⁵²The followers worshiped him there. Then they went back to the city. They were very happy. ⁵³They stayed at the temple* all the time, praising God.

prophets People that spoke for God. Some of them wrote books that are part of the Old Testament. Scriptures Holy Writings--the Old Testament. Christ The "anointed one" (Messiah) or chosen one of God. Good News The news that God has made a way for people to have their sins forgiven and live with him forever. temple The special building in Jerusalem for Jewish worship.