Epilogue: The Ascension of Jesus Christ (Luke 24: 50-53; Acts 1: 1-11)

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An Easter Series -- Part 7 of 7

Introduction

Jesus taught them, showing them in the Scriptures the things concerning Himself:
   A. “Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ must suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day.” (Luke 24:46)
   B. “… and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.” (v. 47)
   C. They are witnesses (v. 48)
   D. The promise of power of the Holy Spirit (v. 49)
   E. “He led them out as far as Bethany…” (on the eastern slope of the Mount of Olives)(v. 50)

I. He Ascended into Heaven

   A. He Lifted Up His Hands and Blessed Them (v. 50)

      1. The usual posture of blessing
      2. His blessing was for all Christians
      3. This ended his earthly ministry. He had appeared to them over a period of 40 days after his resurrection, but would not be doing so any longer until His return.

   B. While He Was Blessing Them, He Departed from Them (v. 51)
      (this emphasizes the blessing)

      1. He rose up from them bodily, and a cloud received Him (Acts 1:9)
      2. He rose up slowly.
      3. They saw everything clearly. (Acts 1:9-11)
      4. They were assured by two angels that He would return in the same manner.
(Acts 1:11)
      5. Several people saw this happen (the Emmaus disciples, the eleven, and those who were with them) (Luke 24:33)
      6. The blessing was their last sight of him.
      7. They could see the wounds in His hands.
      8. This represents the ascension of Christ's humanity into heaven

   C. He Was Received Into Heaven

      1. Demonstrated God’s acceptance of His sacrifice.
      2. It was necessary for Him to return to heaven to complete His mission.
      3. He was received into heaven not only to dwell but to reign.
      4. He is seated at the right hand of God the Father.

   D. The Disciples Returned to Jerusalem with Great Joy (v. 52)

      1. Because of His blessing
      2. Because of His assurance that they would receive power
      3. Because of the angels' assurance concerning His return
      4. Because of the exciting challenge that lay before them
      5. Because of their strong sense of fellowship

   E. They Were Continually in the Temple, Praising God (v. 53)

      1. God-given joy is the real and lasting joy
      2. This joy leads to greater faith
      3. This joy leads to worship
      4. This joy leads to praise
      5. This joy leads to action

“...Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Nehemiah. 8:10

Afterwards, they received the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost and witnessed a miraculous demonstration of God's love and power. They received power to accomplish their task. As Christians, we have this same Holy Spirit. And we have an assigned task, and the power to complete it!


II. Jesus’ Work Since His Resurrection Is Vitally Important
(Consider the time element: years on earth vs. years afterward)

   A. He is Co-Regent with God the Father.
  
   B. He is our Intercessor
      He defends us (believers) against any accusation Satan might make. He helps us as we pray in His Name
   
   C. He is our High Priest
      He hears our prayers and prays for us. He represents us before the Father.

   D. He sends the Holy Spirit (John 15:26, 16:7) and thus is present with us.

   E. He is preparing a place for us (John 14:3).

   F. He is coming again (John 14:3).

   G. He is King of Kings and Lord of Lords (I Timothy 6:15)
      1. He will end the tribulation period (Matthew 24:22)
      2. He will defeat those who fight against Him
      3. He will establish His Kingdom on earth
      4. He will rule for eternity, and we (believers) will be with Him

   H. He is Head of the Church (Colossians 1:18)
      1. He rules in the church.
      2. He gives spiritual gifts
         “...When He ascended on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts to men..” (Ephesians 4:8, quoting Psalm 68:18) “And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry..." (Ephesians 4:11-12)
      3. He gives guidance and power.
      4. He deserves obedience
      5. He is the One the world needs.

Direct Scripture quotations are from the New King James Version.
Illustration: Ascension of Christ by Garofalo, c.1510-1520. Public domain.