The Ascension of Jesus

Today we gather in the glorious light of our risen Savior to discuss a pivotal moment in His ministry – . As we journey through the pages of Scripture, guided by the Holy Spirit, we will explore the significance of this incredible event and the profound implications it has for our lives as followers of Jesus Christ.

Described in the NKJV in the Gospel of Luke (24:50-53) and the Book of Acts (1:9-11), the Ascension marks the climax of Jesus’ Earthly ministry. Having triumphed over death through His resurrection, our Lord prepares to take His place at the right hand of the Father. We invite you to join us as we delve into this magnificent event, seeking to deepen our understanding and appreciation for the unfathomable love, grace, and power granted to us by our Almighty God.

Together, let us rejoice and celebrate the Ascension of our Savior, Jesus Christ, remembering the words of the angels who stood by the disciples as they witnessed this miraculous event: “Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.” (Acts 1:11, NKJV).

Now, let us open our hearts and minds to the wisdom and guidance of the Holy Spirit as we embark on this journey to better understand and appreciate the Ascension of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.

I. The Glorious Moment: Jesus’ Triumph over Death

Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ has shown us the greatest example of victory by triumphing over death itself! “O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory?” (1 Corinthians 15:55, NKJV). Christ’s resurrection from the dead is the glorious declaration of His completed mission on earth, and it is the core of our faith. This unprecedented event reveals the immeasurable love of God for humanity and His unparalleled power over all creation.

Three significant events marked Jesus’ triumph. First, His death on the cross. Crucifixion was a form of capital punishment that inflicted extreme pain on the crucified individual. Our Lord willingly endured this painful punishment to atone for our sins. The Bible states, “…who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness—by whose stripes you were healed.” (1 Peter 2:24, NKJV). His sacrifice opened the door for our salvation and conquered the power of sin over our lives.

Second, His burial in the tomb. As a fulfillment of prophecy, Jesus’ body was laid to rest in the tomb of Joseph of Arimathea (Matthew 27:57-60). This act established the fact that He truly died, and His subsequent resurrection would solidify His miraculous victory over death. During His time in the tomb, Scripture tells us that He descended into the lower parts of the earth and conquered the powers of darkness (Ephesians 4:8-10).

Finally, His glorious resurrection. On the third day after His crucifixion, Jesus miraculously rose from the dead, as foretold by the Scriptures. This is the pinnacle of our Lord’s victory, demonstrating His indestructible power over death and His divine authority. “But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.” (1 Corinthians 15:20, NKJV). Jesus broke the chains of death, and by doing so, He has granted us the assurance of eternal life.

II. Bearing Witness: The Disciples’ Encounter with the Risen Lord

After His resurrection, Jesus appeared to His disciples on multiple occasions, bearing witness to the reality of His new life, and providing further instruction for their ministry. In these encounters, the disciples gained deeper understanding and personal testimony of the power of the Risen Lord. As we reflect on these moments, our own faith can be strengthened by recalling the testimony of the early believers.

Jesus’ first appearance was to Mary Magdalene on the morning of the resurrection. This encounter is recorded in John 20:14-18, where we understand that she initially didn’t recognize Jesus, but immediately responded when He called her by name. Another early encounter occurred later that day on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-35), when Jesus joined two disciples and discussed the Scriptures with them. Their hearts burned within them as He revealed the truth of His resurrection through His teaching.

Subsequently, Jesus appeared to a larger group of disciples, providing them with both visual and physical evidence of His victory over death. John 20:19-20 describes the moment when Jesus appeared to the disciples gathered in a room with locked doors, and showed them His hands and His side. Thomas, initially absent, declared that he would believe only if he could personally touch Jesus’ wounds (John 20:25), and Jesus later granted him that opportunity (John 20:26-29).

During these forty days after His resurrection, Jesus also imparted final life lessons, commissions, and blessings upon His followers:

• To the two on the road to Emmaus, He revealed the scriptures that spoke of Him (Luke 24:27) and opened their eyes to recognize Him in the breaking of bread (Luke 24:30-31).
• Christ breathed the Holy Spirit upon the disciples gathered together in Jerusalem (John 20:22): bestowing peace, the power to forgive sins(John 20:23).
• He commissioned them with the Great Commission – to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them and teaching them everything Jesus taught (Matthew 28:16-20).
• Jesus encouraged them to wait in Jerusalem until they received the gift of the Holy Spirit for empowerment to be witnesses to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:4-8).

As we recall these accounts, we can find renewed strength and motivation in our faith, knowing that our Lord Jesus Christ not only conquered death but also took care to prepare and empower His early disciples to share the Gospel, setting the foundation for the ministry we continue today.

III. Behold, He Ascends: The Return of Jesus to His Heavenly Throne

When Jesus had completed his earthly ministry, he made an incredible promise to his disciples, which is recorded in the Book of Acts. Just before his ascension into heaven, Jesus said, “You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8 NKJV).

Innumerable lives throughout the centuries have been forever changed as those who have embraced salvation through Christ, have become recipients of the indwelling Holy Spirit, and have joined in the proclamation of the Gospel.

The Bible clearly describes Jesus’ return to his heavenly throne after his victory over sin and death. “Now when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel, who also said, ‘Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.'” (Acts 1:9-11 NKJV).

Jesus’ ascension solidified his position as the risen and victorious Savior who now intercedes on our behalf before the Father (Hebrews 7:25).

It is crucial for us to remember that the ascension is not only an historical event; it has profound implications for our present faith and future hope. Firstly, it underscores the significance of the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20), which Jesus issued before his ascension, reminding us of our mission to share the Good News.

Secondly, it reassures us that Jesus is actively engaged in our lives as our great High Priest, providing guidance, comfort, and intercession. Finally, it holds forth the anticipation of Jesus’ return, when he will come again in his glory to establish his eternal kingdom.

Here are a few key points regarding the ascension of Jesus and its implications for our lives:

• We are called to be witnesses of Jesus and his saving work, empowered by the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8).
• Jesus’ ascension confirms his victory over sin and death, and his present role as our intercessor before the Father (Hebrews 7:25).
• The same Jesus who ascended into heaven will one day return to bring about the completion of God’s redemptive plan (Acts 1:11).

Let us keep these truths in our hearts as we continue to live out our faith in the risen and ascended Lord Jesus Christ.

IV. Spreading the Good News: The Great Commission to Share Christ’s Love

In the final moments of Jesus’ earthly ministry, He issued His followers an essential command known as the Great Commission. This vital instruction can be found in Matthew 28:18-20, which states, “And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, ‘All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.’ Amen.”

Jesus charged His disciples, and by extension all believers, to share His message of love and redemption with the world.

As followers of Jesus Christ, we must embrace the privilege and the responsibility of sharing His love and grace with others through the Great Commission. There are several ways we can do this:

• Prayer: Pray for opportunities to share the gospel with others, and for the Holy Spirit to guide your words and actions.
• Living a Christ-like life: Let the love of Jesus shine through your lifestyle, choices, and acts of kindness, so that others will be drawn to know Him.
• Sharing your testimony: Tell others about the transformative work of Christ in your life and how He has brought hope, healing, and forgiveness.
• Discipleship: Teach and mentor new believers in their faith journey, helping them to grow in their relationship with Jesus.

Remember, as 1 Peter 3:15 encourages us, “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.”

It may feel challenging at times, but with the support and guidance of the Holy Spirit, we can fulfill the Great Commission and spread the good news of Jesus Christ’s love to those around us. Let us encourage one another as we share the love, grace, and redemption offered by our Savior. That way, more people will come to know the peace and joy that comes from knowing Jesus as Lord and Savior. Amen.

V. Abiding in Faith: The Promise of the Holy Spirit and Christ’s Everlasting Presence

As believers in Christ Jesus, we are promised the gift of the Holy Spirit to empower, comfort, and guide us on our spiritual journey. Jesus Himself promised His disciples that although He would not remain physically with them, He would send the Helper, the Holy Spirit, to be with them forever.

In the Gospel of John, Jesus said, “And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever— the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him, but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you” (John 14:16-17, NKJV).

In order to receive the promised Holy Spirit, we must abide in faith and trust in the everlasting presence of Christ in our lives. Jesus encourages us to remain in His love by following His commandments. He instructs us, “As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love” (John 15:9-10, NKJV).

By focusing our hearts and minds on Jesus and committing to a life of obedience, our relationship with the Lord is strengthened and our faith deepens as the Holy Spirit continues to work within us.

Here are some practical ways to abide in faith and grow in our relationship with Christ while trusting in His everlasting presence:

• Prayer: Maintain a consistent and strong prayer life, seeking guidance and strength from the Lord daily.
• Scripture: Dive into the Word of God, studying and meditating on its truth in order to apply it to our lives.
• Fellowship: Surround ourselves with other believers, supporting, encouraging, and holding each other accountable in our walk with Christ.
• Worship: Praise and honor the Lord with our hearts, words, and actions, recognizing His presence in our day-to-day life.

By abiding in faith and relying on the Holy Spirit’s guidance, we can experience the promise of Christ’s everlasting presence and love. With the strength and support provided by our faith, we are well-equipped to face life’s challenges and to share the good news of Christ’s love with others. May we continually strive to abide in faith, embracing the promise of the Holy Spirit and the joy that comes from living in Christ’s everlasting presence.

Conclusion

We hope that you have enjoyed learning more about the Ascension of Jesus. We thank you for your time and attention, and encourage you to deepen your understanding of the story behind Jesus’s ascension. Please, take what you have learned today and apply it to your own life. The journey of Jesus has the power to create a greater sense of peace and understanding, even in our chaotic world. May your travels be blessed and your days be illuminated by the reminder of our Lord’s Ascension.

The ascension of Jesus is an important and significant event in the Christian religion. It marks the end of Jesus’ earthly life and his return to his Father in Heaven. According to the Bible, the Ascension happened 40 days after Jesus’ resurrection. Through his ascension, Jesus accomplished the redemption of mankind and became the mediator between God and man.



At the time of the Ascension, Jesus was seen standing with his disciples at the Mount of Olives. The disciples were filled with great joy and admiration as they witnessed what appeared to be a cloud taking Jesus away from them. The apostles then returned to Jerusalem to await the promised Holy Spirit.



The Ascension of Jesus is a crucial landmark in the history of Christianity and is viewed as one of the essential aspects of the Christian faith. It opened the way for Jesus’ return to Heaven and affirmed the promise of his second coming to Earth. In addition, it served as an assurance that Jesus is forever in full presence and authority in the Kingdom of God.



The Ascension of Jesus also helped the disciples to further understand Jesus’ mission and the significance of his teachings. By understanding Jesus’ ascension, the seeds of Christian faith were also planted deep within the minds and hearts of his followers. Ultimately, Jesus’ ascension is a affirmation of the belief in his eternal love, power and sovereignty.



In conclusion, it is no surprise that thousands of years later, the Ascension of Jesus is still celebrated as a key event in the Christian religion. It is a reminder of Jesus’ power to save us all from our sins and point us to a path of everlasting hope and joy.