Acts of the Apostles - Jesus' Ascension
After Jesus' crucifixion, the disciples were scattered, afraid and disillusioned. They would be transformed. They became fearless. They will risk everything to spread the good news of Jesus. What changed them?
Acts 1:1-5 1. Luke wrote the gospel and Acts 3. Jesus appeared to them over a period of 40 days. The Bible mentions 11 times. Jesus gave them many convincing proofs that he was alive.
He spoke to them about the kingdom of God. He had spoken to them about the kingdom of God before, but now, they began to understand. The kingdom of God is about spiritual matters.
The kingdom of God is the Father restoring the creation that was lost in the fall. The kingdom of God is the Father working through Jesus, the Son, to bring lost people back to the father Who loves them.
Acts 1:6-8
What changed the disciples from fearful to fearless? - They became convinced of Jesus' resurrection. - They received divine power through the Holy Spirit.
"Power" from the Holy Spirit - courage, boldness, confidence, insight, spiritual ability, authority. All gifts of the Holy Spirit to fulfill the mission that Jesus gave his disciples.
Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, to the ends of the earth.
VIDEO https://vimeo.com/113801439
Acts 1:9-11 9. The Greek for "taken up" or lifted up. "Received up" literally 'took under him.' seemed to be supported by the cloud." 10. "as he went." It was a common word meaning to pursue a journey. Jesus departed from earth and journeyed to heaven.
The Father took His Son, Jesus Christ back to heaven.
Jesus' ascension marked the end of his self-limitation and humiliation and return of his rightful glory.
John 17:4 I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do. And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began.
Jesus' ascension gives us confidence in our faith.
Hebrews 4:14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess.
Jesus' ascension is a symbol of his authority, rule, and reign
1 Peter 3:21-22 and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who has gone into heaven and is at God’s right hand—with angels, authorities and powers in submission to him.
Jesus' ascension is a foreshadowing of his return
1Th 4:16-17 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.