Ascension

Introduction

Today we are looking at something that we often not always but often over look. We just throw it in with the death, burial and resurrection. Today we are looking at the ascension of Jesus and why is it important to you and me.

Luke 24:50–53 LEB

50 And he led them out as far as Bethany, and lifting up his hands, he blessed them. 51 And it happened that while he was blessing them, he parted from them and was taken up into heaven. 52 And they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. 53 And they were continually in the temple courts praising God.

Pray

Jesus arose from the dead and he showed himself to be physically not dead. Not just a ghost. Not just seeing things. But a body that could eat, drink, walk and talk, be touched and He was there in Body alive though he was yet alive

Forty days after the resurrection. Jesus and His disciples went to Mount Olivet, near Jerusalem. Jesus promised His followers that they would soon receive the Holy Spirit and He instructed them to remain in Jerusalem until the Spirit had come. This will happen on Pentecost. He blesses them and he ascends into heaven.

It is plain from Scriptures that his ascension was a literal, bodily return to heaven. It wasn't a out of body experience. He didn't finally die again. He rose from the ground gradually and visibly. Observed by many on lookers.

Acts 1:11 LEB

11 who also said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand there looking into the sky? This Jesus who was taken up from you into heaven like this will come back in the same way you saw him departing into heaven!”

And two angels appeared and promised Christ's return "in just the same way that you have watched him Go" (Acts 1:11)

Why Is it Meaningful

So what is the importance of The Ascension / Why is it meaningful (list taken from http://www.gotquestions.org/ascension-Jesus-Christ.html)

It signaled the end of Jesus earthly ministry

God the Father sent his Son into the world. God So loved the world that he gave his one and only son to die for the punishment of your sin. That his blood would wash away your sin in an antiseptic bloodbath. Now its time to return to heaven. The period of human limitation was at an end.

It signified success in His earthly work

All that He had come to do was accomplished.

It is finished.

It marked the return of his heavenly glory

Jesus is going to return just as he left. He is going to return in his full glory And this was the mark of His return. In the same way you have watched him Go. The ascension symbolizes Jesus Exaltation above all others at the Father's right hand

Ephesians 1:20–23 CSB

20 He exercised this power in Christ by raising him from the dead and seating him at his right hand in the heavens—21 far above every ruler and authority, power and dominion, and every title given, not only in this age but also in the one to come. 22 And he subjected everything under his feet and appointed him as head over everything for the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of the one who fills all things in every way.

It allowed Him to Prepare a place for us

A Favorite of mine - it allowed Him to prepare a place for us

John 14:2–3 LEB

2 In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places; but if not, I would have told you, because I am going away to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to myself, so that where I am, you may be also.

Joy

Amen

It indicated the beginning of His new work as High Priest (Hebrews 4:14-16) and Mediator of the new Covenant (Hebrews 9:15)

Jesus is there in Heaven speaking on our behalf and giving us mercy. For He knows what is like to be tempted. Left so that the HS God at work in this world now could come in fullness

So that all who believe would have the gift of the HS. Set the patter for his return. When Jesus comes He will return just as He left. In body, Physical and visibly in the clouds. The Wonderful Gift of Jesus' Ascension. He went up in the clouds and he will Return. Right now he is doing his work in heaven. And the holy spirit is doing his here now. But Jesus will return

Next Steps

So what does it matter to me?

How does this information affect me?

If you really believe this Then it changes the way you live. You don't live with out hope. You don't live without joy. You don't live without the knowledge that he will bring us to his big house in the sky

Live in the desire to purify your life. Difference between sinning and choosing to live in sin.

Are you ready

Pray