Ascension, Luke 24:50-53

This post concerns the ascension of Jesus back to heaven.

Ascension discusses the significance of Jesus returning to heaven, Luke 24:50-53. “Then he led them out as far as a Bethany, and lifting up his hands he blessed them. While he blessed them, he parted from them… carried up into heaven. And they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy and were continually in the temple blessing God.”

This ascension was the completion of God’s plan for Jesus on this earth. The Old Testament prophecies said that the Messiah would come, preach, be arrested, crucified, and then undergo resurrection. God did not intend that the Messiah become a king, lead an army, and continue to provide for and protect the twelve chosen apostles. Jesus had earlier promised the baptism of the Holy Spirit as an aid or helper so that the apostles could serve as effective witnesses of His resurrection. But His continual presence and provision for their physical necessities were not promised. They would have to provide for themselves.

Earlier, Jesus had authorized the use of swords for defense and not offense.

Note the reaction of the apostles as Jesus ascended back to the Father. They were joyful and offered no complaints or tears.

The apostles seemed to understand that Jesus was going back to the Father. So, they worshipped Him.

When the apostles returned to Jerusalem, they assembled in the temple blessing God. In this natural religious setting, they worshipped God for all He had accomplished by sending the Messiah.

So, what did we learn?

1.The return of Jesus by ascension was the completion of the work on earth of the Messiah.

2.The apostles returned to Jerusalem to await the next step in the unfolding plan of God for salvation.

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