Series: Through The Eyes Of Jesus [#7]
THE ASCENSION THROUGH THE EYES OF JESUS
Acts 1:1-11
Introduction:
Today officially ends the Easter Season. On Thursday, the ascension of Jesus into Heaven was celebrated. The ascension is the last, individual, event of the earthly Ministry of Jesus. It is the completion of the resurrection. The ascension happened 40 days after the resurrection and 10 days before Pentecost.
Acts 1:1-5 (NIV)
“In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. After his suffering, he showed himself to these men and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: "Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit."
The number 40 has significance. 40 represents a time of testing and judgment. At the end of these times of testing and difficulty, there is relief and blessing.
Acts 1:6-7 (NIV)
“So when they met together, they asked him, "Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?" He said to them: "It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority.”
Jesus saw…
1. Disciples who were not focused.
The Disciples were eager to know things that Jesus didn’t want them to be thinking about. Their focus was not where it was supposed to be. They were looking for signs for Jesus’ return- For the End Times. Jesus had told them to be ready when He returned; but He never told them when He would come back. That is up to God the Father.
Acts 1:8 (NIV)
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
Jesus saw…
2. Disciples who had to wait.
The Disciples were to wait for 10 days and then the Holy Spirit would come upon them. Jesus had explained to them that it was to their advantage when He left, so that they would have the Holy Spirit.
Acts 1:9-11 (NIV)
“After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. "Men of Galilee," they said, "why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven."
Jesus saw…
3. Disciples who had to say good-bye.
After spending every day with Jesus for 3 years, it was time for Jesus to ascend into Heaven. This had to be difficult. There are 3 things that happen when someone close leaves.
When someone that is close to us leaves…
? We share our emotions in the good-bye.
? We commit to keeping in touch.
? We make plans to see each other again.
Conclusion:
All of these things happen when we move or when there is a death of a Christian. The truth is, this wasn’t a good-bye; but a, “See you later”.
