The Ascension Of Jesus

Over the last few weeks since Easter, we have been looking at the events that transpired after the resurrection of Jesus. We considered the guards guarding the tomb. They were as close to being eyewitnesses to the actual resurrection as anyone. But they were bought off and they spread a lie the implicated themselves gravely and negatively, all for the love of money.

We looked at Thomas who would not believe the resurrection unless the evidence he demanded was set before him. Jesus appeared and say not to be unbelieving, but believing, and Jesus further said, “Blessed are those who have not seen yet have believed."

The Scripture tells us that while Jesus was stayed on earth for a period of time after the resurrection, in His resurrected and eternal body, He was seen by over 500 people at one time:

1 Corinthians 15:6 (NKJV) After that He was seen by over five hundred brethren at once, of whom the greater part remain to the present, but some have fallen asleep.

According to Acts 1:3, Jesus was walked this earth for forty days prior to ascending back to heaven. At some point, Jesus had to return. His glorified bodied was not for this earth. And so Jesus returned to heaven, but that is far from the end of the story.

One Bible Commentator wrote, "If the last mighty act of God had been the resurrection and ascension, today there would be no church. If the pattern outlined in the first chapter of Acts had continued, the apostles and others would never have left Jerusalem to witness. They would have formed a religious club, perhaps a "Jesus Memorial Society". Like other such groups, it would probably have had meetings, dues, minutes, and the usual club paraphernalia. In spite of valiant endeavors by loyal adherents to "keep the organization going," the band of believers in the Risen Jesus Christ would eventually have dwindled away and in time the memory of Jesus would have become an interesting footnote in the history books of the Middle East" [1]

Today, were are going to explore the significance of Jesus’ ascension, back to heaven. And as we will see, the mighty acts of God has only just begun.

Acts 1:9–11 (NKJV)

God’s mighty acts did not end when Jesus returned to heaven. In fact, you might say they had only just begun. When Jesus ascent to Heaven, at least 7 things where signified by His ascension:

1. Jesus earthly ministry of bring salvation is complete.

2. Jesus is at the right hand of the Father

3. Jesus bodily ascent means we will ascend like Him

4. Jesus is interceding for us.

5. The Helper/Comforter can come.

6. The work of Christ on Earth is place in the hands of the Church.

7. Jesus’ return will be like His departure.

Let’s go back and look at number one: 1.Jesus earthly ministry of bring salvation is complete.

Jesus completed all He came to do. He came as Savior and as Savior, He paid the penalty for our sins.

Mark 10:45 (NKJV) For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”

Jesus came to save.

John 3:17 (NKJV) For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.

His saving mission is complete. Next time He comes, it will be as Judge.

2. Jesus is at the right hand of the Father. This is the proof of His glorification. This is also proof that God accepted Jesus’ sacrifice for our sin on the cross. Jesus is at the place of prestige and honor – at the right hand of God. And being at the right hand of God, Jesus exercises dominion over all creation.

Ephesians 1:20–23 (NKJV) which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come. 22 And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, 23 which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.

Jesus is all in all. He is the Head and He is the Power. And being at the right hand of God, His name is above all names:

Philippians 2:9–11 (NKJV) 9 Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, 11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.