CENTRAL THOUGHT
The ascension of the Lord Jesus Christ is a historical fact that is well documented in scripture.
HYMN: “Fade, fade, each earthly joy; Jesus is mine”
TEXT: Luke 24: 50-53; Acts 1:9-11
INTRODUCTION
The Lord Jesus was born, lived, died, and rose again from the dead, all in fulfillment of Biblical prophecies concerning Him and to bring about man’s full redemption. After the resurrection, He spent forty days on earth and appeared to many people. Finally, He ascended to heaven.
The ascension is that event in which the Lord Jesus departed from the earth visibly and entered into heaven. He came to the earth as the baby born in a manger but left the earth as the exalted conqueror. The Ascension is a historical fact that is well documented in scriptures. It’s manner and benefits will be the focus of this lesson.
LESSON OBJECTIVES
The objectives of this lesson include:
a. To identify some of the persons that Christ appeared to after His resurrection.
b. To examine the manner of His Ascension and determine any similarities with His second advent.
c. To know the benefits of the Ascension.
BIBLE TRUTH
Q1. IDENTIFY SOME OF THE PERSONS CHRIST APPEARED TO AFTER HIS RESURRECTION (Mark 16:9-14)
The Lord Jesus appeared to individuals and groups after His resurrection. The list includes:
a. Mary Magdalene
She was the first person that saw the Lord after His resurrection. She had come to the sepulcher (where the Lord was buried) early in the morning in her mourning to further anoint the body of the Lord. However, she met an empty grave and while wondering what happened, the Lord appeared to her and revealed Himself to her. She was the first to carry the good news of the resurrection.
b. The Ten Disciples
Excluding Thomas Didymus. Mary Magdalene took the news of the resurrection to the Disciples where they were all gathered. As they wondered about what they had heard, the Lord also appeared unto them (Mark 16:9-14).
c. Thomas Didymus
When Thomas came, the other disciples told Him of the Master’s resurrection, and, that in fact, He had appeared to them. Thomas expressed his doubts. In order to deal with His doubts, the Lord appeared to him (John 20:24-29).
d. Cleopas and the other disciple on the way to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-35).
Cleopas and another disciple on the way to Emmaus discussed the recent events in Jerusalem which had troubled their minds and brought them much distress. Perhaps the decision to go to Emmaus was a way to soothe their confounded hearts. However, on the way, the Lord appeared to them and they quickly returned to Jerusalem to tell the other disciples.
e. Others
Many other people saw the Lord after His resurrection. For example, 1 Cor. 15:6 declares “After that, He was seen of about five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present but some are fallen asleep”. Also, in Acts 1:3-9, the 12 disciples saw Him. He also appeared to James (1 Cor. 15:7) and also years later to Paul (Acts 9:1-9).
These appearances to different people at different times further buttress the fact of the Lord’s resurrection. He spent the period on earth after His resurrection strengthening the disciples and expounding to them the things “pertaining to the kingdom of God” (Acts 1:3).
Q2. WHAT WAS THE MANNER OF HIS ASCENSION? (Mark 16:19-20; Luke 24:50-53; Acts 1:9)
The ascension of the Lord Jesus was a physical occurrence. He gathered His disciples together in Bethany and discussed with them the things of the kingdom, answering some questions the disciples asked Him. Finally, “And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven.” (Luke 24:51). They saw Him physically go into heaven.
There is a similarity between the manner of His ascension and the Second Advent. The Second Advent will also be physical. The Lord will be seen physically descending to the earth. Acts 1:10-11 states “And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold two men stood by them in white apparel; which also said, ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen Him go into heaven”.
Q3. WHAT ARE SOME OF THE BENEFITS OF THE ASCENSION?
The benefits of the ascension are revealed to us in the scripture. In John 14:1-3 we are made to understand that there are many mansions in the kingdom and He the Lord is preparing specific places for every disciple. Again, He needed to ascend back to heaven so that the Holy Spirit (comforter) will come to the believers on earth (John 16:7). Also by His ascension to heaven, gifts were given to men on earth (Eph. 4:8). In addition, the Lord ascended into heaven and is in the presence of the Father as our Advocate and Intercessor.
Obviously, the benefits of the ascension are too numerous to mention. A fact so clearly revealed in scripture is that all that happened to the Lord was to guarantee the full redemption of man.
DAILY LIVING APPLICATION
The ascension was indeed a reality, a physical occurrence witnessed by many. The Lord entered into His glory with power and authority and He will return to the earth as the Judge of all nations. Are you a believer? The times we are in are times we believers must walk closely with God. On the other hand, are you an unbeliever or one of those that doubt some of these events recorded in scripture? A proper counsel to you is that you should do away with unbelief, repent, and turn to the Lord Jesus who alone can save you from God’s wrath. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God (Heb. 10:31).
Memory verse
Luke 24:51
“And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven.”
DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE:
Monday: The Lord’s resurrection.
Matthew 28:1
Tuesday: The Lord appears to the disciples.
John 20:19-23
Wednesday: The Lord appears to Thomas Didymus.
John 20:24-29
Thursday: The Lord, speaker of the things of the kingdom.
Acts 2:3, 6-8
Friday: The Lord’s ascension.
Mark 16:19-20; Luke 24:50-53; Acts 1:9
Saturday: The Blessings of the Lord’s ascension.
John 16:7; Acts 2:33; Heb 7:25