[Part 17]

(Scripture: Acts 1:9-11)

JESUS OF NAZARETH:

HIS ASCENSION

 

Intro.

1.    We have recorded for us the greatest story ever told - the life of Jesus.

2.    We have seen this story unfold from OT predictions thru Jesus’ early years to His years of ministry, His sufferings, death and resurrection.

3.    Acts 1:9-11 - The ascension of Jesus into heaven should not be overlooked as a vital part of God's plan for our redemption.

4.    In triumph and glory, He miraculously ascended into heaven to take His rightful place as exalted Prophet, Priest and King.

 

I.    THE ASCENSION, Acts 1:9-11.

    A.    Occurred:

        1.    Bethany, Luke 24:50, cf. Acts 1:12 (Mt. of Olives)

        2.    While He blessed them, Luke 24:51.

            a.     Blessed (eulogeo) - "lit., to speak well of....to consecrate a thing with solemn prayers, to ask God's blessing on a thing" (Vine, I:132)

            b.     He was speaking words of comfort, strength and encouragement to them (cf. Acts 1:6-8).

        3.    In bodily form - Acts 1:9.

            a.     His body (which was lit. resurrected is taken up, Luke 24:39-43).

            b.     Miraculous occurrence.

 

II.    ASCENSION OF JESUS WAS NECESSARY AS:

    A.    A Proof of His Messiahship, John 6:62.

        1.    cf. v. 33, 35, 38, 60 - Bread of life from heaven - Hard to accept.

            a.     v. 62 - His ascension would also offend them.

            b.     Acts 7:55-58 - Were enraged - Rejected the evidence.

        2.    Luke 24:52-53 - His ascension gave disciples assurance and peace.

    B.    His Ascension Enabled the Sending of the Holy Spirit, John 16:5-7.

        1.    v. 7 - Advantageous and profitable - Promise of Holy Spirit could be fulfilled.

        2.    16:13 - God's final revelation made available with His ascension.

        3.    Acts 2:33 - Fulfillment of John 16:7.

        4.    Eph. 4:8-11- Without ascension, the things (gifts) needed to give final revelation and maturity (v. 12-13) would not have been provided.

    C.    It Was Necessary in Order for Jesus to be King Over His Kingdom, Mark 16:19.

        1.    "Right hand of God" - Position of favor, trust and power - Acts 2:33.

        2.    Dan. 7:13-14 - Daniel’s vision prophesied this event.

        3.    In this place of exaltation:

            a.     He received His rule - Eph. 1:20-23 - All authority - King now.

            b.     Fulfilled prophecy - Acts 2:34-36 (Psa. 110:1).

        4.    Submit to His authority.

    D.    It Was Necessary in Order for Him to Serve as High Priest Over the House of God, Heb. 4:14.

        1.    Offer Himself as sacrifice for sins - Heb. 9:24, 11-12.

        2.    At God's right hand, He intercedes (pleads our cause) for us - Heb. 9:24; 7:25.

        3.    He offers continual help to overcome sin - Heb. 4:16.

    E.    His Ascension Enabled Him to Prepare a Place for His Disciples, John 14:1-3.

        1.    Preparations: Receive His rule; Send Holy Spirit with all truth; Serve as High Priest by offering Himself; intercessory work.

        2.    W/o ascension, heavenly dwelling-place would not be available.

    F.    His Ascension Strengthens the Christian's Hope, Acts 1:10-11.

        1.    John 14:3 - Promised it - Angels confirmed it.

        2.    John 17:24 - Jesus prayed that we might be with Him and behold His glory.

        3.    1 Thess. 4:13, 16-17 - The Christian's hope.

 

Conclusion

1.    1 Tim. 3:16 - Received up into glory. Must revere His honored position.

2.    His ascension persuades us to appreciate our salvation, for without it:

    a.    Wouldn’t have all truth to guide us.

    b.    Couldn’t be in His kingdom (no king).

    c.    Wouldn’t have a High Priest interceding for us.

    d.    No place prepared for us.

    e.    No hope of seeing His glory and being in God’s presence eternally.

3.    He has done so much for us: What will we do for Him?