Series Big Idea: "Unpacking the book of Acts and the amazing spread of the gospel and the kingdom of God"

Sermon Big Idea: "The ascension of Jesus is part of the foundation for Christian hope, mission, and expectant living"

Key Scripture (Acts 1:9-11)

The New Testament speaks of a man named Luke who was a gentile physician by trade and was considered by the Apostle Paul to be a coworker, as he occasionally traveled with Paul on his journeys. The books of Luke and Acts are anonymous but ever since the end of the second century this Luke of the New Testament was thought to be the author of both books. It is in his second writing, the Book of Acts, we will turn our focus.

Acts describes the transition in biblical Christian history of how God works in the world. Up until this point in Christian history, God had been working through the nation Israel (His chosen people). But in Acts there is a transition that occurs. After Jesus’ ascension, in which we will discuss today, God began a new work in the world through a new entity know as the Church, laying aside His chosen people only for a while. The Church would be composed of both Jews and Gentiles into one body on equal footing.

(Acts 1:1-8)

9 After He said this, He was taken up as they were watching, and a cloud took Him out of their sight. 10 While He was going, they were gazing into heaven, and suddenly two men in white clothes stood by Him. 11 They said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking up into heaven? This Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come in the same way that you have seen Him going into heaven.”

Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, Luke wrote the Book of Luke to record the events of the life of Christ from birth to the ascension in order to show that Gentiles are included in God’s Kingdom program (Acts 1:1-2). Acts is a continuation of that purpose. It is as if he is saying now, I am going to show you how the gospel went from Jerusalem to the entire world.

Last week in the first eight verses of Acts we saw that we as His followers are a part of Jesus’ ongoing ministry and are empowered by Christ’s Holy Spirit to be His witnesses. Our passage focus today centers on the event of His ascension back into heaven. For sure the ascension is not a topic that is given much attention in churches today. This event is not just a historical footnote of Christianity; it’s a cornerstone of our theology, giving us insights into Christ’s authority, His promise of return, and our mission as His followers. As we dive into these verses, I want to point out two assurances that the ascension of Christ provides for our faith, His mission and our hope of His return.

First, we see The Significance of Christ’s Departure. I want you to imagine that you are standing there with the disciples on the Mount of Olives, watching as Jesus, having spoken His final words, is lifted up into the sky until a cloud hides Him from view. True, the scene must have been spectacular, but more than that it was signifying Jesus’ departure from His earthly ministry and His return to the heavenly realm.

In Jewish culture, clouds often symbolized the presence of God (Exodus 13:21-22). Jesus’ ascension on a cloud would have solidified His divine identity and authority in the minds of His disciples and it should give us assurance of Christ’s divine nature. All this would have affirmed His earthly mission being complete. This transition was from His physical presence among His followers to His exaltation at the right hand of the Father (Luke 22:69; Acts 2:32-35; 7:56).

Next, we see The Promise of Christ’s Return. The two angels who appeared to His disciples gave them an encouraging message. They assured them that His return would be in the same manner as they saw Him leave, with power and glory. This wasn’t just a promise of future hope but a source of assurance and anticipation for the early Church, as well as for us today. Their anticipation of His return mirrored Jewish expectations of the Messiah’s triumphant coming predicted in the Old Testament (Daniel 7:13-14). It would have resonated with them deeply, offering them hope in the middle of their persecution and trials. We draw encouragement from this event as well today to live with expectancy, knowing that Christ’s return is certain and will bring ultimate fulfillment of God’s kingdom.

Conclusion

My prayer today is that as His disciples, we embrace the reality of the ascension of Christ. Let’s eagerly anticipate his return. May our hearts be filled with hope and our lives be lived in faithful obedience to Christ’s call to go into all the world empowered by His Holy Spirit to fulfill the mission He passed along to us, to proclaim the good news of His salvation to all nations.

Pastor Beaver's thoughts and ideas are inspired by:

Holman Christian Standard Bible

English Standard Version Bible

King James Version Bible

Christian Standard Bible

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