Jim Stephens' Gracenotes from Resource Ministries International

Jesus Ascends To Heaven

ByJim Stephens

Scripture: Luke 24:44-53

44 Then he said, “When I was with you before, I told you that everything written about me in the law of Moses and the prophets and in the Psalms must be fulfilled.” 45 Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures. 46 And he said, “Yes, it was written long ago that the Messiah would suffer and die and rise from the dead on the third day. 47 It was also written that this message would be proclaimed in the authority of his name to all the nations, beginning in Jerusalem: ‘There is forgiveness of sins for all who repent.’ 48 You are witnesses of all these things. 49 “And now I will send the Holy Spirit, just as my Father promised. But stay here in the city until the Holy Spirit comes and fills you with power from heaven.” 50 Then Jesus led them to Bethany, and lifting his hands to heaven, he blessed them. 51 While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up to heaven. 52 So they worshiped him and then returned to Jerusalem filled with great joy. 53 And they spent all of their time in the Temple, praising God. Luke 24:44–53 (NLT)

Matthew’s account – Jesus meets his eleven disciples in Galilee on a mountain, gives the Great Commission. Ascension to heaven not mentioned. (Matthew 28:16-20).

Mark’s account – At an unspecified location, Jesus gives the Great Commission and ascends to heaven (Mark 16:15-20).

Luke’s account – Jesus leads his disciples to Bethany and ascends to heaven. (Luke 24:50-53). See also Acts 1:6-12. Mt of Olives – Bethany.

John’s account – None. Implied throughout the Gospel.

Only two of the Gospels, Mark and Luke, mention Jesus’ Ascension to Heaven. John implies it throughout his Gospel. Matthew ends his Gospel with the Great Commission.

These things are clear from Luke’s account of the Ascension:

  • Everything that Jesus said and did fulfilled the prophecies of the Scriptures.
  • The message of forgiveness of sins will be proclaimed with Christ’s authority to all the nations.
  • The disciples, and we, their successors, are witnesses of these things and our mission is to tell what we know and have experienced of forgiveness and new life everywhere.
  • They were to wait in Jerusalem to receive the Holy Spirit filling of power. That promise was fulfilled ten days later at Pentecost and continues to the present day.

Prayer:

Father, Thank you for sending your Son to be the Savior of the World and the King of the Kingdom. Thank you for including us among the saved and the messengers of the Kingdom! We desire and receive your Spirit’s power, gifting, and guidance! Amen!