Seeing Jesus Ascended

The Gospel account of Luke concludes with Jesus’ ascension to the Father. What happened here and what does it mean for us to know and see that Jesus ascended to the Father’s right hand? (Luke 24:50-53 & Acts 1:1-12)

Sermon Outline

“While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven.” (Luke 24:51)

What Happened at the Ascension? (Luke 24:50-53, Acts 1:1-12)

  • The accounts in Luke and Acts
  • The action of Jesus
  • The biblical background on the ascension:
    • First humans and the Garden of Eden
    • Moses and Mount Sinai
    • The Tabernacle ad the Temple
    • Israel and the Psalms of Ascent
    • The new heaven and the new earth
  • The overlapping of heaven and earth

3 Reasons Jesus’ Ascension is Significant

  • Jesus’ ascension confirms Jesus’ enthronement with the Father
  • Jesus’ ascension opens a way to God and reveals Jesus’ eternal intercession for us
  • Jesus’ ascension anticipates Jesus’ eventual return

Learning to See Jesus Ascended

  • Entering the way to God opened by Jesus for us
  • Trusting the intercessory ministry of Jesus on our behalf
  • Living upon earth in the presence and power of the Holy Spirit within us

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

  1. When have you experienced a profound “goodbye” or “departure” of someone? What did that mean to you?
  2. This week we conclude our sermon series, “Seeing Jesus for the First Time,” by looking at the story of Jesus’ ascension in Luke 24:50-53. Whether on your own or with others, begin your study in prayer, asking God to speak to you, and then read that passage aloud.
  3. Background: This story is unique to the writing of Luke, both in the Gospel of Luke and the book of Acts. There are some debates about how Luke 24 fits together with Acts, but in this study we will treat the ascension accounts in both places as referring to one event. You may want to read Acts 1:1-11 for further background.
  4. What stands out to you about Jesus’ action with His disciples in verse 50?
  5. Why do you think Jesus wanted to bless His followers? What do you think it would mean to them to be blessed by Jesus in this way?
  6. Both in Luke 24:49 and Acts 1:4-8, Jesus tells His disciples to wait in Jerusalem after He departs. What is the reason they should wait according to these passages?
  7. There are a few passages of Scripture that speak of Jesus’ ministry after the ascension. What do you glean about Jesus’ ministry from the following verses? (Romans 8:34 • Ephesians 1:19-23 • Colossians 3:1 • Hebrews 1:3 • Hebrews 7:25 • Hebrews 10:12)
  8. What is one thing God speaking to you personally through this week’s study? If you are with a small group, discuss that with one another and then pray about what you shared. If you are on your own, write it down, pray about it, and consider sharing your thoughts with someone this week.

DIG DEEPER

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