Dear Explorer,
Read Luke 24:50-53
It has been 40 days since the resurrection and Jesus had met with His disciples and apostles at various places and times. I assume that they had no clue that this would be a special day.
Where did this event (called the Ascension) take place?
If you recall, Bethany was the hometown of Lazarus and Mary and Martha, Jesus' close friends. So, the disciples had been here many times.
The text says that Jesus lifted up His hands to bless them and He began to rise up into the clouds.
But this time, the disciples had listened and were prepared. Instead of panic and chaos, they began to worship and praise God. Why?
I think they were praising God because they finally understood God's plan for their salvation, and they were excited to see each part of Jesus' predictions coming true. He had told them that He would return to the Father.
Now, Luke is the only writer to record the ascension. But Jesus had included this in His teachings that were recorded by other writers. Here's two examples of Jesus' teachings.
Read John 7:33
And
Read John 16:28
Luke adds some material to this story when He wrote a 2nd book about the beginning of the Early Church. This book is called The Acts of the Apostles, or just Acts.
Read Acts 1:9-11
What new information does Luke give us here?
Two angels appeared and spoke to the disciples.
What message did they give them?
Is that consistent with what we studied back on Day 247 about Jesus' 2nd coming?
Yes. We're told He will return from the clouds.
And we've been encouraged to watch for Him like a bride watches for her wedding day.
In His service, dale
Next study