Luke 31

TEXT: Luke 24:49-53 

JESUS’ LAST MOMENTS ON EARTH:

1.    The command to stay with it.

a.    Luke 24:49

2.    They were led by Jesus to the ascension place. 

a.    Luke 24:50a 

b.    Jesus ascends from a place of relationship and miracles.

3.    The approach of Jesus ascending.

a.    Luke 24:50

b.    Jesus’ parting gesture was to bless, not chastise, all the disciples that were there. 

c.     Numbers 6:24-26

4.    The ascension happened during His blessing over them.

a.    Luke 24:51

b.    Jesus ascends as King, Savior, and High Priest. 

5.    The reality and visibility of the ascension.

a.    Acts 1:9-11 

b.    Important to know: This was physical and bodily.

c.     The ascension is not symbolic—it is historical and literal.

d.    In Scripture, a cloud often represents the glory of God: Shekinah.

e.    This gives us certainty and great hope.

6.    The ascension was necessary.

a.    John 16:7

b.    No ascension, no Pentecost.

7.    The worshipful response was surprising and powerful.

a.    Luke 24:52-53

This is different that the responses the disciples had previously:

b.    At the cross they had fear.

c.     At the tomb they had confusion.

d.    At the ascension they had joy.

8.    The ascension meaning for the church today.

Because Jesus ascended:

a.    We have a heavenly advocate.

b.    We have access to God.

c.     We have authority in His name.

d.    We have the promise of power.

e.    We have a coming King.