Ascension

Welcome. 

I began writing this blog on my own studies of Luke almost three years ago, and this will bring this study to its conclusion. Here is Luke 24:51-53:

50 Jesus led them out from there to Bethany.  Then he lifted his hands and blessed them. 51  As he was blessing them, he left them and was lifted up into Heaven. 52 They worshiped him, but then they returned to Jerusalem with great joy, 53 and they continually went to the temple to praise God. 

Luke concludes his Gospel with a brief account of Jesus’ ascension into Heaven.  He gives a more detailed account in Acts 1, but that is also rather brief.  Luke is the only Gospel writer who tells us about the ascension into Heaven.  Matthew has the apostles meet Jesus in Galilee, where Jesus meets them on the mountainside and he gives them the Great Commission.  The Ascension is not mentioned.

Acts 1:3 tells us that Jesus spent forty days between the Resurrection and the Ascension into Heaven, giving proof that he had risen.  Luke’s Gospel deals with that forty days in just a few verses.  One can assume that Jesus spent much of it with his apostles, explaining, teaching and preparing them, with a trip to Galilee thrown in there, but, again, Luke gives very little detail.  

In verse 50, Jesus lifts up his hands and blesses his disciples.  After blessing them, he ascends, to go into Heaven and sit at the Father’s right hand.  

The disciples, being allowed to see one more amazing miracle, respond in what must have been the natural way, they worship Jesus.  They return from Bethany to Jerusalem with great joy, praising God and continue to do so in the temple in Jerusalem.  

We know from Acts 1 that they are soon to be filled with the Holy Spirit and they become changed men.  Having been with Jesus throughout his ministry, they praised and worshiped the Messiah, Jesus Christ.  

Having done a thorough investigation of Jesus, Luke tells his story.  Like the apostles it is clear that Luke praises and worships Jesus, as well.  Luke presents the story of Jesus for all, so that we can praise and worship the Messiah, too.  Jesus is alive offering hope and blessing to all who are willing to respond to his message of love and forgiveness. 

So, there you go. This is the end of this journey through the Gospel of Luke.  My understanding of who Jesus is, has grown greatly, and I have benefitted tremendously from my journey. I hope that you, reader, have benefitted as well.