Archive for the 'Bible Studies for Life' Category
The Ascension of Jesus Christ, One Like No Other
For around thirty-three years, Jesus lived on this earth fulfilling His Father’s will. His life was like no other. His death on the cross was a sacrificial death that paid the way for all who will be brought into God’s family. His death was like no other. Three days after dying on the cross, Jesus Christ rose victoriously from the dead, being the “firstborn from the dead.” His resurrection was like no other.
Sometimes Jesus’ return to heaven–called “the ascension”–feels more like a disappearing act. He was here one minute, then gone. Three years of ministry seemingly evaporated in a moment’s time. His disciples, having spent day-after-day, week-after-week, month-after-month walking dusty roads with their Rabbi, are left standing on a mountain as Jesus leaves them behind.
Although we don’t talk about it that much, His ascension was an ascension like no other.
Here One Minute, Gone the Next
Luke, the author of Acts, records the scene. Jesus promised again the presence of the Holy Spirit, whose coming was only a few days away. He then assured the gathered disciples of the power they would receive through the Spirit.
“After He had said this, He was taken up as they were watching, and a cloud took Him out of their sight. While He was going, they were gazing into heaven, and suddenly two men in white clothes stood by them. They said, ‘Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking up into heaven? This Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come in the same way that you have seen Him going into heaven” (1:9-11, HCSB).
Here one minute and gone the next.
Two Other Ascensions
There are two other ascensions in scripture. About Enoch, the Bible says, “So Enoch’s life lasted 365 years. Enoch walked with God; then he was not there because God took him.”1 A more descriptive ascension is that of Elijah, recorded in 2 Kings 2. As Elijah and Elisha were walking to Gilgal, the “time had come for the Lord to take Elijah up to heaven in a whirlwind.” Later, as they were approaching Jericho and in the presence of some 50 witnesses, “a chariot of fire with horses of fire suddenly appeared and separated the two of them. Then Elijah went up into heaven in the whirlwind.”2 This was certainly a spectacular ascension, prompting the late Rich Mullins to write, “When I leave, I want to go out like Elijah.”
An Ascension Like No Other
What makes Jesus’ ascension an ascension like no other? Very simply, it’s the reason He ascended. Jesus ascended to send the Spirit, to see the Father, and to intercede for us.
The sending of the Spirit was no small thing. Jesus had “previewed” the Spirit’s coming in John’s gospel.
Seeing the Father again had burned in the breast of Jesus since before His crucifixion. He prayed for His glory to be restored “in Your presence, with the glory I had with you.”3 From His throne beside the Father, Jesus intercedes for us.
Jesus’ ascension was not merely going to heaven like Enoch and Elijah. It was confirmation of His work and restoration of His glory. It truly was an ascension like no other.
Yours for the Great Commission,
Ronnie W. Floyd
Senior Pastor, Cross Church General Editor, Bible Studies for Life President, Southern Baptist ConventionReferences
1– Genesis 5:23, 24
2– 2 Kings 2:1, 7, 11
3– John 17:5
Jesus is Resurrected Like No Other
Have you ever been an eyewitness to an event? An automobile accident or a crime perhaps? Being the first on the scene can be a little disconcerting. Is anyone hurt? Has anyone been killed? Was anything important taken? Was anyone home?
Have you ever had to warn someone their house was on fire? Were you the first to see the smoke or flames? Did you have to bang on the door to get their attention or wake them from sleep?
There is Nothing More Powerful than Eyewitness Testimony
Have you ever been called to testify in court based on something you’d seen? Eyewitness testimony is critical to our system of justice.
Eyewitnesses often pass down information about historical events. The eyewitnesses to the Twin Towers being struck by airliners on 9/11 or the towers falling will tell their descendants. Captain “Sully” Sullenberger’s emergency water landing of US Airways Flight 1549 in New York’s Hudson River was repeated to news crews and on social media. I doubt those eyewitnesses will ever stop talking about it! Attending a presidential speech or inauguration or a memorable sporting event will be conversation fodder for weeks or months.
Eyewitnesses to Jesus Being Resurrected
Imagine then, if you had been an eyewitness to the resurrection of Jesus on that first Easter morning! What an amazing experience that would have been. As it is, we are given a record of multiple eyewitnesses to the risen Christ.
Matthew 28 speaks of the women who met an angel at the tomb of Jesus. The angel declared, “Don’t be afraid, because I know you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He is not here! For he has been resurrected, just as He said. Come and see the place where He lay.”1 Sometime later, two of Jesus’ disciples (most likely Peter and John) also came to the empty tomb.2 Mary Magdalene saw Jesus in the garden where the tomb was located.3 Jesus appeared to the disciples on three different occasions.4 Jesus appeared to Paul, and, according to Paul, to more than 500 people at once.5 The resurrected Jesus Christ was seen by hundreds of eyewitnesses. What an incredible event.
Because Jesus Lives, We Can Live Also
Beyond the history of the event, though, is the reality of how Jesus’ resurrection affects us today. While the cross provided payment for our sins, the resurrection brings us eternal life. It is in Jesus’ life that we have life. Because He lives, we too can live.
Our life in Him is what Jesus told Martha about before He raised Lazarus from the dead: “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in Me, even if he dies, will live. Everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die–ever. Do you believe this?”6 And that is the question for us all: Do you believe this?
Jesus’ resurrection like no other confirmed that His death was like no other. The spotless Lamb of God was crucified in my place and raised in victory to share life with us! We are now eyewitnesses to the resurrection life of Jesus Christ in our own lives.
Yours for the Great Commission,
Ronnie W. Floyd
Senior Pastor, Cross Church General Editor, Bible Studies for Life President, Southern Baptist ConventionReferences
1– Matthew 28:5-6
2– John 20:3-8
3– John 20:14-17
4– John 20:19-23; 20:26-29; 21:1-14
5– 1 Corinthians 15:3-8