Jesus, our risen Savior, ascended to heaven to prepare a place for us there with Him.

 

THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES  1:1-11

 

In the first book, O Theophilus, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach, until the day when he was taken up, after he had given commands through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. He presented himself alive to them after his suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God.

 

And while staying with them he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, "you heard from me; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now."

 

So when they had come together, they asked him, "Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?" He said to them, "It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."  And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, and said, "Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven."

 

THE GOSPEL OF LUKE 24:49-53

 

Jesus said "And behold, I am sending the promise of my Father upon you. But stay in the city until you ware clothed with power from on high." And he led them out as far as Bethany, and lifting up his hands he blessed them. While he blessed them, he parted from them and was carried up into heaven. And they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, and were continually in the temple blessing God.

 

             

 

LESSON

 

After he died and rose again, Jesus taught his disciples for forty days. John indicates that the disciples understood things only after Jesus rose again. And Luke says Jesus spoke about the “kingdom of God”.

 

In Luke, some of the things that Jesus taught His disciples during the forty days before His ascension that all of the Scripture points to Him, that the Church, especially through the Office of the Ministry, proclaims repentance and the forgiveness of sins.

 

When Jesus ascended into Heaven, he did not leave his church. He may no longer be visibly present, but He is very much present in the baptizing and teaching, in the preaching of the Gospel, in the forgiving of sins and in Holy Communion.

 

Before ascending, Jesus promised to send the Holy Spirit to motivate us to witness, remain faithful, share God’s Word and lead a godly life.

 

PRAYER

 

Dear Jesus, you promised to be with us always by Your presence in Your Holy Word and Sacraments that strengthen and comfort us. Send Your Holy Spirit to us that we may boldly tell others what You have done for us. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.