The Ascended Christ

WHERE IS JESUS?

What's He Doing Now?


JESUS WAS RECEIVED UP INTO HEAVEN

So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen. Mark 16:19-20


  1. Did Jesus arrive safely in heaven?
  2. What kind of position does the right hand of God signify?
  3. What affect did Christ’s Ascension have on the disciples?
  4. What affect does Christ’s Ascension have on you?


Our Lord was received up into heaven forty days after his Resurrection. This is called the Ascension of our Lord. Where is Jesus right now? Jesus Christ is in heaven. This tells us the certain facts that Christ is alive and that heaven is a real place. Christ was previously in heaven and then came to earth to purchase our pardon from sin. When his payment for our sin was complete he was received back into heaven from which he came. The Heavenly Father received him back into heaven, meaning his sacrifice for sin was accepted. Christ returned to his honored position of authority at the right hand of God the Father. His disciples were so glad and grateful for their Lord and for his work on their behalf, they went and preached that good news everywhere. May we likewise comprehend and appreciate our Lord's Ascension and proclaim that good news.

 

JESUS WAS CARRIED UP INTO HEAVEN

And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them. And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven. And they worshiped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy: And were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God. Amen. Luke 24:50-53


  1. Did Jesus arrive safely in heaven?
  2. What results did Christ’s Ascension have on the disciples?
  3. What results does Christ’s Ascension have on you?


When his work on earth was complete, Jesus was carried up into heaven. Heaven is a real place and those who trust Christ as Saviour can look forward to being there with Him. The disciples worshiped Christ. This worship is proper because Christ is God. Christ and His Ascension caused the early Christians to have great joy and great praise unto God. May we also find great joy in the Lord and give praise unto our wonderful Saviour.

 

JESUS FORTELLS HIS ASCENSION

Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away. Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master. Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I [will] ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God. Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that he had spoken these things unto her. John 20:15-18


  1. Did Jesus tell of his soon Ascension into heaven?
  2. Why did Jesus not ascend into heaven until after His Resurrection?
  3. What new relationship do believers now have with God due to Christ?
  4. What affect did the resurrected Christ have on Mary Magdalene?
  5. What affect does the resurrected Christ have on you?


The Lord told of his Ascension even before it happened. His word is true. Later in the the narrative we find the Lord's words come to pass and he goes up into heaven. The Lord stays on earth after his Resurrection long enough to show himself to his disciples. This gives evidence of him raising from the dead and gives assurance to his followers. Now, believers in Christ have a new relationship with God. May gratitude for his Resurrection (and Ascension) cause us to be excited about serving our Lord and proclaiming His wonderful name.

 

JESUS RIGHT NOW INTERCEDES FOR HIS OWN

My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:1 John 2:1


  1. What is the significance of having Jesus our advocate in heaven?
  2. Do we need an advocate?
  3. What kind of an advocate is Jesus?


Right now believers have an Advocate in heaven. Our Advocate is Jesus Christ the righteousness one. Advocate means a go-between, an intercessor. While Christians are delivered from sin due to our position in Christ, in practice we can still sin. One reason Jesus went to heaven was to become our Advocate. We need a perfect intercessor because we still sin. Our righteous intercessor pleads our Heavenly Father on our behalf. Jesus is the perfect intercessor because he is completely righteous. May we always have thankful hearts for our wonderful Advocate, Jesus Christ the Righteous.

 

James Utter