Why the Ascension matters
Why the Ascension matters
HGL Notes for w/c 29th May Written by The Revd Malcolm Raby
Starter question: How did you celebrate Ascension Day (last Thursday)? If you did not celebrate it at all, why not?
READ Acts 1 verses 1-14
Some brief background notes
The opening paragraph makes it clear that this is a sequel. Volume 1 was Luke’s Gospel, now Luke wants to tell us what Jesus is continuing to do and teach – even though he only appears in the opening nine verses. Jesus is seen as King and Lord, not an increasingly distant memory but as a living and powerful reality – one to be known and loved; obeyed and followed; still at work in the world.
The disciples were asked to wait in Jerusalem (4). During this 50 day waiting period (before Pentecost) four important events took place:
1 They received their commission (6-8)
2 They saw Christ ascend into heaven (9-12)
3 They persevered in prayer (13-14)
4 They replaced Judas with Matthias as the 12th disciple (21-26)
Question: For what are the disciples eager and even impatient? How does Jesus deal with this?
Note particularly verse 6-8. They were expecting Jesus to be king in an earthly way and some even asked to have the top government jobs. Jesus would rule in Jerusalem; the nation of Israel would be restore to its former glory and rule over the world.
Jesus was Israel’s Messiah and king, but it was now up to his followers to go out as messengers/heralds/ambassadors, not as someone who may become king in the future but of the one who has already been enthroned. No wonder they were confused!
Can you think of a situation where you were eager to get started on something but had to wait? What was the value (if any) in waiting?
What do we learn about the nature of the kingdom of God (6-8)
It is spiritual in character. The disciples (now called apostles) would receive power, but not worldly power – they would receive the Holy Spirit. The values of God’s kingdom will collide with secular values.
It is international in its membership. The disciples still held to narrow, nationalistic expectations. As we read the book of Acts we see the gospel spreading far and wide. Race, nation, rank and sex should not be barriers to Christian fellowship.
It is gradual in its expansion. It is not for us to know God’s secret timing – but accept the power that would be given through the Holy Spirit. The disciples were to be his witnesses “to the ends of the earth” (8).
Is this commission still relevant today? What does it mean for us living in Ashtead in 2022?
Question: Can you imagine yourself witnessing Jesus’ ascension? What do you think, feel, say or do? What does it mean to say that Jesus has ascended to heaven?
Heaven is not a location within our own cosmos of space, time and matter. Heaven and earth are two halves of God’s created reality. Heaven is God’s dimension and earth is ours. Heaven may be our temporary home after we have died, but our final destination is a “new heaven and new earth” combined into one (Rev 21.1-4). Jesus’ risen body is the only one which is fully at home in both spheres, anticipating what will happen in the future – when Jesus will return = Jesus’ Second Coming.
To say Jesus was “taken up” (9) does not mean he headed out to somewhere in the universe – he went to God’s dimension. The disciples would have understood the cloud as a sign of God’s presence (cf Ex 14.19-24; 1 Chron 5.14).
(This is very much the view of Tom Wright and you might like to discuss whether members of the group agree with this interpretation)
LUKE ALSO RECORDS THE ASCENSION IN HIS GOSPEL (24.50-53) AND THERE ARE APPARENT CONTRADICTIONS. THIS IS NOT THE TIME OR PLACE TO GO INTO THIS BUT IT SEEMS REASONABLE TO CONCLUDE THAT LUKE “used his editorial freedom in selecting different details from the account or accounts he had heard , without wishing to repeat himself word for word” (John Stott).
Question: Many people today, even within the church, deny the historicity of the ascension. What is your view on this?
1 Miracles do not need precedents to validate them. “The fact that we can produce no analogies before or since confirms their truth, rather than undermining it.”
2 The ascension is assumed throughout the New Testament.
3 Luke tells the story with simplicity. There is no embroidery as is often found in legends; no evidence of poetry or symbolism. Luke intended his readers to accept it as a historical fact.
4 Luke mentions eye-witnesses and writes about what they saw with their own eyes.
5 What other explanation can be given for the ending of Jesus’ resurrection appearances?
6 Jesus deliberately chose a visible ascension because he wanted his disciples to know he had gone for good.
Question: We can read what the visible ascension did for the disciples – what can it do for us?
1 The assurance that Jesus will come again (11b). And when he does it will not be private but universal (Rev 1.7)
2 The mandate given then is still relevant now.
Question: Those first believers gave themselves single-heartedly to prayer (14). What do you think drove them to pray in this way? Do you experience times of intense prayer, and, if so, in what situations? What might “intense prayer” look like in the life of our church?
It is through worship and prayer that, while still on earth, we can begin to experience the life of heaven.
Question: What two characteristics of these prayers stand out?
1 Their prayer was UNITED.
2 Their prayer was PERSEVERING.
Jesus’ promises give us the permission to pray and the confidence that he will hear and answer.
PRAYER:
Perhaps a time of quiet reflection so people can give thanks for what they have learnt.
Prayer for the witness of our church:
· Sunday by Sunday as we worship in our various congregations.
· Pray that visitors (and regulars) will sense God’s presence.
· Pray for outreach initiatives through the life of our church.
Does your group support a particular mission partner? If not, would it be a good idea to do so?