Harmony of the Gospels

184. Jesus’ ascension- Mark 16:19-20, Luke 24:50-53

 

-The book of Acts gives us more detail into the ascension of Christ Jesus, but two of the gospel writers make short mention of it for our edification and knowledge (Mark 16:19-20, Luke 24:50, Acts 1:6-12). Mark makes note that He gave them some final instructions and the commission to go into the world with His message to all creation with great power and signs (Mark 16:14-18, 20). He was taken up into Heaven and sat down at the Right Hand of God. After the ascension the disciples went out and preached everywhere just as God had commanded. He was with them in Spirit just as He had promised (Matthew 28:20, John 14:16-17). Luke speaks of the blessing He bestowed upon the disciples as He left earth. He was carried up into Heaven at this point. Afterward, the disciples returned to Jerusalem with great joy and were continually in the Temple area blessing God and expressing His truth living lives of worship (Luke 24:52-53). *Application* The Lord’s ascension completes His first journey to earth, and the mission for the remission of mankind’s sins was made possible by His gracious and sacrificial work. His return allowed for the sending of the Holy Spirit in this current age of the church, His body, who is to proclaim His good news and spread the Kingdom of God in this generation, or age, until His return (Acts 1:10-11). We are to always live our lives in Him on purpose and on mission to fulfill His will, His way. We are to lay our lives down, as He did, as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable, which is our spiritual act of worship. Our minds are to be transformed with the renewing of His continual presence. We are not to be conformed to this world with its evil practices and its death. In doing this we fulfill and prove the perfect will of God (Romans 12:1-2). To God be the glory forever and ever, Amen (Philippians 4:20, 1 Peter 4:11, Jude 1:25, Revelation 1:6)!

 

Verses to Memorize- Luke 24:51-53