The Ascension of Jesus

Sunday, April 27^th 2025

 Acts 1:6-11

 Introduction

“The resurrection requires an ascension to be completed.” Garrett Dawson

 Jesus Ascended and Was Seated to Reign and Rule Over All

 Trust God’s Timing (Acts 1:6-7)

“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.’”

 The disciples still didn’t fully understand the nature of Jesus’ kingdom. They were hoping for political power and national restoration. They wanted immediate results.

Jesus lovingly corrects them. The timing of God's plans belongs to the Father. His purposes are higher. His schedule is perfect.

 Be Empowered for God’s Mission (Acts 1:8)

“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.”

 Jesus shifts their focus from a political kingdom to a spiritual mission. The ascension was not the end — it was the beginning of global mission. The ascension means Jesus rules from heaven but works through His people on earth.

 III. Jesus Ascended to Reign and Rule (Acts 1:9-11)

“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.”

 Lifted up means to lift up, hold up 

The ascension like the resurrection was an act of the Father, who first raised Jesus from the dead and then exalted Him to heaven.

 Cloud is a diminutive of nephos and thus refers to a small cloud. Nephos is repeatedly associated with appearances of God.

 “The royal chariot was sent for him.” Chrysostom

The ascension concluded Jesus earthly ministry but inaugurated his heavenly ministry! The climax of the ascension is the session (seating) of the exalted Lord Jesus!

 The ascension and seating confirmed His exaltation by the Father! 

“…that he (God) worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. And he put all thing under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.” Ephesians 1:20-23

The ascension and seating of Jesus is the apex of His victory! Jesus has won total victory over sin, death and over all evil forces…Satan and his minions!

“Therefore it says, When he ascended on high he led a host of captives, and he gave gifts to men.” Ephesians 4:8

 “He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.” Colossians 2”15

 The ascension and seating of Jesus opened the door for the Holy Spirit to come!

“Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you.” John 16:7

 Jesus had to ascend so the Holy Spirit could descend!

 The ascension and seating of Jesus empowers us for the Great Commission.

“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.” Acts 1:8

 The ascension and seating of Jesus opens the door for intercession for us! If there is no ascension and seating, there is NO Intercessor!

“Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God though him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.” Hebrews 7:25

 The ascension and seating set the model for His return!

“This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.” Acts 1:11

 He now sits at the right hand of the Father — the position of supreme authority. He rules over every nation, every leader, and every event. But the angel gives the disciples a promise — “This Jesus…will come in the same way.” Visibly. Bodily. Powerfully. Philippians 2:5-11

 Conclusion

The ascension and seating of Jesus is not just a moment of departure — it is a declaration of victory. Jesus rules and reigns today!