Unit 8 - The Coming of Jesus - Resurrection & Ascension (Part 2)

  • Overview of the Final Command: Shortly before His ascension into heaven, Jesus issued a specific command to the apostles—often referred to as the Great Commission—which provides a comprehensive outline for what He expected of His apostles and subsequent followers during His physical absence. This command emphasizes not only the importance of evangelism but also the methodology of nurturing new believers through baptism and teaching.

  • The Great Commission (Matthew 28:16−2028:16-20):
      - Geographic Directive: Jesus instructed His 1111 disciples to travel to a designated mountain in Galilee, a location symbolically significant as it represents a place of revelation and instruction.
      - Initial Reactions: Upon their arrival and seeing Him resurrected, the disciples worshipped Him, yet it is noted that "some doubted," which highlights the human struggle with faith even in the presence of Jesus.
      - The Commandment Core: Jesus approached them and directed them to go and make disciples of all nations, emphasizing the universality of His message and mission. This encompasses not just a passive invitation but a proactive approach to engaging all peoples.   - Sacramental Instruction: They were commanded to baptize these new followers in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—this triune formula reveals the foundational Christian understanding of God’s nature. The phrase “noted in text fragment as 911extext911 ext{ext}” implies the scholarly reference for deeper study.
      - Discipleship and Obedience: The instruction outlines that disciples were to be taught to observe all commands (noted as "ycommands.A"), integrating moral teachings and the ethical life expected of followers. This reflects the comprehensive nature of their responsibility.   - The Promise of Presence: Jesus concludes His mandate with the assurance of His perpetual presence: "And behold I am with you always, to the end of the age" (Matthew 28:19−2028:19-20). This statement is a profound comfort for believers throughout the generations, reinforcing the belief in His spiritual guidance and involvement.

The Ascension of Jesus into Heaven

  • Scriptural Documentation: The details of the ascension are elaborately recorded in Luke 24:50−5324:50-53 and Acts 1:4−111:4-11, where both the physical and theological significance of this event is addressed. The record emphasizes the transition from Jesus’ earthly ministry to the divine mission of spreading the gospel.

  • The Promise of Empowerment: Before ascending, Jesus informed the 1111 disciples that they would receive power specifically "When the Holy Spirit has come upon you" (Acts 1:81:8). This promise was pivotal, as it provided the transformative force necessary for the apostles to fulfill the Great Commission.

  • Geographic Scope of Witnessing: Jesus delineated a specific path for the dissemination of His message:
      - Jerusalem: The starting point representing the heart of Jewish faith.
      - All Judea: The surrounding region where the gospel must first penetrate.
      - Samaria: This inclusion represents a significant breakthrough in breaking down ethnic and religious barriers, showcasing the universal nature of Christ's message.
      - To the end of the earth: This phrase illustrates the expansive reach of the gospel transcending national and cultural boundaries.

  • The Act of Ascension: Following these instructions, while the disciples were actively observing, Jesus was "taken up into heaven," emphasizing the supernatural nature of His departure and the fulfillment of prophecies concerning His ascension.

  • The Cloud: A cloud enveloped Him, symbolizing divine presence and a transition between the earthly and the heavenly realms, indicating Jesus’ exaltation.

  • The Appearance of the Two Men: As the disciples remained "gazing at what they had seen," two men appeared in white robes, an angelic presence often symbolizing heavenly messengers and continuity of the divine mission.

  • The Inquiry and the Prophecy: These two men questioned the disciples about their fixation on the sky, querying why they were standing there, and providing a prophetic assurance regarding Jesus' return, suggesting the expectancy of His second coming in glory and power.

  • The Nature of the Second Coming: The men in white confirmed that Jesus would return "the same way" He had departed, affirming both the literal and theological significance of His ascension, which underlines the believer’s hope in His return.

Post-Ascension Actions and Worship

  • Immediate Response of the Disciples: After witnessing the ascension, the 1111 disciples engaged in 33 distinct actions:
      1. They returned to Jerusalem specifically with "great joy," showcasing their faith and newfound vigor for the mission ahead.
      2. They worshipped Him, reaffirming their commitment and reverence for Jesus.
      3. They remained in the Temple, specifically "praising God," indicating their public witness and the importance of communal worship in the early Church.

Theological Limits on the Timing of the Return

  • The Principle of Knowledge: According to Matthew 24:3624:36, there is a strict limit on who possesses knowledge regarding the timing of the Second Coming, emphasizing an essential element of faith—the necessity of readiness and vigilance.

  • Universal Ignorance of the Day and Hour:
      - "Nobody" on earth knows when Jesus will return, emphasizing the profound mystery surrounding the second coming.
      - Not even the "angels in heaven" are privy to this information, enhancing the importance of human readiness.
      - The text emphasizes that concerning that "day and hour nobody knows," urging believers to remain watchful and faithful in their daily lives, cultivating a preparedness for His eventual return.