The last four verses of the Gospel of Luke describe Christ’s last meeting in the flesh with His 11 disciples (Judas was no longer with them). They were meeting together in Jerusalem to discuss the events of recent days – Christ’s trial and crucifixion, His resurrection, and the fact that He had commissioned them to carry the gospel to the ends of the earth. Suddenly Jesus appeared among them.
It wasn’t long before Jesus asked them to go on a walk with Him. They walked along the old Jerusalem streets, out the gate and past the Garden of Gethsemane to the top of the Mount of Olives. At this point they asked Jesus if He was going to begin soon to set up His kingdom on the earth. As their eyes were focused on Him, they undoubtedly had no idea that He was about to tell them goodbye.
Back behind them was Gethsemane where He had agonized in prayer the night before He was crucified. Beyond Gethsemane was the city wall that surrounded Jerusalem, and on the little knoll nearby was Calvary. With fresh memories of all that had happened in recent days, they heard Jesus say, “Tarry in Jerusalem and pray, and you shall receive power, and you shall be my witnesses, in Jerusalem, in Judea, in Samaria and throughout the entire world.” Suddenly Jesus was lifted from the ground and began to ascend toward heaven until a cloud hid Him from their sight (Acts1:9)
They continued gazing, held spellbound by the sight, thinking perhaps they would possibly be able to see Jesus again. Two men in white apparel suddenly appeared in their midst and said to them, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into the heavens? This Jesus who was received into heaven will come back in like manner.” Have you ever tried to imagine the joy that must have filled the heart of Jesus at that moment? He had finished training His disciples to carry the story of God’s love to people living in every nation throughout the earth. He had successfully completed His mission – and He was going home!
The two men in white apparel give us the key to Christ’s ascension. Jesus will remain with the Father until the next great step in God’s redemptive plan. At a time of God’s own choosing Christ will return to fully complete the Father’s great love plan for mankind and for the earth. Jesus, knowing that He was about to leave His disciples, led them to the Mount of Olives where His ascension would take place.
In 1973 when I was in Israel, I stood very near to the spot on the Mount of Olives where Jesus ascended into heaven. My heart was overflowing with joy as I realized that Jesus didn’t just go home. He is coming back again! Fannie Crosby, who wrote so many wonderful hymns Christians have sung through the years, captured the joy of looking forward to that great future day in her poem entitled, “He is coming:”
Christ is coming, our loving Savior,
Blessed Lamb that was slain;
In the glory of God the Father,
On the earth He shall reign.
He shall gather His chosen people,
Who are called by His Name;
And the ransomed of every nation,
For His own He shall claim.
The Paper Pulpit 
Leave a Reply