Ascension Day: Christ's Victory and Our Empowerment
Summary
Ascension Day often passes by unnoticed in many parts of the world, yet it marks a pivotal moment in the story of Jesus. After 40 days of appearing to his disciples and teaching about the kingdom of God, Jesus was taken up into heaven before their very eyes. This event is not just a historical footnote, but a profound turning point with deep meaning for both Christ and for us today. The ascension is the triumphant return of Jesus to the Father, the completion of his earthly mission, and the beginning of a new era for his followers.
Jesus’ return to heaven is not simply a departure; it is a declaration of victory. Having accomplished everything the Father sent him to do—living a sinless life, teaching, dying, and rising again—he now returns to his rightful place, proclaiming that the work is finished. This is a moment of cosmic celebration, as the Son returns to the glory he shared with the Father and the Spirit before time began. The ascension also means that Jesus is now our advocate at the right hand of God. He is not pleading for mercy on our behalf as a desperate lawyer might, but rather presenting his own finished work as the basis for our acceptance. When God looks at us, he sees us through the lens of Christ’s sacrifice—completely forgiven, guiltless, and free.
This truth liberates us from the burden of trying to earn God’s favor through our own efforts. Like the story of the woman who left her works-based religious community after discovering the sufficiency of Christ, we are invited to rest in the finished work of Jesus. Our salvation is not about what we do, but about what he has done. Yet, the ascension is not just about personal assurance; it is also about empowerment. Jesus promised the Holy Spirit, who would come to strengthen and equip his followers to be witnesses and servants in the world. The church is called to serve, not as an institution, but as a living community empowered by the Spirit to share the good news and bless others.
Finally, the ascension reminds us to live with expectation and blessing. As Jesus blessed his disciples before departing, we are called to bless one another, recognizing that every encounter may be our last. The ascension is not the end, but the beginning of a Spirit-empowered mission, rooted in the assurance of Christ’s finished work and the hope of his return.
Key Takeaways
- The Ascension is Christ’s Triumphant Return: Jesus’ ascension is not a mere afterthought but the crowning moment of his earthly mission. It is the declaration that his work is finished, and he returns to the Father in victory, having accomplished all that was required for our salvation. This moment invites us to marvel at the completeness and sufficiency of Christ’s work for us. [07:40]
- Jesus Advocates for Us Based on His Finished Work: In heaven, Jesus is not pleading for leniency based on our merits, but presenting his own sacrifice as the reason for our acceptance. When God looks at us, he sees us through the perfect righteousness of Christ, freeing us from guilt and striving. This changes our relationship with God from one of fear to one of confident assurance. [10:50]
- Freedom from Works-Based Religion: The story of leaving a community focused on works highlights the liberating truth that salvation is not earned by moral effort or religious observance. True faith rests in the sufficiency of Jesus’ sacrifice, allowing us to experience genuine freedom and joy in our relationship with God. This freedom is not a license to sin, but a call to live in the Spirit. [14:48]
- Empowered to Serve by the Holy Spirit: The ascension is the prelude to Pentecost, where Jesus promises the Holy Spirit to empower his followers. The church is called to be a community of service, not confined to buildings or programs, but living out Christ’s mission in the world. The Spirit equips us to witness, serve, and love in ways that reflect the heart of Jesus. [16:05]
- Blessing Others as a Way of Life: Jesus’ final act before ascending was to bless his disciples, modeling for us the importance of speaking words of blessing over one another. Every encounter is an opportunity to impart grace, encouragement, and hope, knowing that life is uncertain and each moment is a gift. Let blessing become the language of our community, echoing the heart of Christ. [21:41]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:08] - Ascension Day: A Forgotten Holiday
[02:10] - The Place of Ascension in Jesus’ Life
[03:42] - Reading Acts 1:1-11
[04:45] - Don’t Just Stand There Staring
[06:27] - Luke’s Direct Account of Jesus’ Life
[07:40] - The Triumph and Meaning of Ascension
[08:49] - Ascension: More Than a Past Event
[10:50] - Jesus as Our Advocate
[11:44] - A Story of Freedom from Works
[13:26] - The Danger of Works-Based Religion
[14:48] - The Liberating Power of Grace
[16:05] - The Church Empowered to Serve
[17:59] - The Mission Continues Through Us
[20:13] - Jesus’ Final Blessing
[21:41] - Blessing Others as We Go
[22:47] - Living with Expectation and Blessing
[23:24] - The Cost and Power of Blessing
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Meaning and Power of the Ascension
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### Bible Reading
- Acts 1:1-11
- Luke 24:50-53
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### Observation Questions
1. In Acts 1:9-11, what were the disciples doing when Jesus was taken up into heaven, and how did the angels respond to their actions? ([03:42])
2. According to Luke 24:50-53, what was the last thing Jesus did before ascending, and how did the disciples react afterward? ([20:13])
3. What specific promise did Jesus give to his disciples before his ascension, as recorded in Acts 1? ([03:42])
4. In the sermon, what is described as the significance of Jesus sitting at the right hand of God after his ascension? ([10:50])
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does the sermon emphasize that the ascension is not just a departure, but a declaration of victory and the completion of Jesus’ mission? How does this change the way we view Jesus’ work? ([07:40])
2. The sermon says Jesus is now our advocate, not pleading for mercy, but presenting his finished work. What does this mean for how we relate to God? ([10:50])
3. The story of the woman leaving a works-based religious community is shared in the sermon. What does this story illustrate about the difference between works-based religion and faith in Christ’s sufficiency? ([14:48])
4. According to the sermon, how does the promise of the Holy Spirit following the ascension empower the church to serve? ([16:05])
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### Application Questions
1. The ascension is described as a moment of “cosmic celebration” and triumph. Do you find it easy or difficult to celebrate what Jesus has done for you? What might help you to “marvel at the completeness and sufficiency of Christ’s work” in your daily life? ([07:40])
2. The sermon says that when God looks at us, he sees us through the lens of Christ’s sacrifice—completely forgiven, guiltless, and free. Is there an area of your life where you still feel the need to earn God’s approval? How can you remind yourself this week that your acceptance is based on Jesus’ finished work, not your own efforts? ([10:50])
3. The story of the woman who left a works-based community highlights the freedom found in Christ. Have you ever struggled with feeling like you have to “do enough” for God? What practical steps can you take to rest in the sufficiency of Jesus? ([14:48])
4. The sermon challenges us to see the church not as a building or program, but as a Spirit-empowered community called to serve. What is one way you can serve or bless someone in your community this week, relying on the Holy Spirit’s strength? ([16:05])
5. Jesus’ final act before ascending was to bless his disciples. Who is someone in your life you can intentionally speak a word of blessing or encouragement to this week? How might this change your relationship with them? ([21:41])
6. The sermon reminds us that every encounter may be our last, and encourages us to make blessing others a way of life. Is there a relationship or situation where you need to shift from criticism or indifference to blessing? What would that look like in practice? ([22:47])
7. The disciples returned to Jerusalem with “great joy” after Jesus’ ascension. What would it look like for you to live with that same sense of joy and expectation, even in times of uncertainty? ([20:13])
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Devotional
Day 1: The Ascension of Jesus: Triumph and Completion
The ascension of Jesus is not just a historical footnote but a moment of cosmic triumph, marking the completion of His earthly mission and His return to the Father in glory. Just as finishing a difficult task brings a deep sense of satisfaction, Jesus’ return to heaven was the ultimate declaration that His work—His life, death, and resurrection—was fully accomplished. This moment is a reminder that Christ’s victory is total, and He now reigns with the Father, having secured redemption for all who believe. [07:40]
Acts 1:1-11 (NIV)
In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.”
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to remember that Christ’s work for you is truly finished and victorious? How might this change your sense of hope or purpose today?
Day 2: Jesus Our Advocate: Accepted by Grace, Not Works
Jesus’ ascension means He is now at the right hand of God, continually advocating for us—not by pleading our case based on our own merit, but by presenting His finished work on our behalf. Because of His sacrifice, we are seen by God as forgiven and free, not by our own efforts but by grace. This truth liberates us from striving for acceptance and invites us to rest in the sufficiency of Christ’s sacrifice, knowing that our standing before God is secure. [10:50]
Romans 8:33-34 (ESV)
Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.
Reflection: Where do you find yourself trying to earn God’s approval through your own efforts? How can you rest today in the truth that Jesus is your advocate and your acceptance is secure in Him?
Day 3: Empowered to Serve: The Church’s Mission
The ascension of Jesus is not the end, but the beginning of the church’s mission, as He sends the Holy Spirit to empower His followers to serve and witness in the world. The church is called to be a community of service, not just a building or a weekly gathering, but a people filled with the Spirit, actively loving and serving others in Jesus’ name. This empowerment is not for our own sake, but so that we can continue the work of Christ, sharing His love and good news with our community and beyond. [16:05]
Acts 1:8 (NIV)
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Reflection: What is one practical way you can serve someone in your community this week, empowered by the Holy Spirit?
Day 4: Blessing Others as Jesus Blessed
Before ascending, Jesus blessed His disciples, leaving them with words of encouragement and grace. His example calls us to be people who speak blessing over others, especially as we part ways or face uncertainty. In a world often filled with criticism or indifference, choosing to bless others—family, friends, or even strangers—can be a powerful act of love and faith, echoing the heart of Christ in our daily interactions. [22:13]
Luke 24:50-53 (NIV)
When he had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, he lifted up his hands and blessed them. While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven. Then they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. And they stayed continually at the temple, praising God.
Reflection: Who is one person you can intentionally bless with your words or actions today, following the example of Jesus?
Day 5: Living Beyond Tradition: Expecting More from God
The ascension reminds us that faith is not just about tradition or ritual, but about living expectantly, open to the transforming work of God in our lives. Rather than settling for routine, we are invited to ask God to “mess up” our lives in the best way—to change, redirect, and fill us with His Spirit so that we might experience more of Him and share His love more boldly. This posture of openness leads to deeper faith and a life that reflects the ongoing work of Christ. [19:23]
Isaiah 43:19 (ESV)
Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.
Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to invite God to do something new, even if it means stepping out of your comfort zone or routine?
Quotes
When Jesus is advocating for you and me, he's not trying to do that before God. When we sin, when we mess up, he's not going, oh yeah, but God, can you please give them another pass? No, no, no, that's not it. He's saying, because of my blood shed on the cross, they are now completely sinless, guiltless, and free. [00:10:43] (28 seconds)
We know that we are accepted by God because of the finished work of Jesus Christ. How good is it and how free is it how liberating is it that we're not being saved by our works? [00:14:48] (15 seconds)
So when we look at the passage of why he ascended into heaven, there are some points that we ought to know and dwell on, because this means way more than what we many times believe. or what we many times hear. And that is, his ascension means that now Jesus Christ came back and reclaimed his triumph. [00:07:11] (26 seconds)
The final point, and the essential gives every person in the world the opportunity for salvation. We know about his birth. We know about his birth. All right. We know about his sinless life, we know about his teaching, we know about his death on the cross, we know about his resurrection. But now we also know about his ascension. He went back to the place where he came from. And because of that, the work now is complete. [00:17:21] (38 seconds)
It's not about other people watching you. It's not about other people saying you can't or cannot do this. But it is about us being completely free to say we are accepted by God because of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. [00:11:38] (16 seconds)
Many times we have to see that there's more than tradition, there's more than just a ritual or a schedule that we ought to fulfill, and that we can say, God, I want you to mess up my life in a way that only you can. I want you, God, to completely change and redirect me as you will. [00:19:43] (23 seconds)
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