Empowered Witnesses: Embracing Our Mission Beyond Comfort
Summary
This morning, we celebrate the ascension of Jesus—a moment that is often overlooked but is deeply significant for our lives and calling. After His resurrection, Jesus spent forty days appearing to His disciples, teaching and preparing them for what was to come. At the moment of His ascension, the disciples, still thinking in earthly terms, asked if He would restore the kingdom to Israel. Jesus gently redirected their focus, reminding them that the timing of God’s plans is not for them to know. Instead, He gave them a mission: to be His witnesses, empowered by the Holy Spirit, not just in the familiar and comfortable places, but also in the uncomfortable and even hostile territories—Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.
The disciples’ question reveals a common human tendency: to seek comfort, power, and clarity about the future. Yet, Jesus calls His followers to something greater—a kingdom not defined by borders or politics, but by the transformative power of the Spirit. The mission is daunting, and the disciples, like us, may have felt unqualified or overwhelmed. But Jesus assures them that the power they need does not come from themselves, but from the Holy Spirit. This same Spirit equips ordinary people to do extraordinary things for the sake of the gospel.
As Jesus ascends, angels appear to the disciples, reminding them not to stand gazing into heaven, but to look outward to the world in need. The temptation to be preoccupied with either earthly power or heavenly speculation is real, but both are distractions from the true calling: to witness to Jesus in the power of the Spirit. The early church models for us a life of prayerful dependence on God, united in purpose, and ready to be sent wherever God has placed them.
Today, we are reminded that we, too, are perfectly positioned by God to share the hope of Jesus. Whether in our homes, workplaces, or communities, we are called to be witnesses—bringing the message of forgiveness, hope, and new life to those around us. The power to do this comes not from our own strength or wisdom, but from the Spirit who continues to work through us, just as He did through those first disciples.
Key Takeaways
- God’s Kingdom Is Bigger Than Our Expectations
The disciples wanted Jesus to restore political power to Israel, but Jesus pointed them to a much larger vision—the kingdom of God, which transcends borders, cultures, and human ambitions. Our own expectations can be too small when compared to God’s purposes, and we are called to trust His timing and His plans, even when they don’t align with our desires. [04:01]
- The Power to Witness Comes from the Holy Spirit, Not Ourselves
Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would empower His followers to be witnesses, not just in familiar places but to the ends of the earth. This power is not about personal ability, charisma, or resources, but about God working through us in ways we could never accomplish on our own. Our calling is to be available and obedient, trusting that the Spirit will provide what is needed. [05:23]
- God Sends Us Beyond Our Comfort Zones
Jesus’ commission to go to Samaria and the ends of the earth challenged the disciples to move beyond what was comfortable and familiar. God often calls us to places and people we might naturally avoid, reminding us that His love and message are for all. Embracing this calling means being willing to cross boundaries and engage with those who are different from us, trusting that God’s grace is sufficient for every encounter. [09:32]
- Our Focus Should Be Outward, Not Upward or Inward
The angels’ question—“Why do you stand looking up into heaven?”—reminds us that our calling is not to be lost in nostalgia or speculation, but to look outward in compassion to a world in need. The temptation to focus on heavenly mysteries or personal spiritual experiences can distract us from the mission God has given us. True faith is lived out in witness and service, empowered by the Spirit. [13:47]
- We Are Perfectly Positioned to Share Christ Where We Are
God has placed each of us in unique situations—homes, workplaces, communities—where we can be witnesses to His love and grace. The early church was united in prayer and purpose, relying on God’s power rather than their own. In the same way, we are called to be attentive to the opportunities around us, trusting that God will use us to bring hope and healing to those He places in our path. [24:17]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:10] - The Significance of the Ascension
[02:30] - The Disciples’ Final Question
[04:01] - Jesus Redirects Their Focus
[05:23] - The Promise of the Holy Spirit’s Power
[07:00] - The Scope of the Mission: Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria
[09:32] - The Challenge of Samaria and the Ends of the Earth
[10:53] - The Disciples’ Uncertainty and Excuses
[11:22] - Angels’ Message: Stop Gazing, Start Witnessing
[13:47] - Outward Vision and the Mission of Compassion
[14:58] - The Work to Do in the Power of the Spirit
[15:51] - Equipping Evangelists and Everyday Witnesses
[18:30] - The Early Church’s Example: United in Prayer
[22:04] - Living in the Tension: Earthly Responsibility, Heavenly Enabling
[24:17] - Perfectly Positioned to Share Christ
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Ascension and Our Calling
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### Bible Reading
- Acts 1:6-14
(The disciples’ final question to Jesus, His response about the Holy Spirit and their mission, the ascension, and the disciples’ response in prayer.)
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### Observation Questions
1. What question did the disciples ask Jesus right before He ascended, and what does this reveal about their expectations? ([04:01])
2. According to Acts 1:8, what specific places did Jesus mention when He gave the disciples their mission? Why might some of these places have been uncomfortable for them? ([09:32])
3. What was the disciples’ immediate response after Jesus ascended and the angels spoke to them? ([15:51])
4. How does the passage describe the source of power for the disciples’ mission? ([05:23])
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think the disciples were still focused on the restoration of Israel’s political kingdom, even after Jesus’ resurrection? What does this say about human nature and our expectations of God? ([04:01])
2. Jesus tells the disciples that the timing of God’s plans is not for them to know. How might this challenge the way people today seek clarity or control over their future? ([04:01])
3. The angels redirect the disciples from “gazing into heaven” to looking outward. What are some ways Christians today might be tempted to focus upward (on spiritual speculation) or inward (on personal comfort) instead of outward? ([13:47])
4. The early church responded to uncertainty by uniting in prayer. What does this suggest about the role of prayer in facing daunting or unclear missions? ([15:51])
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### Application Questions
1. The disciples wanted Jesus to restore power and comfort to their nation, but Jesus pointed them to a much bigger mission. Are there areas in your life where your expectations of God might be too small or too focused on your own comfort? How can you open yourself to God’s larger vision? ([04:01])
2. Jesus calls His followers to be witnesses not just in familiar places, but also in uncomfortable or even hostile environments. Who or where is your “Samaria”—a place or person you tend to avoid? What would it look like to step out in faith toward them this week? ([09:32])
3. The power to witness comes from the Holy Spirit, not from our own abilities. Can you think of a time when you felt unqualified or overwhelmed by something God was calling you to do? How did you (or could you) rely on the Spirit’s power instead of your own? ([05:23])
4. The angels told the disciples not to just stand looking up into heaven. Are there ways you find yourself distracted by spiritual speculation or nostalgia, rather than engaging with the needs around you? What is one practical step you can take to look outward this week? ([13:47])
5. The early church was united in prayer and purpose. How can your small group or family grow in prayerful dependence on God as you seek to be witnesses where you are? ([15:51])
6. The sermon mentioned being “perfectly positioned” by God in your home, workplace, or community. Where has God placed you right now, and what is one way you can intentionally share the hope of Jesus in that place this week? ([24:17])
7. The pastor suggested a simple way to witness: asking a server at a restaurant if you can pray for them. What is one small, practical way you can show Christ’s love to someone in your daily routine this week? ([24:17])
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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Ask God to open your eyes to the opportunities around you, to give you courage to step beyond your comfort zone, and to fill you with the Holy Spirit’s power as you witness to Jesus in your everyday life.
Devotional
Day 1: The Power and Purpose of the Ascension
The ascension of Jesus is not just a moment of departure, but a commissioning of His followers to a new purpose. Rather than focusing on when God will restore earthly kingdoms or fulfill our expectations, Jesus redirects our attention to the mission He entrusts to us: to be His witnesses, empowered by the Holy Spirit. The ascension assures us that Jesus reigns in heaven, but it also means we are sent into the world, equipped with His Spirit to proclaim the good news in every place God has positioned us. [03:02]
Acts 1:6-9 (ESV)
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. 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.” 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.
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you are waiting for God to act, but He may be calling you instead to step out in faith as His witness today?
Day 2: Witnesses Beyond Our Comfort Zones
Jesus calls His followers not only to share the gospel in familiar and comfortable places, but also to step into the unknown, the uncomfortable, and even the places we might prefer to avoid. The mission extends from Jerusalem to Judea, to Samaria—where cultural and religious differences challenge us—and to the ends of the earth. God’s heart is for all people, and He sends us, ordinary people, to bring His extraordinary message of hope to every corner of the world, even when it stretches us beyond what feels safe or easy. [10:22]
Acts 1:8 (ESV)
“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.”
Reflection: Who is someone outside your usual circle—perhaps someone different from you—whom God might be prompting you to reach out to with His love this week?
Day 3: Eyes on the Mission, Not the Sky
After Jesus ascended, the disciples stood gazing into heaven, but God sent messengers to remind them that their calling was not to remain looking upward in nostalgia or speculation, but to look outward in compassion. Our faith is not meant to keep us stuck in longing for the past or distracted by curiosity about the future, but to propel us into the world with a message of hope for those who need it most. The assurance of Christ’s return frees us to focus on the work He has given us now, living as His witnesses in the power of the Spirit. [13:47]
Acts 1:10-11 (ESV)
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.”
Reflection: In what ways are you tempted to focus on the past or speculate about the future, rather than engaging in the mission God has given you today?
Day 4: United in Prayer and Dependent on the Spirit
The early church responded to Jesus’ commission not by relying on their own strength or wisdom, but by gathering together in prayer, united and expectant for what God would do. They recognized that the power to fulfill their calling came not from themselves, but from God’s Spirit, poured out abundantly on His people. In the same way, we are invited to depend on God through prayer, trusting that He equips us for every good work and strengthens us for the journey ahead. [22:04]
Acts 1:12-14 (ESV)
Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day’s journey away. And when they had entered, they went up to the upper room, where they were staying, Peter and John and James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot and Judas the son of James. All these with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers.
Reflection: How can you intentionally set aside time today to pray with others, seeking God’s guidance and strength for the mission He has given you?
Day 5: Perfectly Positioned to Share Hope
God has placed each of us in unique situations, relationships, and communities—not by accident, but with purpose. We are perfectly positioned to share the hope of Jesus right where we are, whether at home, at work, in our neighborhoods, or even in everyday encounters. The mission to witness begins not in distant lands, but in the ordinary places of our lives, as we open our hearts and mouths to offer prayer, encouragement, and the message of Christ to those around us. [24:17]
Matthew 5:14-16 (ESV)
“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”
Reflection: Where has God perfectly positioned you today, and what is one practical way you can let your light shine for Jesus in that place?
Quotes
We've seen how that power of that Spirit transforms people from being ordinary, everyday ordinary people to extraordinary people, not because of anything that they have in gifts or talents, but because of the power of the Spirit working through the Word of God, changing lives and eternities. [00:00:44] (19 seconds)
If there's ever a time in Jesus' ministry where he can kind of just say, I tried. I'm done.This would be like it. Like, this is supposed to be the culmination of everything going up into heaven.And the question that he gets asked is one that's so significantly small, the disciples don't even realize what they're asking. [00:03:48] (22 seconds)
They want to know the future. When are these things going to happen that we've been talking about? And not just the kingdom of Israel. Jesus has been talking about the kingdom of God. He's been talking about a way bigger kingdom that's beyond borders and political power and might and soldiers and all those kind of things. [00:05:04] (15 seconds)
You're going to get power and it's not the power of the kingdom of Israel political power financial power military power you're going to get a power of the Holy Spirit I know you want this kingdom of Israel but you're going to get the kingdom of God and the power of the Spirit a power that is going to work in and through you to change eternities to change lives by the proclamation of the words that I will put on your lips by the perking of the Spirit in those words you want power you're not even you're not going to believe what the power of the Holy Spirit is going to do to you. [00:05:55] (42 seconds)
The Christ, the Messiah has come and his name is Jesus. And that there is life and salvation for all who call upon him.And you, you the disciples gathered there becoming apostles being sent into the world are going to get this message out. [00:07:03] (15 seconds)
This same Jesus who has been taken from you into heaven will come in the same way that you have seen him going into heaven.There they are just staring. And once again, to get their attention, to assure them of the mission that Jesus has put them on, Luke tells us we need to get some angels involved, some messengers from God. [00:11:22] (25 seconds)
Their calling was to be witnesses, not stargazers.He didn't put this next part, I put there, naval gazers either, because that's a problem that we have sometimes.But the vision they were to cultivate was not upwards in nostalgia to the heaven which had received Jesus, but outwards in compassion to a lost world which needed him. [00:14:17] (25 seconds)
Meanwhile, we have work to do in the power of God.of the Spirit. We have work to do in the power of the Spirit.That's what we need to be reminded of this Ascension Day.Yes, we celebrate Jesus who has risen and ascended into heaven, but as he ascends into heaven, he sends out his hearers, his witnesses into the world, to Jerusalem, Judea, to Samaria, and to the ends of the earth, and it's what he's still doing to the work that he has left behind for us to do. [00:15:07] (38 seconds)
They had no idea what was coming next. As Jesus gave them those martyrs.orders of being witnesses in Jerusalem Judea Samaria and to the ends of the earth but they know where the power came not from themselves not from their wisdom or knowledge either but from God himself a God who comes to them through that gift of prayer and promises to hear and to answer us friends we've got that same power as well a power that given to you in the water and the word of your baptism or in the name of the Father Son under the Holy Spirit you were washed and cleaned given a new name a beloved son a chosen daughter of the King of Kings at his table he comes to you and he feeds you with his breath through bread and wine his very body and blood as his words and promises declare promising and assuring you that yes you are as he has declared you are forgiven and when we gather together in his name to hear his word once again we're strengthened for the journey ahead for we know that when his word goes forth as it promises in it it accomplishes something not by our might not by our strength not by our figuring it out but by the power of his spirit who he pours out abundantly on his people. [00:21:58] (84 seconds)
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