Jesus' Ascension: A Call to Bold Faith

 

Summary

In reflecting on the closing chapter of the Gospel of Luke, we are reminded of the profound significance of Jesus' ascension and the call to unwavering faith. The passage from Luke 24:46-53 highlights the necessity of Christ's suffering, resurrection, and the mission to preach repentance and forgiveness to all nations. This mission begins in Jerusalem and extends to the ends of the earth, with the disciples as witnesses empowered by the Holy Spirit. The ascension of Jesus is not merely a departure but a coronation, marking His enthronement as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. This event transformed the disciples' sorrow into joy, as they understood that Jesus' ascension meant His exaltation and the fulfillment of His promise to send the Holy Spirit.

The historical account of Polycarp, the Bishop of Smyrna, serves as a powerful illustration of steadfast faith. Faced with persecution and the demand to renounce Christ by declaring "Caesar is Lord," Polycarp chose martyrdom over compromise, affirming the earliest Christian creed: "Jesus is Lord." This declaration, "Iesous Kyrios," is central to our faith, signifying Jesus' supreme authority and sovereignty. It challenges us to examine our own allegiance and the courage to stand firm in our confession, even in the face of adversity.

The ascension of Jesus is a pivotal moment that underscores His divine authority and the establishment of His eternal kingdom. It calls us to live as witnesses of His lordship, empowered by the Holy Spirit to proclaim His name boldly. As we reflect on the courage of early martyrs like Polycarp, we are inspired to hold fast to our faith, recognizing that our ultimate allegiance is to Christ, our sovereign Lord.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Ascension's Significance: Jesus' ascension is not just a physical departure but a spiritual coronation, marking His enthronement as the sovereign ruler over all creation. This event transformed the disciples' sorrow into joy, as they understood the fulfillment of His promise and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. [27:47]

2. Polycarp's Unyielding Faith: The story of Polycarp exemplifies unwavering faith in the face of persecution. His refusal to declare "Caesar is Lord" and his steadfast confession of "Jesus is Lord" challenge us to examine our own allegiance and the courage to stand firm in our faith. [13:50]

3. The Early Christian Creed: The declaration "Iesous Kyrios" (Jesus is Lord) is central to our faith, signifying Jesus' supreme authority and sovereignty. This creed calls us to live as witnesses of His lordship, empowered by the Holy Spirit to proclaim His name boldly. [15:41]

4. The Role of the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit empowers believers to declare Jesus as Lord genuinely and courageously. This divine empowerment enables us to live out our faith with conviction, even in the face of trials and opposition. [17:01]

5. Witnessing to the Kingdom: As followers of Christ, we are called to bear witness to His kingdom, proclaiming His lordship to all nations. This mission requires courage, faith, and a commitment to the truth, as exemplified by the early disciples and martyrs. [38:53]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:39] - Reading from Luke 24
- [01:41] - Prayer for Illumination
- [02:51] - Historical Context: Polycarp
- [05:14] - The Courage of Martyrs
- [08:12] - Polycarp's Trial and Faith
- [10:12] - The Meaning of "Jesus is Lord"
- [13:50] - The Early Christian Creed
- [16:17] - The Role of the Holy Spirit
- [18:47] - Understanding "Kurios"
- [22:23] - The Ascension's Significance
- [27:47] - Joy in Jesus' Ascension
- [34:03] - Jesus' Coronation as King
- [35:58] - The Heavenly Perspective
- [38:53] - Our Call to Witness
- [39:38] - Closing Prayer

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Luke 24:46-53
- Revelation 5:11-14

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Observation Questions:

1. What specific events are described in Luke 24:46-53 regarding Jesus' final moments with His disciples? How did the disciples react to these events? [27:47]

2. In the sermon, what historical event involving Polycarp is highlighted, and what was his response to the demand to renounce his faith? [13:50]

3. According to the sermon, what is the significance of the phrase "Iesous Kyrios" (Jesus is Lord) in early Christian confession? [15:41]

4. How does the sermon describe the role of the Holy Spirit in empowering believers to declare Jesus as Lord? [17:01]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the ascension of Jesus, as described in Luke 24, signify more than just a physical departure? What does it mean for His role as King? [34:03]

2. What does the story of Polycarp teach about the cost of discipleship and the importance of unwavering faith in the face of persecution? [13:50]

3. How does the declaration "Jesus is Lord" challenge believers to examine their own allegiance and courage in their faith journey? [15:41]

4. In what ways does the Holy Spirit empower believers to live out their faith with conviction, according to the sermon? [17:01]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you faced a challenge to your faith. How did you respond, and what can you learn from Polycarp's example of steadfastness? [13:50]

2. The disciples returned to Jerusalem with great joy after Jesus' ascension. How can you cultivate a similar sense of joy and hope in your daily walk with Christ? [27:47]

3. Consider the phrase "Jesus is Lord" in your own life. Are there areas where you struggle to fully submit to His lordship? How can you address these areas this week? [15:41]

4. The sermon emphasizes the role of the Holy Spirit in empowering believers. How can you seek the Holy Spirit's guidance and strength in a specific area of your life where you need courage? [17:01]

5. As witnesses of Christ's kingdom, we are called to proclaim His lordship to all nations. Identify one person in your life who needs to hear about Jesus. How can you share your faith with them this week? [38:53]

6. Reflect on the concept of Jesus' ascension as a coronation. How does this understanding impact your view of His authority and your role as His follower? [34:03]

7. The sermon mentions the courage of early martyrs. How can their stories inspire you to stand firm in your faith, even when it's difficult? [13:50]

Devotional

Day 1: The Ascension as Coronation
The ascension of Jesus is a profound event that signifies more than just His physical departure from Earth. It marks His enthronement as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, a spiritual coronation that establishes His divine authority over all creation. This event transformed the disciples' sorrow into joy as they realized the fulfillment of Jesus' promise to send the Holy Spirit. The ascension is a pivotal moment that underscores Jesus' sovereignty and the establishment of His eternal kingdom. As believers, we are called to recognize and celebrate this divine authority, living as witnesses of His lordship and empowered by the Holy Spirit to proclaim His name boldly. [27:47]

Psalm 47:5-8 (ESV): "God has gone up with a shout, the Lord with the sound of a trumpet. Sing praises to God, sing praises! Sing praises to our King, sing praises! For God is the King of all the earth; sing praises with a psalm! God reigns over the nations; God sits on his holy throne."

Reflection: How does recognizing Jesus' ascension as His coronation change the way you view His authority in your life today?


Day 2: Unyielding Faith in Persecution
The story of Polycarp, the Bishop of Smyrna, serves as a powerful illustration of steadfast faith in the face of persecution. When confronted with the demand to renounce Christ by declaring "Caesar is Lord," Polycarp chose martyrdom over compromise, affirming the earliest Christian creed: "Jesus is Lord." This declaration, "Iesous Kyrios," is central to our faith, signifying Jesus' supreme authority and sovereignty. Polycarp's unwavering faith challenges us to examine our own allegiance and the courage to stand firm in our confession, even in the face of adversity. His example inspires us to hold fast to our faith, recognizing that our ultimate allegiance is to Christ, our sovereign Lord. [13:50]

2 Timothy 1:7-8 (ESV): "For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God."

Reflection: In what ways can you demonstrate unyielding faith in your daily life, especially when faced with challenges or opposition?


Day 3: The Centrality of "Jesus is Lord"
The declaration "Iesous Kyrios" (Jesus is Lord) is central to our faith, signifying Jesus' supreme authority and sovereignty. This creed calls us to live as witnesses of His lordship, empowered by the Holy Spirit to proclaim His name boldly. The early Christians understood the weight of this declaration, often facing persecution for their unwavering confession. As modern believers, we are invited to embrace this creed with the same conviction, allowing it to shape our identity and mission in the world. By acknowledging Jesus as Lord, we align ourselves with His divine purpose and commit to living out His teachings in every aspect of our lives. [15:41]

Romans 10:9-10 (ESV): "Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved."

Reflection: How does the declaration "Jesus is Lord" influence your daily decisions and interactions with others?


Day 4: Empowerment by the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit empowers believers to declare Jesus as Lord genuinely and courageously. This divine empowerment enables us to live out our faith with conviction, even in the face of trials and opposition. The disciples, once filled with fear and uncertainty, became bold witnesses of Christ's resurrection and lordship after receiving the Holy Spirit. As followers of Christ, we too are invited to rely on the Holy Spirit's guidance and strength, allowing His presence to transform our lives and embolden our witness. By embracing the Holy Spirit's empowerment, we can confidently proclaim the gospel and live out our faith with authenticity and courage. [17:01]

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: In what areas of your life do you need to rely more on the Holy Spirit's empowerment to live out your faith boldly?


Day 5: Witnessing to the Kingdom
As followers of Christ, we are called to bear witness to His kingdom, proclaiming His lordship to all nations. This mission requires courage, faith, and a commitment to the truth, as exemplified by the early disciples and martyrs. The ascension of Jesus and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit equip us to fulfill this calling, enabling us to share the message of repentance and forgiveness with the world. By living as witnesses of Christ's kingdom, we participate in His divine mission and contribute to the advancement of His eternal reign. Our witness is not just in words but in actions that reflect the love and grace of our sovereign Lord. [38:53]

Matthew 28:19-20 (ESV): "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."

Reflection: How can you actively participate in witnessing to Christ's kingdom in your community and beyond today?

Quotes


"Then He said to them, 'Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And you are witnesses of these things.'" [00:00:42]

"Our Father and our God, now, we consider why it is that we may not ever surrender or compromise those precious things that you've given to us in your word. We ask that the same Holy Spirit who inspired the text that I just read may illumine its meaning to our understanding and take the force of those words and pierce our souls with them that we may be emboldened, that we may be encouraged, that way may be empowered to stand fast for the truth of your word." [00:01:59]

"In the year 155 during the reign of the Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius, the Bishop of Smyrna Polycarp was arrested in his hometown and was brought before the Proconsul Quadratus representing the emperor. And he was facing prosecution for the charge of being a Christian and stirring up people to Christianity and therefore against in the vision of the Empire, the religion of Rome and particularly the religion of the cult of the Emperor." [00:04:05]

"Polycarp responded by saying 'Be that as it may. Your fire will last no more than an hour and will then be quenched but the fires that you face right now under God's judgment will never go up.' Well, Quadratus didn't like that and he said again, 'You can spare yourself if you would just do this. If you will say with respect to the Christians ‘away with the atheists’.' Because Christians were considered atheists in as much as they didn't believe in the religion of the empire." [00:10:12]

"When Polycarp was arrested as he was being taken to his hearing before Quadratus, he was told ‘All you have to do to escape all of this is say two words and if you will say those two words, your life, your ministry and all that you remain will survive’. I wonder how many of you know what those two words he needed to say to save his life. All he had to say was 'Kaiser Kurious'. Kaiser Kurios – Caesar is Lord." [00:12:59]

"Paul says in 1 Corinthians that no one under the influence of God the Holy Spirit can ever say that Jesus is a curse. And then he goes on to say no one can say that Jesus is Lord except in the Holy Spirit. Now, let me comment on that just for a moment. No one can say Jesus is Lord except in the Holy Spirit." [00:15:56]

"The secondary meaning in the New Testament of the term Lord/ Kurios is the term that was used to describe somebody who was a slave owner. Paul, for example, identifies himself as Paul, a slave of Jesus Christ, a Dulos Jesus Christ. You couldn't be a Dulos unless there was a Kurios who possessed you and owned you or purchased you." [00:20:01]

"Luke 24:50 And he led them out as far as Bethany and he lifted up his hands and blessed them Luke 24:51 And it came to pass that while he blessed them that he was parted from them and carried into heaven Luke 24:52 And they worshipped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy Luke 24:53 And were continuing in the temple praising and blessing God." [00:27:28]

"They were rejoicing because of where He was going and they understood what Jesus had told them 'it is better for you if I leave than if I stay'. Because he wasn’t just ascending in the sense of going up to heaven because He Himself said no one ascends into heaven except He who has descended from heaven so that the term ascension in the in the New testament mean so much more than simply going up and it even means more like going up to happen." [00:33:54]

"It means going to His coronation, going to His investiture, going to receive the Kingdom that is not of this world but that is over this world. We went through this recent election in people and we’re all concerned about who was going to be in the White House when in the final analysis what matters is whose over the White House. Not who's in the White House." [00:34:47]

"And on that day, Jesus ascended to the right hand of God where he was by God’s, the Father’s, authority consecrated, coronated as the King of the King and the Lord of the Lords. It doesn’t get any better that that than to know that Jesus, how Kurios that Jesus is Lord by the authority of God the Father, elevated to the right hand ruling over all creation." [00:35:05]

"The song of the Angels, the song of the martyrs, the song of the church is always the same. Iesuos o Kurios! There is no other Lord. There is no other Sovereign. There is no other King and it is our duty to bear witness to our King. You shall receive power, He said, so that you shall be my witnesses – Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, the outer most parts of the earth." [00:38:06]

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Transcript
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