The Ascension of our Lord

Where is Jesus when you need him? Seriously, in this day and age, as people of Faith, this may be the most important question on our hearts. I was in a small group discussion recently and posed the question to the group: What in the world is God doing? “Not enough!” said one of my friends.

It turns out that Jesus is closer than you think. Today’s reading from the end of the gospel of Luke tells us that we don’t need to look for Jesus down there, back there, up there, or someday. No, Jesus is here, now, and is recognized and real IN you and me today; in the world, in the breaking of bread, in the mirror, in the study of scriptures, and in the eyes of every neighbor, widow, orphan, and immigrant.

Let’s read Luke 24:36-53, and we will take a fresh look at this thing called the “ascension” of Jesus, and what it means for us today. Open your Bible to Luke 24:36-53, and we will dive in. 

Luke 24:36-53

 While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.”

37 They were startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost. 38 He said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds? 39 Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have.”

40 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and feet. 41 And while they still did not believe it because of joy and amazement, he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” 42 They gave him a piece of broiled fish, 43 and he took it and ate it in their presence.

44 He said to them, “This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.”

45 Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. 46 He told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, 47 and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48 You are witnesses of these things. 49 I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”

50 When he had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, he lifted up his hands and blessed them. 51 While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven. 52 Then they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. 53 And they stayed continually at the temple, praising God.