This lesson on the ascension of Jesus matters because it reveals crucial aspects of our faith and the Christian mission. By understanding the significance of Jesus’ return to the Father, we recognize His authority and kingship over all things. The ascension also emphasizes the disciples’ role in continuing Jesus’ work on earth, empowered by the Holy Spirit. As we explore the importance of Jesus’ physical absence, we learn to rely on the guidance of the Holy Spirit and grow in faith and dependence on God. This lesson challenges us to actively participate in the mission of spreading the Gospel, stepping out of our comfort zones and making disciples. Ultimately, the ascension of Jesus inspires and motivates us to live as His disciples, recognizing His lordship in our lives and being driven by the purpose of sharing His message of repentance, forgiveness, and salvation to the ends of the earth.
- Opening Prayer
- Icebreaker: Share a personal experience when you had to say goodbye to someone important and how it made you feel.
Scripture Passage: Acts 1:1-11; Luke 24:44-53
Understanding the Context (Luke 24:44-49)
- Recap: Jesus’ resurrection and appearances to the disciples.
- Reading: Luke 24:44-49 (NIV)
“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.’ Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. He told them, ‘This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. 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.'”
The Ascension Narrative (Acts 1:1-11)
- Reading: 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.'”
Exploring the Meaning
- The significance of the ascension:
- Jesus’ return to the Father.
- Affirmation of Jesus’ authority and kingship.
- The disciples’ role in continuing Jesus’ work on earth.
- The importance of Jesus’ physical absence:
- The need for the Holy Spirit’s empowerment.
- Growing in faith and dependence on God.
- The disciples’ mission expands beyond geographical limitations.
Application
- Applying the lessons from the ascension:
- Recognizing Jesus’ lordship in our lives.
- Trusting in the Holy Spirit’s guidance.
- Embracing our role in the mission of spreading the Gospel.
- Stepping out of our comfort zones to make disciples.
- Discuss specific areas in your life where you need to surrender control to Jesus and seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance.
Reflection and Discussion
- Share personal experiences or testimonies of how trusting in the Holy Spirit’s guidance has impacted your life.
- Discuss practical ways we can actively participate in the mission of spreading the Gospel in our communities.
- How does the ascension of Jesus inspire and motivate us to live as His disciples?
Conclusion
- Summary of the key points discussed.
- Closing Prayer: Pray for empowerment by the Holy Spirit to fulfill the Great Commission.
Note: This lesson plan serves as a starting point and can be expanded or adjusted based on the desired depth of discussion and available time. It is important to engage the participants in open dialogue and encourage them to share their insights and experiences throughout the lesson.
References related to the ascension of Jesus:
- Acts 1:1-11 (NIV) – The Ascension of Jesus
- Luke 24:44-49 (NIV) – Jesus’ final instructions to the disciples and the promise of the Holy Spirit
- Matthew 28:18-20 (NIV) – The Great Commission
- Mark 16:19-20 (NIV) – The Ascension of Jesus and the disciples’ obedience to the commission
- Ephesians 1:20-23 (NIV) – The exaltation of Jesus and His authority over all things
- Hebrews 1:3 (NIV) – Jesus’ position at the right hand of God
- 1 Peter 3:22 (NIV) – Jesus’ ascension and His authority over angels, authorities, and powers
These references provide further insight and support for understanding the significance of Jesus’ ascension and its implications for our faith and mission.
Living Out the Ascension: Spreading the Gospel with Authority and Empowerment
Topics: Ascension of Jesus, Acts 1:1-11, Luke 24:44-53, Jesus’ resurrection, Commission to preach repentance and forgiveness, Holy Spirit’s empowerment, Gospel mission, Great Commission, spread the Gospel, Significance of Jesus’ return to the Father, Authority and kingship of Jesus, Role of the disciples in continuing Jesus’ work, Guidance of the Holy Spirit, Faith and dependence on God, Spreading the Gospel beyond geographical limitations, Making disciples, Repentance and forgiveness in Jesus’ name, Empowerment by the Holy Spirit
Bible Themes: Jesus Christ, disciples, Holy Spirit, Kingdom of God, Jerusalem, Father, Judea and Samaria, ends of the earth
Embracing Our Role in the Great Commission
As we reflect on the ascension of Jesus and His return to the Father (Acts 1:1-11), we gain a deeper understanding of His authority and kingship over all things. Jesus entrusted His disciples with a profound mission to spread the Gospel (Luke 24:44-53). This commission extends to us today, calling us to live out the ascension by actively participating in the Kingdom work.
Continuing Jesus’ Work with the Holy Spirit’s Empowerment
The ascension marks a pivotal moment where Jesus, though physically absent, empowered His followers through the promised Holy Spirit. We are reminded of the importance of the Holy Spirit’s guidance in our lives as we embrace our role in the mission. By depending on the Holy Spirit’s empowerment, we can step beyond our comfort zones and effectively spread the Gospel, starting from Jerusalem and extending to Judea, Samaria, and the ends of the earth.
Living as Witnesses: Faith, Trust, and Obedience
The ascension challenges us to grow in faith and trust in God’s plan. We may not know the times or dates, but we can be confident in God’s authority (Acts 1:7). As witnesses of Jesus’ resurrection and recipients of the Holy Spirit’s empowerment, we are called to live obediently, making disciples and proclaiming repentance and forgiveness in Jesus’ name.
Spreading the Gospel with Authority and Trustworthiness
In a world that values expertise and trustworthiness, it is vital to demonstrate credibility as we share the message of the Gospel. The significance of the ascension reinforces our authority as ambassadors of Christ, entrusted with the task of spreading His teachings and making disciples. By embracing the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we can confidently and effectively communicate the transformative power of the Gospel to a world in need.
As we strive to live out the ascension in our daily lives, let us remember that the mission remains unchanged. By depending on the Holy Spirit’s empowerment, we can boldly proclaim the message of repentance, forgiveness, and salvation in Jesus’ name. Let us embrace our role in the Great Commission and faithfully spread the Gospel to the ends of the earth, knowing that we are part of a divine plan to reconcile humanity to God.
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