AFTER RESSURECTION TO ASCENTION

TEXT: ACTS 1:3-11

 

The resurrection and ascension of the Lord Jesus are very significant pillars of the Christian faith. After resurrection, He would appear, disappear and re-appear for 40 days after which He ascended. For the 40 days He spoke to the disciples about the kingdom.  He ascended from the Mt. Olives, 5 kms east of Jerusalem. Before He ascended, He blessed them, showing love to them. When He returns, He will land on the same mountain, and it will split into two-Zachariah 14:4. After resurrection:-

 

APPEARANCE ON THE RESURRECTION SUNDAY (JUDEA).

Mary Magdalene-John 20:14-16.

• The first appearance of Jesus was to Mary Magdalene.

Mary, the mother of James, Salome and Joanna-Matt. 28:9.

• Jesus also appeared to these three women. This happened after He appeared to Mary Magdalene.
• After an angel told them Jesus had risen, they were on their way to tell Jesus’ disciples when they met the risen Christ.

1. Peter-Luke 24:34.

This was a private appearance, appearing to Peter alone.

1. Two disciples on the Emmaus road-Luke 24:13-16.
2. All the disciples’ gather-John 20:19-24.

 

APPEARANCE ON LATER DAYS (JUDEA).

1. Eight days later He appeared again to the disciples-John 20:26-28

• He appeared to the disciples again and told them to touch His hands.

IN GALILEE

At the sea of Galilee-John 21:1, 2.

• The disciples had now left Jerusalem, Judea and returned to Galilee. Seven of them went fishing. All night they caught nothing. At daybreak Jesus stood on the shore.
• He showed them where to cast the net, they did and caught 153 fish. On coming to the shore they found Jesus had lit a charcoal fire. He had prepared breakfast for them, bread and fish and they ate.

On the mountain in Galilee-Matt. 28:16, 17.

• Jesus also appeared to His disciples on the mountain in Galilee, where He had told them to go.

IN JUDEA AND GALILEE

1. He appeared to James, His half-brother-1st Corinthians 15:7.
2. He appeared to 500 people in different places in Israel, all at the same time.

 

• ASCENSION-ACTS 1:9

• He ascended to heaven visibly. He will return visibly.
• He ascended from the Mt. of Olives, He will step there as He returns.

 

CONCLUSION

1st Corinthians 15:12-20.

• Now if Christ is proclaimed as raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection?
• If Christ has not been raised, our faith is futile and we are still in our sins.
• But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruit (firstborn) of those who have fallen asleep-1st Cor. 15:20.
• He now sits at the right hand of the Father, the position of power-Mark 16:19.