The Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord, celebrated forty days after Easter, holds profound significance in Christian tradition, marking the moment Jesus Christ ascended into heaven in the presence of His apostles. Today, I invite you to reflect on two pivotal scriptural accounts of this event found in Acts 1:1-11 and Mark 16:14-20. Both passages not only narrate the ascension but also encapsulate the mission and the promise bestowed upon the followers of Christ.
Acts 1:1-11: A Promise of Power and Presence
In the first chapter of Acts, Luke recounts the final interactions between the risen Christ and His disciples. This passage is a continuation of the Gospel’s narrative, emphasizing the reality of Jesus’ resurrection and His physical presence among the disciples. Here, Jesus instructs His followers to remain in Jerusalem until they receive the Holy Spirit, the promised gift of power from on high. The significance of this instruction is profound: though Jesus would no longer be physically present, His mission would continue through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit.
The moment of ascension is both dramatic and deeply symbolic. As Jesus is lifted up, a cloud takes Him out of their sight, and two angels appear, promising His return in the same manner. This scene powerfully illustrates the dual reality of the Christian mission—grounded in the historical and transcendent, engaged in the world but oriented towards the divine.
Mark 16:14-20: The Commission and the Confirmation
Mark’s Gospel offers a succinct account of the ascension, focusing sharply on the commissioning of the disciples. Before His ascension, Jesus appears to the Eleven, rebuking their unbelief and hardness of heart because they had not believed those who saw Him after He had risen. This moment of rebuke is pivotal—it is a call to faith, a necessary preparation for the mission ahead.
Jesus then outlines the Great Commission: to go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. This commission is not just a directive to spread the word; it is an empowerment to expand the community of believers, accompanied by signs that will confirm the truth of their message. The passage concludes with Jesus being taken up into heaven and the disciples going out to preach everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the message through accompanying signs.
Theological and Spiritual Implications of the Ascension
The Ascension is not merely a miraculous event but a theological cornerstone that underscores several key doctrines:
- The Exaltation of Christ: Ascension marks the glorification of Jesus, affirming His divine nature and His reign at the right hand of the Father.
- The Role of the Church: It signifies the transition from Jesus’ earthly ministry to the age of the Church, where the followers of Christ carry forward the mission through the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
- The Promise of His Return: Just as importantly, the Ascension points to the future hope of Christ’s Second Coming, anchoring Christian hope in the promise of His return.
Conclusion
As we reflect on the Ascension of the Lord through these scriptural lenses, we are reminded of our own call to be witnesses of Jesus. The Ascension does not represent a departure but a new mode of presence of Christ in the world—through His Church, empowered by the Holy Spirit. We are entrusted with the mission to carry the message of salvation to all corners of the earth, fortified by the promise of His continual guidance and eventual return.
In this season of the Ascension, let us renew our commitment to live out this calling with fervor and faith, trusting in the ever-present Spirit to lead us in the way of Christ until we see Him face to face.