Acts 1:3–11

Bible Studies for Life 
Director, Resource Center for Pastoral Excellence, Samford University

ASCENDED LIKE NO OTHER

Acts 1:3–11

Several years ago author Mitch Albom wrote “Tuesdays with Morrie.” The book recounted the author’s visits over several weeks with Morrie Schwartz, one of Albom’s college professors. Schwartz was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and was aware he had only months of life remaining. 

The book describes the friendship the two developed over conversations they had during the final weeks of Schwartz’s life. Their talks covered a range of topics including death, life, love, acceptance and relationships. The author recalled many of Morrie’s sayings including “Learn to give yourself and to forgive yourself,” “Love wins. Love always wins” and “The most important thing is to learn how to give out love and to let it come in.” 

Morrie died Nov. 4, 1995. His final words of wisdom and advice about life and death resonated with readers. Albom’s book was a bestseller in 1998 and has sold more than 14 million copies.

This Sunday’s lesson invites us to consider the final words Jesus offered before He ascended. Because they were His final words to the disciples, we should give them closer attention.

Jesus equipped His disciples for His departure. (3)

Luke must have anticipated future readers of his account of Jesus’ life, death, resurrection and the spread of the gospel. He informed both present and future readers that many persons saw the resurrected Jesus and heard Him talk about the kingdom of God. The testimony of these witnesses could surely be verified with little effort because Jesus presented Himself during a period of many days (Luke 24:13–53). It would be impossible to deny Luke’s claims, given the large number of people who could verify his words. The kingdom of God Jesus spoke of represented the saving power of God, confirmed and made life-changing through Jesus’ resurrection. This Kingdom would be unlike any earthly kingdom. It would be a Kingdom impossible to contain within borders, with citizenship consisting of any and all who followed Christ regardless of race, gender, culture or geographic homeland. The leader of this Kingdom would be a spiritual leader different from and transcending all human concepts of kingdoms, power and rulers. 

Jesus gave the Holy Spirit to empower His followers. (4–8)

Jerusalem was the place to be for what would begin as a result of the resurrection. Jesus may have anticipated His followers’ anxiety about when He would no longer be physically present. He told them to stay in Jerusalem and wait for a “gift” from the Father. 

Sometimes we can be too quick to leave sacred places after holy moments. Maybe our culture of busyness and instant gratification has diminished our capacity for waiting. How many gifts from the Father have we missed because we became impatient and moved on to other things? 

Jesus knew the gift He spoke of was already present and soon His followers would become fully awakened to the Spirit’s presence and power. They would become aware of the ever-present Living God whose Spirit so completely indwells and enlivens that they could do no less than eagerly tell others about the life-changing gift they had received.

Jesus ascended and will return for His followers. (9–11)

The disciples experienced many things as Jesus’ followers. Recent events of His passion, death and resurrection must have been occupying their thoughts when Jesus told them about the Father’s gift. Then to see Him ascend into a cloud — they had yet another unusual incident to think about. No wonder the angels had to redirect their focus back down to earth — where ministry was needed.