Forty days after Easter Sunday, Jesus ascended to the Father where he is currently ruling all as the Lord of lords. Luke truncates the 40 days making an intentional connection to Jesus’ final teaching and blessing.

Jesus left us on the best possible terms.

1. Jesus parted with outstretched hands in a posture of blessing. 

While his hands were raised, he went into the heavenly realm (v.50). What a great final image to carry forward! Jesus is for his followers. He is not passive, but actively ruling and blessing and interceding for us. We catch glimpses like at Stephen’s martyrdom (Acts 7) and Saul’s conversion (Acts 9). Having received the blessing, the disciples manifested great joy and boldness to worship openly in the temple (v. 52-53).

2. Jesus articulated the bare essentials necessary for effective mission. 

He opened their minds to understand Scripture then he recalled the most important fundamentals of his teachings. These include the following:

1. All of the Old Testament is fulfilled in Jesus.
2. The Christ had to suffer. “The Christ” is a title meaning anointed one.  Jesus was anointed to die on the cross, making atonement for sin.
3. On the 3rd day, Jesus rose, permanently defeating sin and death.
4. The Good News must be proclaimed to all nations. The cross is for the whole world.
5. The message is that “repentance for forgiveness” must be proclaimed.

Jesus taught a lot about forgiveness, not only receiving it from the Father, but also extending it to those who sin against us. It is repentance and forgiveness that will transform the world.

Taking It Home: Receive Jesus’ blessing personally. Repent of sin and ask for his forgiveness. Know the essentials of the Christian faith. Ask the Holy Spirit to empower you for faithful living.