Preaching About the Ascension of Jesus
Preaching About the Ascension of Jesus
Rembrandt’s painting of the ascension
Preaching about the Ascension of Jesus is rare it seems. The other three big events in the life of Jesus get much more attention: The birth of Jesus, the death of Jesus, and the resurrection of Jesus. Yet, if we are going to be true to our goal of helping our congregations be more aware of doctrine, the next step is preaching about the ascension of Jesus to your church.
Here is a brief description from Wikipedia about when this event took place.
The Ascension of Jesus (anglicized from the Vulgate Latin: ascensio Iesu, lit. ‘ascent of Jesus’) is the Christian and Islamic belief that Jesus ascended to Heaven. Christian doctrine, as reflected in the major Christian creeds and confessional statements, holds that Jesus ascended after his resurrection, where he was exalted as Lord and Christ,[1][2] sitting at the right hand of God.[3]Islamic doctrine holds that Jesus directly ascended to heaven without dying or resurrecting.
We continue in this post our consideration of preaching a series of messages on doctrine. The first of these posts is here.
An Attention Getting Introduction
When the compass was in its early development, ships owners placed a compass right by the wheel. However, those who studied the accuracy of that compass found that the accuracy was lacking. The compass on the ship’s wheel reacted to the iron in the ship. . Researchers placed magnets around the compass to offset the influence of the iron in the ship. That helped some with accuracy. A breakthrough occurred however, when someone came up with the idea of placing a compass up high on the main mast. That compass was further away form the iron, and therefore more accurate. So, skilled sailors used the two compasses to chart the way forward.
In preaching about the ascension of Jesus you could introduce the subject by explaining this, and that the disciples were being sent on a perilous mission. They would need to get input on the journey from more than just the earthly source. They needed a higher guidance. This came from Jesus, the ascended Lord, who would send the Holy Spirit ten days after the ascension.
Preaching About the Ascension
There are many directions to take a sermon on the Ascension. Here are some points as a suggestion when preaching about the ascension of Jesus in your church.
The Power
- When Jesus ascended, he promised that they would receive power. We know that the disciples exercised that power with healings, with miracles, and with powerful witness to the doubters. This group of believers who ran when Jesus was arrested are now courageous–so much so, that they amazed the Jewish leaders, who took note that they had been with Jesus. This is how it is put in chapter 4 of Acts: “When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men travelled with Jesus. ” (Acts 4:13). Think about the many ways you can apply this to the ministry of your church. You are a powerful people. You have the Holy Spirit because Jesus ascended and sent power with the Holy Spirit’s presence. You can be bold and courageous.
The Purpose
When Jesus ascended, he also gave them purpose: “You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” This is a great place to reflect on the mission statement of your church. Are you committed to being a witness to the love of Christ to the unbelievers in your community? Preaching about the ascension of Jesus give you opportunity to once again reflect with your people on why your church exists in your community.
The Anticipation
- And thirdly, we have anticipation. The angels said to the disciples, “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.” (v. 11). I find myself praying about this more now than earlier in my life. I’m writing this in the summer of 2025. People are starving in many parts of the world. Children in Gaza are starving to death. So are many in Africa after years of drought. War between Russia and Ukraine results in many deaths every day. One of my favorite musicals in Fiddler on the Roof. When the Russians drive the Jews out of Annatevka, people say, “Wouldn’t this be a good time for the Messiah to come.” Today would be a good time. Live in anticipation.
Preach it.
