Paying attention to ascension

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Psalm 24; acts 1:1-11; Ephesians 4:1-16

Notice the connections (first made by Irenaeus in the second century) between the incarnation, death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus and the creation, fall, redemption, and glorification of humanity.

Jesus' incarnation reflects our creation in that he became flesh and dwelt among us. His crucifixion reflects our fall in that he became sin for us. His resurrection reflects our new life and new birth in that we, too, have been given new life and have been raised with Christ. His ascension is the guarantee of our eventual glorification, when we shall be like him because we shall see him as he is.

Psalm 24 is a predictive text that follows Jesus' coming, living on earth, and returning victorious to heaven.

Acts 1:1-11 is a descriptive text that walks us through the time period between his resurrection and ascension.

Ephesians 4:1-16 is an interpretative text that connects Jesus' ascension to the event that happened on Pentecost, namely, the outpouring of the Spirit, the defeating of many enemies, and the giving of gifts to God's people.

Questions to for personal reflection and/or group discussion

1. Despite the fact that many Christians give little thought to the ascension of Christ, what benefit do you see to giving proper emphasis to the fact that Jesus rose bodily to heaven?
2. Take a moment to read Psalm 24 again and imagine it applying to Jesus as he stepped down to earth, lived among his creation, and returned victorious to heaven after his resurrection. How do you think this picture of the triumphant Jesus is meant to give us hope today?
3. What is the connection between Jesus' ascension and the giving of gifts through the Holy Spirit? (Hint: See Ephesians 4:1-16.)