In The Word
Read: Luke 24:36-53
Other Appearances
36 Now while they were telling these things, Jesus Himself suddenly stood in their midst and *said to them, “Peace be to you.” 37 But they were startled and frightened, and thought that they were looking at a spirit. 38 And He said to them, “Why are you frightened, and why are doubts arising in your hearts? 39 See My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself; touch Me and see, because a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you plainly see that I have.” 40 And when He had said this, He showed them His hands and His feet. 41 While they still could not believe it because of their joy and astonishment, He said to them, “Have you anything here to eat?” 42 They served Him a piece of broiled fish; 43 and He took it and ate it in front of them.
44 Now He said to them, “These are My words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all the things that are written about Me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.” 45 Then He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, 46 and He said to them, “So it is written, that the Christ would suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, 47 and that repentance for forgiveness of sins would be proclaimed in His name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem.48 You are witnesses of these things. 49 And behold, I am sending the promise of My Father upon you; but you are to stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.”
The Ascension
50 And He led them out as far as Bethany, and He lifted up His hands and blessed them. 51 While He was blessing them, He parted from them and was carried up into heaven. 52 And they, after worshiping Him, returned to Jerusalem with great joy, 53 and were continually in the temple praising God.
New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation
Walking In The Word
As the two disciples who met Yeshua on the road were relating their encounter to the other disciples, Yeshua appeared among them. Thinking He was a ghost, they were frightened. Yeshua erased their fear and doubt that He was alive by showing His wounded hands and feet and eating some food. He used Scripture to explain His crucifixion and resurrection. He instructed them on their mission ahead to share the good news to all of the nations, but not to do so until they were filled with the power of the Holy Spirit. After spending forty days with the disciples, Yeshua blessed them and was taken into Heaven.
Yeshua’s ascension proves that He conquered death and the enemy, and now He reigns in glory above all other powers. Scripture tells us that He sits at the right hand of the Father as High Priest to minister to us, intercedes on behalf of our prayers, forgive us if we fail and confess our sins, and give us grace and mercy in times of need and weakness. He also equips us to live for Him, serve those around us, teach us through His Word to be conformed to His image, and share the message of salvation with others. Even more, He is also preparing our home in Heaven where one day we will join Him.
Like the disciples who rejoiced and worshipped Yeshua after His ascension, take a moment to lift your hands and voice to praise the risen and living Savior!