The Blessing Of The Ascension
by Rev. Kirby Williams
Discovering the utter joy to be found in Christ's blessings of the Ascension.
Text: Luke 24:50-53
Date: 06/21/2026, the Combined service.
Series: "Luke: Thy Kingdom Come" Part 237
Description:
As we bring this study of Luke to a close, we are witness to an amazing scene involving Jesus and His disciples. Jesus is ascending on the clouds of heaven while pronouncing a blessing on His church-to-be. At the same time, His disciples worship Him in solemn and reverent obedience. What a glorious image of the new relationship between the "church militant" and our Resurrected and Glorified Lord! We will analyze this scene and determine how significant the Ascension is to God's Plan of Redemption, and what a model the disciples are exemplifying for us today. We will realize that beyond the audible and physical blessing of the scene, there is a symbolic blessing in the Ascension itself. For Jesus is headed for His Coronation and Installation as our Great High Priest, and to send the Holy Spirit to empower, enable and guide His church. Ultimately we will conclude this study of Luke with a deeper respect for God's Word, a heightened sense of the importance of worship, and the utter joy that is to be found in the blessings of the Ascension.
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I. Introduction, Acts 1:3.
II. Exposition of the text, Luke 24:50-53.
A. Context
1. Laying the groundwork for the Church Age.
2. The transitions.
3. Continuing the description of a "witness".
B. The Ascension Benediction.
1. The Ascension, vs. 50-51.
a. The blessing, vs. 50-51a.
i. The timing, Acts 1:3.
ii. The location, vs. 50a, Mark 15:20; John 11:18; Acts 1:12; Ezek. 11:23.
iii. Christ's Benediction, vs. 50b-51a.
1) A visual and audible blessing.
a) The body language of benediction, Psa. 134:2; Lam. 3:41; Neh. 8:6.
b) An audible blessing, Acts 1:8; John 14:2; Luke 21:27; Num. 6:24.
2) A continuing blessing, Matt. 16:18; Acts 1:11.
3) Another inclusio, Luke 1:42,48,64,68, 2:28-34.
b. The Departure, vs. 51b.
i. The necessity of a visual parting.
1) The emphasis on separation, Acts 1:11.
2) Emphasizing a new relationship, John 20:17.
3) An affirmation of the Cosmic Initiative, John 3:13.
ii. Leaving on the clouds.
1) A concise report of the Ascension, Rev. 12:5; Mark 9:2.
2) The significance of the clouds, Acts 1:9-11;Ex. 16:10; Luke 9:34-35; Dan. 7:13-14.
3) The victorious return, John 1:14, 4:24.
2. The worship, vs. 52-53.
a. The newfound relationship: worship, vs. 52a.
i. Defining "worship", Matt. 28:9; Rev. 4:9-11.
ii. A worship "set apart", Luke 4:7,8; Ex. 20:5.
b. Returning to Jerusalem, vs. 52b.
i. Faithful obedience, Luke 24:49; Acts 1:4.
ii. A newfound joy.
1) Realizing it was better for Jesus to depart, Matt. 17:22-23.
2) Trusting in the words of Jesus, John 16:33.
3) Joyful for Jesus.
c. In the temple, vs. 53.
i. Ending where we started.
1) Worship in the Temple.
2) Luke's final "bookend", Luke 1:9.
ii. Blessing God, 1John 1:6.
III. Application
A. The glorious image of the Blessing of the Ascension.
B. A model for the church.
IV. Conclusion
