Jesus returns back where He was before, at the right hand of God, the Father!
Wherefore He said, when He ascended up on high, He led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. (Now that He ascended, what is it but that He also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that He might fill all things.)
When Jesus died for three day, He descended to the lower parts of the earth, during that time according to Luke 16:19-31, it was divided into two, the place of torments and paradise, a place of torment is also called as hades or hell where the rich man go, but the paradise where Lazarus go, he was received by one of the old testament believer and friend of God, Abraham. Most of the old testaments saints and believers went to that place because Jesus is the First Resurrection, He brought those captives, Abraham, Isaac, Jacobs, his children and every believer to heaven, that’s it this paradise is now becomes a big place call hell. The heaven is up there, it is also called the third heaven in II Corinthians 12:2.
Now back to the story of Jesus ascension. Forty days after the resurrection of Jesus, He ascended back to His heavenly Father. Today He is there at the right hand of God making intercession for us, serving as our mediator between God and man, whereby lost men may be reconciled to God.
A. The facts of the ascension. Acts 1: 1-11
And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as He went up; and a cloud received Him out of their sight.
And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold two men stood by them in white apparel;
B. Stephen sees Jesus at the right hand of God. Acts 7:55-56
But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God,
And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.
C. Paul encounters Christ from the Lord’s heavenly position. Acts 9:1-6
And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why you’re persecuting Me? And he said, Who are You, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom you’re persecuting: it is hard for you to kick against the pricks.
D. Jesus makes intercession for us at the right hand of God. Romans 8:34
Who is He that condemned? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right of hand, who also makes intercession for us.
E. Because Jesus is obedient to the cross, God exalted Him to the high position He now holds. Philippians 2:5-11
Who, being in the form of God, though it not robbery to be equal with God: But made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:
And being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
Wherefore God also had highly exalted Him, and given Him a Name which is above every name:
That at the Name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
F. We have a friend a friend in God’s court who knows our deepest needs and feelings. Hebrew 4:14-16
Seeing then that we have a great High Priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.
For we have not an High Priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
G. Angels, authorities, and powers are subject to Jesus sitting at the right hand of God. 1 Peter 3:22
Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject to Him.
H. Jesus is our example and His life gives us strength for the race set before us. We can look to Him as author and finisher of our faith because He completed the work at Calvary and is at the right hand of God. Hebrews 12:2
Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; Who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
I. By ascending, Jesus led captivity captive and gave great gifts to men. Ephesians 4:8-10
Jesus is alive today. The cross is empty, the tomb has nothing in it. Critics have tried to discredit the resurrection fact, but they cannot blot out its truth. The resurrection became the focal point of all the apostles preached and the central theme of the New Testament. Of all the world’s religions, Christianity alone has a “Living Saviour” who “ever” lived to make intercession for them. Hebrew 7:25
Please pray this prayer, and accept Him as your Lord God and Saviour now, do not let this day pass by without you, surrendering and giving your life to Jesus, for He said and I quote, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believed in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live. John 11;25:
“Dear Lord Jesus,
I know that I am a sinner, and I ask for Your forgiveness. I believe You died for my sins and rose from the dead. I turn from my sins and invite You to come into my heart and life. I want to trust and follow You as my Lord and Saviour. In Your Name, amen.
