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Reflections

Easter to Pentecost

Part 4

For the past few weeks, we have walked with the disciples of Jesus after His resurrection. Our hearts burned as we walked the Emmaus Road. We felt the disciples’ fear when they were locked behind closed doors, and sensed their wonder when Jesus appeared.

With John we quietly followed Peter as Jesus restored him to fellowship. Today, back in Judea, we follow the small group out to the Mount of Olives and experience the wonder of the Ascension and hear Jesus’ authoritative last instruction.

Jesus’ Last Words

The trip to Galilee was a highlight for the disciples. Peter was restored to fellowship and they caught a lot of fish. What happened then? Did they stay awhile and sell the fish? Did Jesus tell them to go back to Jerusalem? We really do not know.

The next time we hear about them, both the disciples and Jesus are back in Jerusalem. They have had times together for conversation about the kingdom of God (Acts 1:3). Today’s narrative opens as they walk a familiar road to the Mount of Olives, the same road they walked the night Jesus was betrayed.

I imagine silence prevailed as they strolled along, remembering that night. Historically, another sad event happened on this road. David walked this way as he was exiled from Jerusalem because of Absalom’s rebellion (2 Samuel 15:30). The disciples would have known that history well, because it was the beginning of the downfall of Israel. Would Jesus now restore the Kingdom?

The question finally surfaced, but Jesus’ response surprised them. His reply comprises Jesus’ last recorded words. “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8, NIV).

As soon as Jesus said this, He was taken up from their sight. Did He drift slowly as a summer cloud, or ascend rapidly as a rocket? Were there chariots of fire like those which picked up Elijah? We do not know. Whatever happened, the disciples again were in awe, trying to follow Him as He rose skyward.

As the disciples gazed upward, like country tourists gaping at big city skyscrapers, two messengers appeared and verified that Jesus was gone, but that He would return someday in the same manner to that very spot, repeating a prophecy of Zechariah. Angels had announced Jesus’ birth and resurrection, now they confirm His ascension and His return.

Luke tells us simply that the disciples returned to Jerusalem but apparently they cherished Jesus’ last words. Without knowing how it would happen, or when it would happen, or exactly what Jesus meant, the disciples began waiting for the promise to be fulfilled. Everything Jesus had said about His betrayal, death and resurrection had come to pass. Now they trusted His Word, and as He instructed them, they obediently waited in Jerusalem for the unknown coming of the Holy Spirit.

Though they did not use the terminology we use, we can say they had experienced the wonder of Easter—now they obediently waited for the wonder of Pentecost.

Points to Ponder

Note the maturity of the disciples during the forty days since the Resurrection. Fear is not mentioned in this account. The restlessness seen in Galilee is gone. The questioning about the coming Kingdom has ended. Obediently they go back to Jerusalem.

How do you account for this maturity? Have you experienced maturity in your own walk with Jesus? What contributes to your maturity?

Jesus’ last words contained both a promise and an assignment. Peter later declares that this promise is for all (Acts 2:39). Have you received the promised Holy Spirit? In what way are you being a witness for Christ?

PEGGY MUSGROVE is a licensed Assemblies of God minister. She is also a speaker, freelance writer, author and prayer group leader. Her latest book, Musings of a Maraschino Cherry was released in 2004.. You can visit her at www.musgroveville.com.

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