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jesus' great commission and ascension
Introduction: 1. In John 21 Jesus appeared to 7 disciples at the Sea of Galilee after His resurrection. 2. According to Acts 1:1-3, Jesus was with His followers for 40 days. 3. Afterward, Jesus gave His Great Commission, and He ascended to heaven. Discussion: I. JESUS GAVE HIS GREAT COMMISSION A. Matthew 28:18-20 1. (vs.18) Jesus based His Great Commission on His divine authority. a. Jesus received His authority from the Father (John 17:2). b. Jesus demonstrated His authority in many ways throughout His ministry. c. Jesus' resurrection established His authority beyond question (Romans 1:4). 2. (vs.19-20a) Jesus instructed His apostles to: a. "teach all nations" [contrast with "the limited commission" -- Matthew 10:5-8] b. baptize those who believed their teaching "in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit" c. teach those they baptized to follow the instructions He had given to them. 3. (vs.20b) Jesus promised to be with His followers as His mission is fulfilled. B. Mark 16:15-18 1. (vs.15) Jesus instructed His apostles to preach the Gospel to everyone. 2. (vs.16) Jesus revealed His terms of salvation. 3. (vs.17-18) Jesus provided the apostles with the ability to perform certain signs. C. Luke 24:44-49 1. (vs.44-46) Jesus caused the apostles to understand the Scriptures that relate to His death and resurrection. 2. (vs.47-48) Jesus instructed the apostles to begin their work in Jerusalem. 3. (vs.49) Jesus said that He would send the Holy Spirit to the apostles. a. They were to remain in Jerusalem until they received the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:4-8). b. Jesus had earlier shown why He would send the Spirit to them (John 14:26; 16:13). II. JESUS ASCENDED TO HEAVEN A. Jesus' ascension is recorded in Mark 16:19; Luke 24:50-53; Acts 1:9-11. B. Following His ascension Jesus continued working with the apostles (Mark 16:20). 1. Jesus accompanied the apostles as He had said (Matthew 28:20b). 2. The signs performed by the apostles confirmed their teaching (Hebrews 2:3-4). | ||