The End of the Story

On Good Friday, many Christians remember how Jesus died on the cross for
our sins. Then on Easter Sunday, we celebrate Jesus’s resurrection—how He
rose from the grave, defeating sin and death forever! On Monday, lots of
people resume everyday life—going back to school, friends, homework,
part-time jobs, sports—but Easter is not the end of the story.

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When Jesus died on the cross, His followers were not only saddened, but
very confused. Then He rose from the dead and showed Himself to His
followers, opening their minds to understand that the Messiah had to suffer
on the cross and rise from the dead so that our sins could be forgiven and
we could live with God forever (Luke 24:44-47). Then they finally
understood and were overjoyed!

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But that’s not the end of the story either. The ascension of Jesus
Christ—when He was taken up to heaven to sit at the right hand of the
Father—finishes up the most important series of events in the universe: the
Son of God died for our sins, rose on the third day, and ascended to
heaven. This end of the story is often overlooked, but it’s very important
because it answers the question, “What ever happened to Jesus after He rose
from the dead? Is He still wandering around earth somewhere? Did He die
again?” It’s also important because after Jesus ascended, those who
believed in Him were given the Holy Spirit to dwell in them. The Holy
Spirit helps

us understand Scripture, gives us guidance and courage in proclaiming the
gospel (good news) of Jesus Christ, and distributes spiritual gifts. This
wondrous power of the Holy Spirit was given only after Jesus’s ascension.

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Jesus ascended to heaven, but one day He will return to earth and finally
restore all of creation to perfect relationship with God (Revelation
21:1-5). Sometimes, we forget the importance of Jesus’s ascension, focusing
only on the cross and the empty tomb. But the ascension finishes the story
of how the holy and loving God came to rescue us from our sins so that we
could be with Him forever. • Doug Velting

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• Read John 14:15-31 and John 16:5-22. Why is it a good thing that Jesus
ascended?

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• As we wait for Jesus’s return, we can rest in His love and His promise to
be with us always (Matthew 28:20). He is present with us through His
Spirit, His Word (the Bible), and His people (the church). What questions
do you have about this? Who are trusted Christians you could ask?

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Since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the
Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. Hebrews 4:14 (NIV)

Read Verses:

Acts.1.3-Acts.1.11|Acts.2.32-Acts.2.33|Heb.4.14|Luke.24.44-Luke.24.53