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 resurrectionhow He rose from the grave, defeating sin and death forever! On Monday, lots of people resume everyday lifegoing back to school, friends, homework, part-time jobs, sportsbut 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 Christwhen He was taken up to heaven to sit at the right hand of the Fatherfinishes 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; Hebrews 4:14; Luke 24:44-Luke 24:53