The Amazing Presence of Jesus

Jesus was an amazing man. The Bible clearly teaches us that when he spoke people were in awe at the authority He commanded. His miracles were beyond belief. His compassion for the lost sheep of Israel was without question. His disciples witnessed it all. In that little barn in Bethlehem God became a man. In the tomb that first Easter morning a man shed His humanity and took up His full divinity.

It was one experience to hear the eternal words of the son of man but can you imagine hearing the words of the resurrected son of God. For 40 day after his resurrection Jesus spent time with His followers continuing to enlighten them about the Kingdom of God. Talk about 40 days of purpose.

Jesus had a plan for the personal empowerment of His disciples. The Ascension was strategic because now the Holy Spirit of God could descend into the hearts of every believer. Now the power of God would be personal and effective in His church.

It's Not Over Yet

After Jesus arose from the dead He still had a few things left on His agenda. Jesus was going to make appearances for the sake of the faithful and He still had a few things to set in order before His Ascension. His encounter with Thomas was classic and His words to Peter were penetrating. As Jesus made His preparation to leave the earth realm we are reminded of the eternal plan of God. Jesus was not leaving just to leave. He was leaving because He was thinking empowerment. Jesus knew that His departure would set in motion the coming of the Holy Spirit. Please review the following sequence.

Jesus...Is God...revealed in Old Testament...born of virgin...lives a sinless life...cucified on the cross...dies on the cross...taken off the cross...buried in the tomb...is raised from the dead...on the earth 40 days...Ascends to heaven...sends the Holy Spirit...is coming again!