Jesus is in His Heaven. Again.

MAY 21  / Sunday – Read Acts 1:1-11

Overview: It’s Ascension Sunday, the day we celebrate Jesus’ return to heaven. Hope wins because Jesus reigns and God is in control – even now.

22 / Mon – Before  |  Read Jn 1:1-5, 14, 18 / Jer 29:13

Mark started his story as Jesus’ ministry was inaugurated at the Jordan River. Matthew and Luke began their accounts with Jesus’ birth and his family tree. Only John reaches further back to describe Jesus before the world was ever created and how the Son of God, the Word, became a human being in order to make Himself known to us. In what way does this reality reaffirm how serious God is about having a relationship with you? How serious are you?

23 / Tue – How to know an incomprehensible God  |  Read Phil 2:6-8 / Jn 14:7-11

Multiple things were accomplished by Jesus coming to earth as a man. He demonstrated humility by serving those he created. He showed us what the Father is like. He brought clarity regarding the law. He came to give his life as the sacrifice that would break the power of sin and death once and for all. He put aside his glory to confront sin and look us right in the eye, declaring we are his, and he won’t let us go without a fight. What does this tell you about the depth of His love for you?

24 / Wed – The benefits of leaving  |  Read Jn 16:27-28 / Jn 16:5-7, 12-13 / Jn 14:25-29

When Jesus told his disciples he was going back to heaven, he claimed it was a good thing. Why? List some of the ways the Holy Spirit would bless and help them once Jesus was gone.

How have you seen the Holy Spirit helping you?

25 / Thu – To what end?  |  Read John 14:1-3

Have you read these verses before? What was Jesus’ command given in verse 1? Why was that an important prerequisite for believing what he said next? What did Jesus claim he was going away to do? And why? His disciples were devastated at the news that Jesus was leaving them soon. How did these words give them hope? Personalize this promise by reading it aloud and addressing it to your self. How does it change your perspective about the future?

26 / Fri – Unanswered questions  |  Read Acts 1:1-11

Jesus spoke plainly about his departure but his disciples had questions right up until the moment he was taken back into heaven. So it shouldn’t be a surprise when you have unanswered questions today. What insights have you gained in reading this week’s scriptures? What hope have you found as a result? Write below the most significant idea you will carry with you going forward…

27 / Sat – Postscript  |  Read Jn 16:4-6 / Lk 24:50-53

Before, when Jesus first told the disciples he was leaving them, they were grieved. Yet Luke records that, after watching Jesus return to heaven, they came back with great joy. What made it different this time? Was it because, with the resurrection, Jesus had proved he always does what he says he will do? What are some promises that bring you great joy even though, for a little while, you have to deal with difficulty, grief or pain?