Jesus Ascending to Heaven, John Singleton Copley, 1775
Prior to the studying the life of Jesus of Nazareth; Christ (anointed one); Messiah, Son of God, the Lamb of God, the King of Kings, and the Lord of Lords. Jesus of Nazareth first came to the Jews, and then to the gentile world. Jesus Christ reviled to us through Him and by His apostles the teachings of God the Father; as they were led by the Holy Spirit.
We first must begin by mentioning something about Jesus’ forerunner, John the Baptist. John was born to Zacharias, a priest and his wife Elisabeth. They were both devout Jews, keepers of the commandments of God. They had no children and were beyond their years of child bearing, until God blessed them with their first and only child, whose name was to be called John. The announcement of this fact; Elisabeth was to have a child. This knowledge came from the angel Gabriel, who appeared to Zacharias during his services in the Temple. Gabriel told Zacharias; that they would have a son, and he would be called John. From birth, John would be filled with the Holy Ghost (Spirit). He would live a Nasserite type of life, from his mother’s womb. Their son, John would go forth in the spirit and power of Elijah (in Greek Elias). John’s purpose would be to prepare the way of the Lord. This being one of my favorite prophesies in the New Testament passages about Jesus coming, this prophesy was given by Zechariah the father of John the Baptist on the day of John’s circumcision.
Lk.1:67-79.
“And his father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit, and prophesied, saying, Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people, And hath raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David; As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been since the world began: That we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us; To perform the mercy promised to our fathers, and to remember his holy covenant; The oath which he swore to our father Abraham, That he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies, might serve him without fear, In holiness and righteousness before him all the days of our life. And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his way; To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins, through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us, To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.”
This prophecy of Zechariah; the father of John the Baptist, forerunner of Jesus Christ; John, is prophesying that Jesus Christ will come into the world to deliver us from all evil, wickedness and sin. All we have to do is stand fast and see the glory of the Lord.
The prophet Elijah, in whom John the Baptist was to go in the spirit of, played an important part in Jewish history and tradition. The name Elijah means; YEHWEH is my God, fittingly so; because there was no greater defender of the faith of God than Elijah, against the heathens. It was Elijah in which the killing of 450 priests of Baal in which Jezebel; the wife of King Ahab had brought into Israel to sit at the kings table. Elijah’s clothing was simple, consisting of animal skins and a leather belt. What makes his life so important is; Elijah never saw death, but was taken up into heaven in a whirlwind while his predecessor Elisha watched.
II Kings 2:11
“And it came to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that, behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven.”
It was because of this fact that the Jews had come to teach and believe, that before the Messiah could come, Elijah must return to prepare the way for the Messiah. This idea is supported by the prophecy of Malachi.
Mal.4:5
“Behold I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord:”
This prophetic truth is supported by Jesus, in the Gospel of Matthew, when Jesus made mention had about the prophecy in the book of Malachi. That it was John the Baptist that indeed was Elijah (in Greek, Elias).
Matt.11:11-15
“Verily I say unto you, among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force. For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John. And if ye will receive it, this is Elias, which was to come. He that hath ears to hear let him hear.”
By this statement; Jesus has closed the book of the prophets and entered into a new era. Opening “The Messianic” period, where by Jesus is the Christ, the anointed one of God. And those that follow Jesus will have a greater place in the Kingdom of God or Heaven, even greater then John the Baptist. It is Jesus Christ that will bring everything back under a theocracy, which God had established with Abraham, and was relinquished when God let Samuel anoint Saul as the first King of Israel.
I Samuel 8:19-22
“Nevertheless the people refused to obey the voice of Samuel; and they said, Nay; but we will have a king over us, that we also may be like all the nations; and that our king may judge us, and go out before us, and fight our battles. And Samuel heard all the words of the people, and he rehearsed them in the ears of the Lord. And the Lord said to Samuel, Hearken unto their voice, and makes them a king. And Samuel said unto the men of Israel, go ye every man to his city.”
The ministry of John the Baptist had started; by his calling the people of Israel to repentance, preparing the way for their rightful King and Lord, Jesus.
Jesus is the one and only begotten Son the true and living God, the Father creator of all. It is in the fullness of time that God has revealed Himself to us through His only begotten Son, Jesus of Nazareth. The name Jesus, in Hebrew would be Joshua, which in turn means, the “Yah saves”. In the New Testament, Jesus is clearly revealed to us as the Son of God. When Jesus asked his disciples who do you say I am; Peter answered correctly the Christ, the Son of God. Then Jesus replied that you could have only known that if God the Father had told you.
Matt.16; 16
“And Simon Peter answered and said; Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living GOD. And Jesus answered and said unto him, blessed art thou, Simon Bar-jona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.”
Jn.10:25-28
“Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye believed not: the works that I do in my Father’s name, they bear witness of me. But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you. My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.”
Again we are faced with a personal dilemma. Which is; if God doesn’t reveal His Son to you, as he did with Peter, one can’t come to know, Jesus Christ the Son of God? The only way to begin, is to listen to the message of John the Baptist. This is to repent! Believe in God; the true and living God, by opening your heart to His existence, and desire to live a holy and righteous life.
Now begin reading the New Testament; Gospels according to, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Their testimony bears witness to Jesus Christ; all the while asking God to open your heart to the truth about His Son, Jesus Christ. At this time; I wish to share one of the narratives from the Gospel of Matthew, concerning Jesus’ birth.
Matt. 1:18-21
“Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily. But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.”
Matthew makes it quite clear that this child, Jesus, born to Mary is Christ; the anointed one of God, being conceived by the Holy Ghost (Spirit). Mary was espoused, betrothed to be married to Joseph, and that they hadn’t had any sexual contact as yet, according to Jewish Law. Within the Jewish society, an espousal or betrothal was a formal contract of obligation. In this case, by Joseph to Mary; this espousal was as binding as the actual marriage contract would be, except that they hadn’t consummated the marriage by sexual intercourse. According to law were allowed to be together as if married. This espousal period, would last for about a year.
One of the reasons; was to make sure that the woman wasn’t with child. If she was to be found pregnant, she would be considered a harlot and a formal public divorcement would be granted to the husband to be; freeing him from his obligation to marry that woman.
The reason why Joseph didn’t go ahead and divorce Mary; was intervention by an angel of God, who visited him and explained that the conception was by the Holy Ghost (Spirit), an unusual supernatural occurrence and he was to obey God’s will!
The next event that Matthew speaks; is after Jesus was born and the wise men came looking for Him, the “King of the Jews.” It would seem that these wise men were astrologers having read the stars revealing the birth of the, King of the Jews. Also they most have had some knowledge of the Old Testament Scriptures to have believed that a king of the Jews was to be born. In their search they ended up in the city of Jerusalem and went into the court of King Herod ruler of the Jews at that time. King Herod spoke with them and inquired about what they know about the Christ birth. Herod who wasn’t that versed in scriptures turned to the Jewish Priest and scribes, about the matter. They told King Herod that the prophets had foretold the birth of a Christ child, and it would occur at Bethlehem. It should be noted; by the time the wise men came from the East to Jerusalem, to pay homage to Jesus’ birth. He was no longer an infant but rather a child of just less than two years, and Mary and Joseph were now living in a house.
Matt.2:11, 12
“And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh. And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.”
Matt.2:16
“Then Herod when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coast thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently enquired of the wise men.”
There are several things that we need to look at to set the record straight. Whenever we see a Nativity Scene at Christmas time; we see Jesus in a manger, the three kings (wise men), and Sheppard’s with their animals around the manger. This is not the way it happened; but is a common falsehood, not based on New Testament scriptures. This gives credence to read your Bible, so you will know the truth from a fable, the traditions of men.
The Sheppard’s came right after Jesus’ birth; after the angels told them. The wise men; not kings came to see the new born King of the Jews, a year or so after Jesus’ birth. They were living in a house and Herod killed all the male children from two years down. The Bible doesn’t really say how many wise men there were; we assume that there were three, because of the three gifts, but there could have only been two or may be even four, it doesn’t say. From this point on; the scriptures are silent about Jesus and His early years except for the time when he was twelve years old bringing forth the time a boy would enter manhood.
Jesus was found speaking to the doctors that would be those educated in the Law of Moses, in the Temple, Lk.2:41-50. The next important event in Jesus’ life was just before He started His public ministry. Jesus following the will of God and being obedient came to John the Baptist, to be baptized by him in the Jordan River. It is here; that Jesus is filled by the Holy Spirit as witnessed by John the Baptist, seeing the Spirit in the form of a dove, come upon Jesus. John the Baptist heard the voice of God from heaven; making it clear, that Jesus is His beloved Son and that God is pleased with Him.
Matt.3:16, 17
“And Jesus when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”
It is after this incident; Jesus was tempted by Satan the devil, which was making an effort to prevent Jesus from fulfilling God’s purpose. It is after Jesus’ defeating the efforts of Satan the devil, that His ministry and preaching began.
Many signs and wonders! People were healed and demons cast out as Jesus went forth. They were freed from the power of the devil, showing that the power of God was with and in Jesus Christ. Jesus’ fame spread quickly and multitudes followed him, and rightly so. Let’s face it; if you know that, the power of God was working through a person, and you could be healed from cancer, heart disease, mental torment, demon possession, or any type of infirmity; wouldn’t you go to that person, to receive your healing? I know, I would, and I wouldn’t care what anyone else said or thought about it. In the Gospel of John, he makes it clear were the power of Jesus’ ministry comes from; God the Father. The Apostle John is telling us who is guiding Jesus’ earthly ministry.
John 5:19, 20
“Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things so ever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise. For the Father loveth the son and sheweth him all things that himself doeth: and he will shew him greater works than these that ye may marvel. For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; even so the Son quickeneth whom he will. For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son: That all men should honor the Son, even as they honor the Father. He that honoreth not the Son honoreth not the Father which hath sent him.”
After reading these verses you can only conclude, that God the Father has given over to Jesus life and death. The state of man; when it comes to the end of time, judgment day; that judgment has been given over to God’s Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. If one doesn’t give Jesus Christ the same reverence and honor as they do to, God the Father, he isn’t honoring God the Father.
Jesus Christ and God the Father are completely united one with the other. This very fact raises Jesus Christ to a divine nature statist. That is why, in another place Jesus could say; if you see me, you have seen the Father. Jesus Christ is the express image of God the Father in the flesh, bodily. When it comes to the area of the pre-existence of Jesus Christ, many believers have difficulty with this truth. Within the opening verse of the Gospel and first letter of John it is explained.
Jn.1:1-5
“In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.”
1Jn.1:1-3
“That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; (For the life was manifested and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;) That which we have seen and heard declare us unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son, Jesus Christ.”
These scriptures have given many of Theologians headaches, but if you think of it, it’s not that difficult to understand. Just for a moment think about your own words that which you vocalize; isn’t those words you speak part of you. Are not they the expression of your very essence, which you are?
The apostle John; is trying to convey to us that Jesus is the very essence of God, His Word which spoke the worlds into existence in the very beginning of creation. Jesus was that Word, the light that came forth in darkness, when God said let there be light on the first day of creation. This darkness; which originated with Satan the devil, could not comprehend the light. It was this light brought about by the Word, became flesh, took on bodily form, and is known as Jesus Christ; which is the light of all mankind. It is Jesus Christ bringing true knowledge and understanding of God the Father, to us.
Here; in the first letter of the Apostle John, is when he clarifies these deep mysteries, about our Lord Jesus Christ. John is trying to help our understanding; that Jesus is eternal life, and apart from Jesus Christ there can’t be any life whatsoever for mankind.
Jn.10:27, 28
“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: and I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand.”
Both the Father and Son will keep those that are chosen by the Father; to be sons of God, after the order of Jesus Christ; they will walk in His ways.
The most compelling truth about Jesus Christ and the foundation of the Christian faith is Jesus’ death and resurrection. It indicates to all mankind that Jesus Christ, has life in Himself and has power over death and hell, “death where is thy sting.” If Jesus didn’t rise from the dead then there is no hope of eternal life for mankind. We all will die in our sins and will never come into the presence of God Our Father. Even the Apostle Paul makes a statement to that effect; if Jesus hasn’t risen from the dead, then we are most miserable, because we are still in our sins.
To help us in our understanding about the truth of Jesus’ resurrection and ascension, we have the testimony of the witnesses found in the Gospel of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John and also in the book of Acts.
Matt.28:5, 6
“And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come; see the place where the Lord lay.”
Mark 16:5, 6
“And entering into the sepulcher, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white garment; and they were affrighted. And he saith unto them, be not affrighted: Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: he is risen; he is not here: behold the place where they laid him.”
Luke 24:36-39
“And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit. And he said unto them, why are ye troubled? And why do thoughts arise in your hearts? Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.”
John 20:26-28
“And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you. Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing. And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God.
Acts 1:1-3
“The former treatise have I made O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen: To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being. Seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:”
Acts 1:9-11
“And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; which also said, ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.
Then we have the testimony of Steven; a deacon, the first Christian martyr. When he stood before the Jewish Sanhedrin, he witnessed to them, what he saw; Jesus Christ, at the right hand of God the Father. Because of this; he was stoned to death by the Sanhedrin, and interesting enough, standing, watching and holding their robes was a young man named Saul. Saul would later become known as the Apostle Paul, after Jesus appeared unto him on the road to Damascus when Saul was chasing the Christians. Like Saul we all need to see Jesus Christ with the spirit of our minds; fall down and worship Jesus Christ the Lord.
Acts 7:55, 56
“But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, look up steadfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, and said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.”
Acts 9:3, 4
“And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?
Be it understood to all; that Jesus Christ the risen Lord, and is going to return one day to judge all of mankind; both the living and dead. Every knee shall bow and every tongue shall confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. Amen.
Rev.20:10-15
“And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever. And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books according to their works. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.”
It is Jesus; that is on his throne doing the judging, so you better get right with the Judge and obtains His mercy before that day which is spoken of in the book of Revelation; quoted above.