Imagine the buzz in Jerusalem the week after that first Easter. The crucifixion, the empty tomb, the appearances of the risen Jesus – the city must have been electric with wonder, confusion, and anticipation. Can you imagine the roller coaster of emotions experienced by the disciples? And now, we find yet another twist: Jesus’ ascension into heaven. It’s a moment of transition, a hinge point between the familiar and the unknown. But as we’ll discover, it’s also a moment filled with promise and purpose.
The scripture passage we will be discussing today is part of a larger biblical narrative that points to Jesus. These texts may be ancient, but they are still alive and active today. The Holy Spirit communicates with us through them, and I hope you can sense God’s presence while exploring them today. Please take a moment to jot down any thoughts or reflections. Before we dive into today’s passage, let’s revisit the scriptures we covered in the past few weeks.
We’ve journeyed with Jesus and his disciples through pivotal moments in the past two weeks. On Holy Thursday, in Mark 14, we witnessed the Last Supper, where Jesus shared a final meal with his closest friends. He introduced the profound symbolism of bread and wine, representing his body and blood, given and shed for us. We followed Jesus to Gethsemane, where he wrestled with the weight of his impending suffering and death while pleading with God as his disciples struggled to stay awake.
Last week, Mark 16 brought us to the empty tomb, where Mary and other devoted women discovered that Jesus had risen from the dead, just as he promised. Though initially afraid, they were called to share this astonishing news of hope and new life.
Today, in Acts 1:1-14, we fast-forward to after Jesus’ resurrection appearances. Before ascending to heaven, Jesus spends forty days teaching his disciples about the kingdom of God. He urges them to wait in Jerusalem for the Holy Spirit’s power. As Jesus ascends, the disciples are left gazing upward, wondering what comes next. Two angelic figures redirect their attention, assuring them that Jesus will return. The disciples then gather in Jerusalem, devoting themselves to prayer as they await the Spirit’s arrival.
Through these passages, we see God’s redemptive plan unfolding. The cross and resurrection are not the end but the beginning of a new chapter. As Jesus departs, he leaves his followers with a mission and the promise of divine power to fulfill it. Like the disciples, we may experience uncertainty and waiting, but we can trust God’s ongoing presence and guidance. So, let’s venture into Acts 1:1-14 together and explore how this passage speaks to our own lives in the aftermath of Easter.
Acts 1 transports us to a pivotal moment in the early church’s history. Written by Luke around 80-90 AD, Acts is a sequel to his gospel account. Followers of Jesus were known as followers of “The Way.” They faced persecution from the mighty Roman Empire. In this climate, Luke documented the church’s birth and expansion.
Try to imagine what it was like to be in first-century Jerusalem. The disciples had witnessed Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection firsthand. Now, they were navigating a world without his physical presence. This passage sets the stage for the book of Acts, which recounts the Holy Spirit’s descent at Pentecost and the gospel’s spread “to the ends of the earth.” It links Jesus’ earthly ministry with the church’s Spirit-driven mission.
Jesus spends forty days teaching about God’s kingdom before ascending to heaven. He instructs the disciples to await the Holy Spirit’s arrival in Jerusalem. As Jesus ascends, angels assure the disciples of his eventual return. The disciples then gather in Jerusalem, united in prayer.
These verses contribute to the Bible’s overarching narrative of God’s redemptive plan. Jesus’ ascension marks a transition as his followers step into their role as witnesses. The passage emphasizes continuity between Jesus’ work and the church’s mission, empowered by the same Spirit. It combines narrative and dialogue, infused with anticipation as the disciples await the Spirit’s coming.
The themes from this first chapter of Acts might resonate with your experience today. We all face moments of transition and uncertainty, much like the disciples after Jesus’ ascension. These transitions take many forms and can occur at various stages of life, including the life of our congregation.
Pastoral transitions are a part of life in the United Methodist Church, and we all experience them differently. In less than three months, our church family will navigate this change as Nicole, our kids, and I move to McPherson, and Pastor Amy Seifert joins you here at Susanna Wesley. This transition may bring mixed emotions – excitement for new possibilities, sadness in saying goodbye, and perhaps uncertainty about the future. Yet, just as the disciples found strength in their unity and prayer as they awaited the Holy Spirit, we, too, can find comfort and guidance in our shared faith and the support of one another during this time of transition.
Our pastoral transition is just one example of the many changes we face. For those experiencing job transitions, whether due to retirement, a career change, or unexpected job loss, you may be grappling with questions about identity, financial security, and finding meaning in your work. These transitions can be exciting and challenging as you explore new opportunities, acquire new skills, or adjust to a different work environment. Always remember that your value and worth are inherent as a beloved child of God, and are not defined by your job title or employment status.
Others among us may be navigating the challenges of aging, such as changes in health, mobility, or independence. These transitions can be difficult emotionally and physically, requiring us to adapt, rely on others, and find strength in our faith and the support of our church family.
Others may be experiencing shifts in family dynamics, such as becoming empty nesters, caring for aging parents, or welcoming grandchildren. These transitions can bring joy and sorrow as we celebrate new life and confront the passing of time. In all these moments, we may find ourselves, like the disciples, looking to the skies and wondering what comes next.
Acts 1:1-14 offers valuable guidance in such times of transition. First, it reminds us to ground ourselves in prayer and community. The disciples gathered together, constantly praying as they awaited the Holy Spirit’s arrival. When we face transitions or challenges, we can lean into prayer and the support of fellow believers. Sharing our joys, fears, and hopes with God and others provides strength and clarity.
Second, the passage calls us to embrace our identity as Jesus’ witnesses. In our daily interactions—at school, work, or neighborhoods—we can embody Christ’s love and share the gospel through our words and actions. This doesn’t mean we must be perfect or have all the answers. It means being open about our faith and extending compassion, grace, and care to those around us.
Finally, we can trust the Holy Spirit’s power and presence. Jesus promised that the Spirit would empower his followers to be witnesses “to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8). As we navigate life’s challenges and opportunities, we can rely on the same Spirit to guide, strengthen, and empower us. The Spirit equips us to fulfill our unique callings and to participate in God’s ongoing mission of redemption and restoration.
The good news is that Jesus offers us a powerful invitation to participate in God’s ongoing mission. Just as the disciples were called to be Jesus’ witnesses, empowered by the Holy Spirit, we, too, are invited to embrace our role in sharing the gospel and embodying Christ’s love.
Just as the disciples were not left alone, we are not abandoned either. The same Spirit that empowered them is alive and active in us. So, as we navigate the transitions and opportunities of this post-Easter season, hold on to the promise of the Spirit’s presence. Devote yourselves to prayer and community. And step out in faith, knowing Christ is risen and goes before us. Will you pray with me?
Risen Lord, we marvel at your ascension and the promise of your return. Fill us afresh with your Holy Spirit, that we might be bold witnesses to your love and grace. In times of transition and uncertainty, grant us the peace of your presence. Empower us to live as your faithful disciples, extending your kingdom in our daily lives. We pray in your holy name, Amen.
In crafting today’s sermon, I employed AI assistants like Claude and Grammarly, yet the ultimate responsibility for its content rests with me. These tools offered valuable perspectives, but the most influential sermon preparation hinges on biblical study, theological insight, personal reflection, and divine guidance. I see AI as a supportive aid to enrich the sermon process while ensuring my own voice in proclaiming the Word of God.
Rev. Andrew Conard 