Parted while blessing
Today's focusJesus opens his disciples' minds to the Scriptures, promises power from on high, and is carried up into heaven while blessing them; they worship him and return with great joy.
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44And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me. 45Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, 46And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: 47And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48And ye are witnesses of these things. 49And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high. 50And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them. 51And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven. 52And they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy: 53And were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God. Amen.
Reflection
In this passage, Jesus meets you in your need for clarity and strength. He did not leave his disciples in confusion; instead, "opened he their understanding" so they could truly "understand the scriptures." He shows that everything written in the law, the prophets, and the psalms was fulfilled in his suffering and resurrection. This same Jesus wants to guide your mind today, helping you see how his story of "repentance and remission of sins" gives meaning to your own life and the world around you.
As Jesus prepares to depart, he does not leave you empty-handed. He promises to send "the promise of my Father" so that you may be "endued with power from on high." The final image of Jesus on earth is one of deep compassion: "he lifted up his hands, and blessed them." Even as he was "carried up into heaven," he was in the act of blessing. Because of this, you can face the future with "great joy," knowing that the One who reigns in heaven is the same one who blesses you.
AI-written reflection on the passage above. Let Scripture itself be the main thing.
Reflect
The disciples returned with great joy, not sadness; what about Jesus' ascension could fill you with joy today?
Pray
Lord Jesus, you were carried into heaven with your hands raised in blessing. Thank you that your blessing still rests on your people. Fill me with joy and praise as I follow you.