The citizen. [volume] (Berea, Ky.) 1899-1958, 1906-12-13
JESUS ASCENDS
INTO HEAVEN
Sunday School Lesson Tor Dec.23. 1906
Specially Prepared for This Paper.

lkn<azrzuzznzunxEENEEznnuzu
LESSON TEXT.-Luke 2i3e-53 Mem
DRY verses i6-ls
GOLDEN TEXT .-"whle he blessed
them. he was parted from them, and
was received up into heaven."-Luke
TiME-The ascension was on Thurs
day, May is. A. d. %.
PLACE.-From the Mount of Olives,
PARALLEL ACCOMPLISHING 2s1s-
70: Mark l6:lf-2O. Read also Acts l:l-l2
Comment and Suggestive Thought.
V. SO. They" Cleopas and his
friend who had seen Jesus at Emmaus.
Thus spake" As they told how he
had walked and talked with them, had
explained the Scripture prophecies OF
His sufferings aud death. and finally.
how He was known of them in break
ing OF bread" Jesus Himself stood
in the midst" Jesus was no longer
under the limitations which hampered
His body before death Peace be
unto you" This common Hebrew sal
utation carried new force as II fell
from the lips Of the risen Saviour.
Jesus had been born 'the Prince OF
Peace"
V. 81. Terrified and anhghted."
Frightened. as mortals generally have
been by the supernatural "A spirit"
We would say. n ghost: a being lack
I ing material substance.
" 3S. why are We troubled" II
you are sad because you thought me
forever gone. why are you not glad
al my return? why do thoughts
arise?" Why do you seek to reason
away what simple faith should ac-
cept with great joy-the fact that
still live2
" 80 Behold My hands and My
feet" These bore still the nail-prints
and proved His identity. Handle
Me-" Divine love and patience were
willing to do anything to satisfy and
convince these doubling ones.
V. Al. Believed not for joy" First
establishment, then fear, and now Joy,
hindered the action of their faith.
v 43. did eat" The apostles re-
ferred 20 this as a convincing proof OF
their Lords resurrection (Acts load.
" a.. These verses give a condens-
ed summary OF the teaching Jesus
gave the disciples during the 40 days
following his resurrection. These are
the words which spake." In the light
of these events you understand the
words l spoke to you long ago Csuoh
as Luke 1S:3f-3D. while | was yet
with you" While I usibly dwelt on
earth as a man Must be fulfilled"
Jesus life. death end resurrection
we're necessary 90 mans salvation,
and as such had been infinitely fore
told in Scripture. The law q.
prophets psalms" The accepted
Jewish divisions OF the Old Testament
Zach division of the Old Testament
teaches of Jesus.
V. As Opened their understand.
ing" Jesus had gained new power
through his death and resurrection.
V. 4G. Thus IL is written" In many
prophetic words. such as Gen 3.15:
Ex. 70; lisa. SO. etc. ITO suffer and
TO rise" These are the two essential
features Of the Gospel
V. AZ. Repentance" Sorrow for
sin and turning from IT, "Remis-
sions." Forgiveness OF sin and escape
from H. In His name" On Jesus
authority and because through Him
men are enabled 10 escape from sin.
Among all nations" This commission
is more explicitly given by another
evangelist. Beginning at Jerusalem"
II was most important that in the very
city where the great events connected
with Jesus took place, their full i'm.
port should be fearlessly and triumph
antly proclaimed.
V. as. I'VE are witnesses" The apos.
ties had been with Jesus several years
witnessing His miracles and listening
to His teachings; they witnessed His
crucihxion. His resurrection. and were
soon TO witness His ascension.
V. 40. The promise OF My Father"
The promise OF another comforter"
the Holy Spirit John l4:16. 26).
"Tarry . until We be endued with
power" II would be vain for them
to go forth with only their own wisdom
and strength.
V. so. What is recorded In these
verses occurred 40 days after Jesus
resurrection. "As far as Bethany"
Some place on the Mount of Olives.
near Bethany. blessed them" All
the years of His earthly life Jesus
blessed men-made them happier and
better-and His parting act was that
OF blessing. He still lives and still
blesses.
V. 81. WAS parted from them"
BY a slow, continuous motion, He
arose above them until he disappeared
in cloud (see Acts -.
" SO. "Worshiped Him." They now
gave Him that deep. adoring love
which is due to God alones rReturned
=. with great Joy" Their joy is a
most remarkable evidence OF their
faith.
" SO. Continually in the temple"
For some reason. Jewish priests did
not modest them. They were regular
in attendance at the temple at the
hours OF worship. Jesus whom they
worshiped was the same God to whom
this temple had been dedicated.
Practical Points.