May 18, 2025 • 30 mins
Discover the power and promise that Jesus left with His disciples, transforming their mission and fueling the birth of the Church in this compelling episode of The Jesus Podcast.
In this episode of The Jesus Podcast, we explore the profound moment of Jesus' ascension and the promise of the Holy Spirit, who empowers believers to carry out His mission. Through vivid storytelling, we delve into the disciples' experiences and their preparation for the birth of the Church.
Today's Bible verse is Acts 1:8, from the King James Version.
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Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has
come upon you. Acts one eight. Heavenly Father, we come
before you with grateful hearts, acknowledging your incredible promise and
Acts one eight. We thank you for the gift of
the Holy Spirit, who empowers us to be your witnesses
(00:22):
to the ends of the earth. Lord, we recognize our
deep need for your strength and guidance in our daily lives.
Without you, we are powerless. Fill us afresh with your
spirit so that we may boldly share the good news
of Jesus Christ with those around us. Help us to
(00:42):
be courageous in our faith, spreading your love and truth
wherever we go. Strengthen our hearts to trust in your
timing and plan even when we face challenges. Use us,
Lord to bring light into the darkness and hope to
the helpless. Than to be a reflection of your grace
and mercy in this world. In Jesus's name, we pray, Amen.
(01:10):
Thank you for praying with me to day. You're listening
to the Jesus Podcast, remain here for our mini series
on the birth of the Church. If this podcast has
blessed you, we would love it if you left a
review doing so makes a huge impact on our team.
(01:32):
Lu hunched over the small tables set in the corner
of the room. Parchment and inkstains littered its surface. As
the sound of his stylus scratched across the papers, he
peered up and out the window. His eyes were fixated
on the blue expanse, but his mind was focused on
his research. For months, he had been Paul's companion in
(01:56):
adventure and ministry, but this wasn't enough. Luke. There was
more to be told that he hadn't seen himself. As
a result, Luke traveled from city to city, endeavoring to
find eye witnesses of the ministry of Jesus and the
subsequent boom of his church. And now he labored over
(02:16):
accurately recalling the stories he had heard. He was writing
a letter to Theophilus, hoping to see his faith grow.
If the Great Theophilus could see what Luke saw and
hear what Luke heard, then perhaps everyone in his influence
would as well. Luke's background as a physician drew him
(02:38):
to facts and a meticulous understanding of his subject, but
it also stemmed from a desire to help others. His
writing was no different. Each word was carefully selected. Accuracy
was of the utmost importance in retelling the gospel message,
if it meant that the one who read it might
(03:00):
salvation in Jesus, who was the Christ. He read the
words set before him and struck them out.
Speaker 2 (03:07):
Ah, No, that's not it. Where to start? Where to start?
Speaker 1 (03:14):
Luke wondered to himself. In his last letter to Theophilus.
He had concluded on jesus ascension into heaven, but the
story was far from over.
Speaker 2 (03:25):
I suppose I could start in Jerusalem, but so much
happened even before then.
Speaker 1 (03:31):
He rifled through his papers, determined to piece together the
most compelling narrative. He slunk back into his chair and
pressed his hands firmly over his eyes. He sighed deeply,
wondering if the words would ever come to him in
transcribing his thoughts in his first letter. He worried that
(03:51):
he had finally run out of words. He began to
question his efforts. Would any of this matter? Would it
even make a differences? And witnessing to Theophilus, let alone
anyone else who might read the letter, he stared out
the window again. He cleared his mind and muttered a
silent prayer to himself. The gentle wind stirred the curtains
(04:14):
as he prayed and whisped around the room. Almost instantly,
Luke felt at peace, His heart slowed, and his thoughts
seemed to knit themselves together apart from his efforts. He
took his stylus up again, plunged the end into the inkwell,
and began writing. When satisfied, he picked up the stag
(04:37):
of parchment and read the words back to himself.
Speaker 2 (04:42):
In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that
Jesus began to do and to teach until the day
he was taken up to heaven. After giving instructions through
the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen after
suffering himself to them and gave convincing proof that he
(05:03):
was alive. He appeared to them over forty days and
spoke about the Kingdom of God.
Speaker 1 (05:11):
He smiled to himself, content with the words that seem
to have been given to him by the Spirit himself.
Dipping his stylust back into the black ink, he leaned
over the desk and carried.
Speaker 3 (05:24):
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Speaker 4 (06:27):
Imagine this. You're at the grand finale of your favorite
TV series. The hero who has been through countless trials
and tribulations is about to make their final exit. As
they ascend into the heavens, the screen fades to black.
But wait, what happens next? How do we carry on
without our hero? This is where the Book of Acts begins,
(06:49):
with an epic finale and an even grander sequel. Welcome
to the Jesus Podcast. I'm Zach back again to guide
you through these epic stories of faith devotion in the
beginning of the Church. We will spend the next few
weeks highlighting the first ten chapters of the Book of Acts.
What does this have to do with Jesus, you might ask, Well, everything.
(07:11):
This is Christ's Church, fulfilling Christ's commission by the power
of Christ's spirit. You see, my friends, the church is
all about Jesus. As we dive into these epic adventures,
make sure to follow this podcast if you haven't done so,
leave a review because we love hearing from you, and
share this podcast with a friend. We start this mini
(07:32):
series off with Jesus, who, after a dramatic forty day
encore of teaching and proving his resurrection, ascends into the sky.
His departure sets the stage for the continuation of his
mission through us, the people his church. Acts one one
through eleven serves as a prologue to a transformative journey.
(07:52):
Luke is the author of the Book of Acts. He's
a physician and a meticulous historian. Although he wasn't an
eyewitness to Jesus' ministry himself, he was an eyewitness to
many of the events that happened after his ascension. He
writes this book to a figure named Theophilis, which means
God Lover. It's as though Lucas saying for those who
loved God hears how the story continues. The Gospel of
(08:16):
Luke ends with Jesus's resurrection, as picks up with his
ascension and promises this seamless transition is crucial. Without acts,
we'd be left wondering how a small, beleaguered group of
followers becomes the global church movement that we know today.
Jesus's ascension isn't merely a celestial exit. It's the beginning
(08:38):
of a new era. The ascension witnessed by his disciples
is a significant shift from his earthly ministry to his
ongoing work through the Holy Spirit, and this transition holds
vital lessons for us today. Let's dive into the story
now and be swept away. In the beginning of the
birth of the Church.
Speaker 1 (08:58):
Jesus sat on a stone near the base of the
Mount of Olives. The disciples were seated around him, unfolded
claws on their laps, and bread and dried fruit topped
off their plates.
Speaker 5 (09:12):
Peter, would you pass me some of the olives. Ever
since my resurrection, I just can't seem to get enough
of them.
Speaker 1 (09:17):
Peter passed a small ball to Jesus, forcing a smile
as he did so. Even after forty days, the reality
that Jesus had risen from the dead was still fresh
from the disciples. For some of them, it would have
been nearly unbelievable if they hadn't touched the very wounds
of Jesus with their own hands. The day of jesus
(09:41):
death was the darkest in history as they scattered into hiding.
But three days later he had proven that not even
death could hold the Son of Man, and that the
enemy's schemes were no match for the perfect plan of
the But rather than returning with trumpets, fires, or earthquakes,
(10:06):
Jesus walked with them, ate with them, and taught them
just as he always had. On the surface, they felt
like nothing had changed, Yet there was something distinctly different now.
An unseen aura radiated from Jesus that let them know
in their souls that nothing would ever be the same.
(10:31):
The group ate in relative silence. The air was unusually
still and only helped to amplify the silence of their meal.
Each day came with unspoken curiosities about Jesus's plan on
this side of the grave. However, not wanting to seem
doubtful of jesus mission, none of them dared to ask
(10:53):
him to share more than what he did on his
own accord. Peter was the most concerned about coming off
as an opponent to Jesus. With a twinge of pain
in his heart, he remembered how Jesus had called him
satan for rebuking jesus revelation of his death, and again
he cringed as he remembered denying the Lord three times
(11:17):
in his most desperate hour. Peter closed his eyes softly
and took a breath. In these moments of condemnation, he
knew that Jesus's love was the only hope of finding
forgiveness within himself. He reminded himself of Jesus's words immediately
after his resurrection. Three times Jesus questioned Peter's affection for him,
(11:43):
and three times Peter affirmed with his heart that he
loved the Lord. Despite his failures, Jesus had restored him,
and he knew with full assurance that nothing could take
that away. Peter sat up straight and turned to Jesus.
He spoke firmly but kindly.
Speaker 2 (12:05):
Lord, at the risk of spoiling our happy little lunch,
can I just say what we're all thinking.
Speaker 5 (12:12):
It's never stopped you before?
Speaker 2 (12:14):
Well, it's it's jist. Now that you're back, when will
we start the next phase of your plan? I mean
no offense, but surely sitting here to eat lunch with
us isn't why you rose from the dead.
Speaker 5 (12:29):
I take no offense to your words, though I don't
believe the offense was mine to take.
Speaker 1 (12:34):
Jesus winked at the disciples as he said this, but.
Speaker 5 (12:37):
You are right. Much more must be accomplished in order
to see the will of the Father fulfilled.
Speaker 2 (12:43):
Mumm, Does that mean we will be leaving Jerusalem soon?
Speaker 1 (12:47):
We won't be.
Speaker 2 (12:49):
Is that to say you won't be staying with us?
Speaker 1 (12:53):
Jesus eyes were full of deep love for the Disciples.
During their years together, he had always been mindful of
their struggles to understand what he was doing. Compassion had
always motivated him to lead the Disciples through each new challenge,
but he knew the following words would start their most
(13:15):
significant challenge in.
Speaker 5 (13:17):
A certain way. Yes, I won't be staying with you,
but in a great way. You must know by now
that I will never truly leave you.
Speaker 1 (13:26):
The disciples took great comfort in his words, even if
they didn't fully comprehend what he meant. By the apparent
paradox in what he was saying.
Speaker 2 (13:35):
What should we do? Where should we go?
Speaker 1 (13:39):
Peter was eager to do all that Jesus commanded him.
The hunger to lead was quickly revitalizing itself in Peter's veins.
He envisioned what being the rock meant in this new
paradigm of jesus resurrection. He felt pride beginning to grow
small roots, and quickly reminded himself of Jesus words on
(14:02):
the beach, feed my sheep. He couldn't take any credit
for what God had done through him up to this point,
just as much as he couldn't blame him for his
missteps and failures. He knew there was nothing he could
do in his own power. Though learning that lesson had
(14:22):
come with difficulty, Peter now found it comforting. He knew
Jesus would sustain him and the rest of the disciples
through whatever lay ahead.
Speaker 5 (14:34):
Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my
Father has promised, he who I spoke of before my betrayal.
You will have much to do, but none can be
done without him.
Speaker 6 (14:49):
Without him, are you not the one who will lead
us on our mission?
Speaker 1 (14:53):
Jesus smiled graciously at Andrew. The disciples would always have questions,
and Jesus knew the answer he was about to give
would be better than anything else he could offer them
in this next season.
Speaker 5 (15:07):
I have shared many lessons with you regarding my spirit.
It is he who empowered me during my time with you.
Think back to when we first met, Andrew. Do you
remember that day?
Speaker 6 (15:18):
Of course, Lord, it was after your baptism, and what
a glorious time that was. What I wouldn't have given
to be there when the heavens opened up. I can't
imagine any of the stories I've heard do it justice.
Speaker 5 (15:31):
I can assure you the stories have more power for
you than you know, and they will continue to embolden
my people. But beyond the stories, there's something, or should
I say, someone who will give you even greater strength
and an everlasting hope. Believe it or not, I meant
(15:52):
it when I said it would be better if I left.
In many ways, I will still be with you.
Speaker 1 (15:59):
The disciples mar at Jesus words. They leaned forward, their
hearts began to race. Could anything really be better if
Jesus left? He had been their teacher regarding all things
about God and his Kingdom, their pillar of strength through persecution,
(16:19):
their strong tower in times of trouble, and their peace
and the storms of anxiety, doubt, and fear.
Speaker 5 (16:29):
In the early days of my ministry, John baptized a
baptism of repentance with water. But just as I was
baptized in the Spirit, I now share that gift with you.
In a few days, you will be baptized with the
Holy Spirit. It is with Him that you will do
more wondrous works than I.
Speaker 1 (16:51):
There was a deafening silence as this revolutionary news danced
around their minds, delving into their hearts. Surely, the Spirit
had been with them this whole time, but it was
evident that this baptism of the Spirit held an even
greater significance than just his presence with them. Jesus spoke
(17:14):
of intimacy with the Spirit. This was the beginning of
something new and unheard of. The baptism of the Spirit
was more than just a new mission. It was the
beginning of new fresh life. They wondered if they were
ready for everything it entailed. With each word Jesus shared,
(17:39):
it was as though scales were falling from their eyes
and they could see the world more clearly in the
light of the Father's perfect plan unfolding before them. Their
musings bubbled over with a plea to know what Jesus
would do next.
Speaker 2 (17:55):
Lord, Is it finally time? Are you going to restore
order the kingdom to Israel?
Speaker 5 (18:01):
I shared this with you and the sons of Thunder
on the mountain at my transfiguration, but for the benefit
of the others here I'll say it again. I'm sure
it's hard to accept, but it is not for you
to know the times, what the dates the Father has
set by his authority. Of course, this is no mark
against you, but my Father works in mysterious ways that
(18:25):
no human could ever comprehend.
Speaker 1 (18:28):
At this, the disciple shoulder slumped over so slightly. Any
time a question of timing was posted to Jesus, obscurity
was always involved, and time seemed to be an enigma
when it came to jesus plans. They did their best
to fight the confusion and stay focused on their faith.
Speaker 5 (18:49):
But do not worry. There is good news to be
had while waiting. You are to stay here in Jerusalem,
where you will receive power, a power unlike any you've
ever seen before. Kings could only wish for authority like this.
Speaker 1 (19:06):
And just like that, Jesus had pulverized their doubts and
laid the foundation for courage. Again, like a master craftsman,
he chiseled away at their hearts precisely and patiently.
Speaker 5 (19:22):
The Holy Spirit will descend upon you, filling you with
unimaginable power.
Speaker 1 (19:28):
Their eyes sparkled in amazement at the very thought.
Speaker 6 (19:32):
Remember his purpose.
Speaker 5 (19:34):
He comes to testify of me, and when he empowers you,
you too will be my witnesses.
Speaker 6 (19:40):
And are we to stay here in Jerusalem? How will
we know what to do.
Speaker 5 (19:45):
When all this has come to pass, Yes, Hendrew, there
will be work to do here in Jerusalem. I know
I've stirred the part quite a bit, but Jerusalem is
only the start. The Helper will direct your steps, and
it's time you, my witnesses, in Jerusalem beyond to Judea
and Sumeria and the ends of the earth. The Spirit
(20:08):
would bring forth my gospel message with unstoppable.
Speaker 1 (20:12):
Force like a garden in heavy rain after a drought.
The disciples vigorously soaked up every word Jesus shared. Following
Jesus had become natural to them over the years, yet
everything he said spoke of the supernatural, a mission beyond themselves,
(20:34):
and a life that would lead the world with unprecedented
hope and transformation. Sweat ripped from their brows, but it
was hard to tell if it was from the heat
of the glaring sun or the welling up of anticipation
for the arrival of the Advocate. Each man who stood
before Jesus knew this promised gift would start a cat
(21:00):
aclysmic chain of events spreading across the world. The clouds
gently sailed through the skies before anchoring themselves directly overhead,
dampening the sunlight. Jesus peered up and let out a sigh,
But this was not a sigh of dejection or weariness.
(21:20):
This was the exhale of one catching their breath after
a job well done. Though he came from eternity, the
humanity in him felt the sorrow of saying goodbye. He
lifted his arms and smiled, addressing them one final time,
(21:41):
my friends, to.
Speaker 5 (21:42):
Say our time together was short. Would be an understatement.
Each of you has grown tremendously, and I'm oh so
very proud of you.
Speaker 1 (21:50):
The disciples knew the tone of Jesus's voice. They were
no strangers to parting words, leaving their family and friends
regularly to travel with Jesus. They could feel an imminent
goodbye coming as the heavy weight of sadness pressed on
their hearts like a millstone. Tears sat in the corner
(22:12):
of their eyes. As a whirlwind of mourning and joy
intermingled in their souls, all they could do was listen
with trepidation. Before they could ready themselves for the inevitable,
Jesus bid them farewell.
Speaker 5 (22:30):
Goodbye for now, my good and faithful servants, do not fear,
for I would be with you.
Speaker 1 (22:37):
Before their eyes, Jesus began to levitate off the ground
like an invisible army of angels. Hoisted in the air.
The disciples felt a strong gust of wind to push
them back, leaving them in a state of tumult. The
wind had no discernible origin, but was sweeping from the
(22:58):
ground towards the heavens. It cast rocks ricocheting against one another,
and bent back crackling boughs of nearby trees. The blend
of sounds was like a natural aria of stones and flora,
crying out Creation itself was praising its creator. The disciples
(23:21):
eyes never left Jesus during his ascent. The further away
he got from them, the nearer they subconsciously drew towards
one another in solidarity. The clouds began to shift once more,
as though Heaven was constructing a door to welcome the
(23:41):
King home. Time seemed to be irrelevant. No man could
say whether seconds or hours had passed, nor did they
dare look away, afraid they might miss a magnificent celestial
event above. Out of nowhere, two men of great stature
(24:04):
stood to the left of the disciples. Their attire was
the first sign that these men were not of any
earthly community. Their robes were woven of immaculate white linen,
then sparkled in the light like polished.
Speaker 7 (24:20):
Granite men of Galilee.
Speaker 1 (24:23):
The disciples were aghast and jumped back. Their heads swiveled
around to find the booming voice that drew their attention
from the miracle they witnessed. What they saw stunned them.
Two large men had drawn only a few paces away
without so much as a sound. Surely they would have
(24:45):
heard them approaching, but their sudden appearance indicated that they
likely hadn't walked to greet the disciples.
Speaker 7 (24:53):
Why do you stand here looking into the sky. The
same Jesus who has been taken from you into will
come back in the same way you have seen him
go into heaven.
Speaker 1 (25:06):
The disciples quickly bounced their eyes toward one another before
darting them back to the skies, and in a blink
of an eye, the clouds krem together like waves breaking
against a promontory. The disciples were left with more questions
than answers, but more importantly, they were left with a
(25:28):
promise that would be the key to unlocking the mystery
of God's plan to spread the Gospel message to the
ends of the earth. They knew this was the definitive
end to the first chapter of their ministry, but it
certainly wasn't the end of the story.
Speaker 4 (25:53):
Jesus's final instructions to his disciples were to wait. This
might sound like a simple requests packed with significance. We
all know that waiting's hard, and we have to understand this.
Waiting isn't passive. It's an active preparation for what's to come.
You know, I used to wait tables back in the day,
and waiting tables was anything but passive. We were constantly
(26:18):
on the move, constantly taking orders, and constantly serving the
people around us. You see, that's kind of what waiting
on the Lord is like. Waiting on the Lord is serving.
It's serving the people around you, it's serving him, it's
serving his purposes and his kingdom. The Disciples were not
to sit idly by, but to anticipate the promise of
the Father, the Holy Spirit. Jesus Is directive underscores that
(26:42):
sometimes the most profound work in our lives and ministries
happens in the waiting. It's in these moments that we
align our hearts with God's timing and prepare ourselves for
the next chapter. Jesus promises the disciples that they will
be baptized with the Holy Spirit. This is more than
a mere upgrade from John's baptism of water. It's a
complete immersion in divine power. Jesus acknowledges that the task ahead,
(27:05):
the mission to witness to the ends of the earth,
cannot be accomplished through human strength alone. It requires the
power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus has been talking about
the Holy Spirit a lot up until now, but this
concept of the Holy Spirit is very abstract to the disciples.
But as we go through our series now, we're going
to find out that the Holy Spirit is dynamic, present
(27:26):
and practical. This promise wasn't just for the early Church.
It's a continual promise for every believer, you and I
who would testify to the name of Jesus. If to
glorify Jesus relied on the Holy Spirit, how much more
do we need his empowering presence in our lives. Jesus's
command to be witnesses to the end of the earth
reveals the expansive nature of the mission. The Gospel is
(27:48):
not confined by geography, ethnicity, or social status. It's meant
for everyone. The disciples might have felt overwhelmed by this mandate,
considering their limited resources in the hostile environment that they
were going to be minister to. Yet Jesus's words assure
them that their mission is not dependent on their abilities,
but on the power of the Holy Spirit. The Gospel
(28:08):
spread from Jerusalem to Judaeus and Maria, and the ends
of the Earth becomes a guiding framework for the book
of acts and a reminder of our global mission here
and now and today. Yet the disciples waiting period was
essential for their preparation. Similarly, in our own lives, periods
of waiting, whether for a new job or relationship, or
spiritual growth, are not void of purpose. Use these times
(28:31):
to deepen your relationship with God, seek his guidance, and
prepare for the next steps He has for you. Remember,
waiting often is a precursor to great things. Just as
the disciples were to wait for the Holy Spirit, we
too should seek His presence and power in our lives
in the waiting. It's easy to rely on our own
strength and resources for things, but true effectiveness in the
(28:53):
Kingdom of God requires the Spirit's empowerment. I want you
to think about it this way. Whence the last time
that you dreamed for something that was only big enough
if God showed up, and if God used his spirit
to empower you and move things around you? Have we
been praying small prayers?
Speaker 2 (29:13):
You see?
Speaker 4 (29:13):
The Disciples had a big task ahead of them, and
the big task required big power. We, as disciples of
Jesus today, ought to follow suit of these disciples who
sought Jesus eagerly and knew that only by His strength
would they accomplished the things ahead. As we reflect on
Acts one one through eleven, let's remember that the ascension
(29:34):
of Jesus is not just a historical event, but a
call to action. It's a remember to wait with expectation,
seek the Holy Spirit's power, expand our vision for the Gospel,
and live with the assurance of Christ's return. In this
grand narrative, we're not passive observers, but active participants and
the unfolding story of God's kingdom. So let's step into
our role with faith, courage, and anticipation, knowing that the
(29:57):
same Jesus who ascended will return. But in the meantime,
as we wait for his return, we are going to
be witnesses to the ends of the earth. I'm so
happy to be back with you as we go through
the Jesus Podcast. In our next episode, we're going to
follow Peter, James, John, and all the Disciples as they
figure out what's next. Have you ever been a Have
(30:18):
you ever been in a time of uncertainty, not really
knowing what's ahead. The Disciples certainly know that feeling
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has
come upon you. Acts one eight. Heavenly Father, we come
before you with grateful hearts, acknowledging your incredible promise and
Acts one eight. We thank you for the gift of
the Holy Spirit, who empowers us to be your witnesses
(00:22):
to the ends of the earth. Lord, we recognize our
deep need for your strength and guidance in our daily lives.
Without you, we are powerless. Fill us afresh with your
spirit so that we may boldly share the good news
of Jesus Christ with those around us. Help us to
(00:42):
be courageous in our faith, spreading your love and truth
wherever we go. Strengthen our hearts to trust in your
timing and plan even when we face challenges. Use us,
Lord to bring light into the darkness and hope to
the helpless. Than to be a reflection of your grace
and mercy in this world. In Jesus's name, we pray, Amen.
(01:10):
Thank you for praying with me to day. You're listening
to the Jesus Podcast, remain here for our mini series
on the birth of the Church. If this podcast has
blessed you, we would love it if you left a
review doing so makes a huge impact on our team.
(01:32):
Lu hunched over the small tables set in the corner
of the room. Parchment and inkstains littered its surface. As
the sound of his stylus scratched across the papers, he
peered up and out the window. His eyes were fixated
on the blue expanse, but his mind was focused on
his research. For months, he had been Paul's companion in
(01:56):
adventure and ministry, but this wasn't enough. Luke. There was
more to be told that he hadn't seen himself. As
a result, Luke traveled from city to city, endeavoring to
find eye witnesses of the ministry of Jesus and the
subsequent boom of his church. And now he labored over
(02:16):
accurately recalling the stories he had heard. He was writing
a letter to Theophilus, hoping to see his faith grow.
If the Great Theophilus could see what Luke saw and
hear what Luke heard, then perhaps everyone in his influence
would as well. Luke's background as a physician drew him
(02:38):
to facts and a meticulous understanding of his subject, but
it also stemmed from a desire to help others. His
writing was no different. Each word was carefully selected. Accuracy
was of the utmost importance in retelling the gospel message,
if it meant that the one who read it might
(03:00):
salvation in Jesus, who was the Christ. He read the
words set before him and struck them out.
Speaker 2 (03:07):
Ah, No, that's not it. Where to start? Where to start?
Speaker 1 (03:14):
Luke wondered to himself. In his last letter to Theophilus.
He had concluded on jesus ascension into heaven, but the
story was far from over.
Speaker 2 (03:25):
I suppose I could start in Jerusalem, but so much
happened even before then.
Speaker 1 (03:31):
He rifled through his papers, determined to piece together the
most compelling narrative. He slunk back into his chair and
pressed his hands firmly over his eyes. He sighed deeply,
wondering if the words would ever come to him in
transcribing his thoughts in his first letter. He worried that
(03:51):
he had finally run out of words. He began to
question his efforts. Would any of this matter? Would it
even make a differences? And witnessing to Theophilus, let alone
anyone else who might read the letter, he stared out
the window again. He cleared his mind and muttered a
silent prayer to himself. The gentle wind stirred the curtains
(04:14):
as he prayed and whisped around the room. Almost instantly,
Luke felt at peace, His heart slowed, and his thoughts
seemed to knit themselves together apart from his efforts. He
took his stylus up again, plunged the end into the inkwell,
and began writing. When satisfied, he picked up the stag
(04:37):
of parchment and read the words back to himself.
Speaker 2 (04:42):
In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that
Jesus began to do and to teach until the day
he was taken up to heaven. After giving instructions through
the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen after
suffering himself to them and gave convincing proof that he
(05:03):
was alive. He appeared to them over forty days and
spoke about the Kingdom of God.
Speaker 1 (05:11):
He smiled to himself, content with the words that seem
to have been given to him by the Spirit himself.
Dipping his stylust back into the black ink, he leaned
over the desk and carried.
Speaker 3 (05:24):
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Speaker 4 (06:27):
Imagine this. You're at the grand finale of your favorite
TV series. The hero who has been through countless trials
and tribulations is about to make their final exit. As
they ascend into the heavens, the screen fades to black.
But wait, what happens next? How do we carry on
without our hero? This is where the Book of Acts begins,
(06:49):
with an epic finale and an even grander sequel. Welcome
to the Jesus Podcast. I'm Zach back again to guide
you through these epic stories of faith devotion in the
beginning of the Church. We will spend the next few
weeks highlighting the first ten chapters of the Book of Acts.
What does this have to do with Jesus, you might ask, Well, everything.
(07:11):
This is Christ's Church, fulfilling Christ's commission by the power
of Christ's spirit. You see, my friends, the church is
all about Jesus. As we dive into these epic adventures,
make sure to follow this podcast if you haven't done so,
leave a review because we love hearing from you, and
share this podcast with a friend. We start this mini
(07:32):
series off with Jesus, who, after a dramatic forty day
encore of teaching and proving his resurrection, ascends into the sky.
His departure sets the stage for the continuation of his
mission through us, the people his church. Acts one one
through eleven serves as a prologue to a transformative journey.
(07:52):
Luke is the author of the Book of Acts. He's
a physician and a meticulous historian. Although he wasn't an
eyewitness to Jesus' ministry himself, he was an eyewitness to
many of the events that happened after his ascension. He
writes this book to a figure named Theophilis, which means
God Lover. It's as though Lucas saying for those who
loved God hears how the story continues. The Gospel of
(08:16):
Luke ends with Jesus's resurrection, as picks up with his
ascension and promises this seamless transition is crucial. Without acts,
we'd be left wondering how a small, beleaguered group of
followers becomes the global church movement that we know today.
Jesus's ascension isn't merely a celestial exit. It's the beginning
(08:38):
of a new era. The ascension witnessed by his disciples
is a significant shift from his earthly ministry to his
ongoing work through the Holy Spirit, and this transition holds
vital lessons for us today. Let's dive into the story
now and be swept away. In the beginning of the
birth of the Church.
Speaker 1 (08:58):
Jesus sat on a stone near the base of the
Mount of Olives. The disciples were seated around him, unfolded
claws on their laps, and bread and dried fruit topped
off their plates.
Speaker 5 (09:12):
Peter, would you pass me some of the olives. Ever
since my resurrection, I just can't seem to get enough
of them.
Speaker 1 (09:17):
Peter passed a small ball to Jesus, forcing a smile
as he did so. Even after forty days, the reality
that Jesus had risen from the dead was still fresh
from the disciples. For some of them, it would have
been nearly unbelievable if they hadn't touched the very wounds
of Jesus with their own hands. The day of jesus
(09:41):
death was the darkest in history as they scattered into hiding.
But three days later he had proven that not even
death could hold the Son of Man, and that the
enemy's schemes were no match for the perfect plan of
the But rather than returning with trumpets, fires, or earthquakes,
(10:06):
Jesus walked with them, ate with them, and taught them
just as he always had. On the surface, they felt
like nothing had changed, Yet there was something distinctly different now.
An unseen aura radiated from Jesus that let them know
in their souls that nothing would ever be the same.
(10:31):
The group ate in relative silence. The air was unusually
still and only helped to amplify the silence of their meal.
Each day came with unspoken curiosities about Jesus's plan on
this side of the grave. However, not wanting to seem
doubtful of jesus mission, none of them dared to ask
(10:53):
him to share more than what he did on his
own accord. Peter was the most concerned about coming off
as an opponent to Jesus. With a twinge of pain
in his heart, he remembered how Jesus had called him
satan for rebuking jesus revelation of his death, and again
he cringed as he remembered denying the Lord three times
(11:17):
in his most desperate hour. Peter closed his eyes softly
and took a breath. In these moments of condemnation, he
knew that Jesus's love was the only hope of finding
forgiveness within himself. He reminded himself of Jesus's words immediately
after his resurrection. Three times Jesus questioned Peter's affection for him,
(11:43):
and three times Peter affirmed with his heart that he
loved the Lord. Despite his failures, Jesus had restored him,
and he knew with full assurance that nothing could take
that away. Peter sat up straight and turned to Jesus.
He spoke firmly but kindly.
Speaker 2 (12:05):
Lord, at the risk of spoiling our happy little lunch,
can I just say what we're all thinking.
Speaker 5 (12:12):
It's never stopped you before?
Speaker 2 (12:14):
Well, it's it's jist. Now that you're back, when will
we start the next phase of your plan? I mean
no offense, but surely sitting here to eat lunch with
us isn't why you rose from the dead.
Speaker 5 (12:29):
I take no offense to your words, though I don't
believe the offense was mine to take.
Speaker 1 (12:34):
Jesus winked at the disciples as he said this, but.
Speaker 5 (12:37):
You are right. Much more must be accomplished in order
to see the will of the Father fulfilled.
Speaker 2 (12:43):
Mumm, Does that mean we will be leaving Jerusalem soon?
Speaker 1 (12:47):
We won't be.
Speaker 2 (12:49):
Is that to say you won't be staying with us?
Speaker 1 (12:53):
Jesus eyes were full of deep love for the Disciples.
During their years together, he had always been mindful of
their struggles to understand what he was doing. Compassion had
always motivated him to lead the Disciples through each new challenge,
but he knew the following words would start their most
(13:15):
significant challenge in.
Speaker 5 (13:17):
A certain way. Yes, I won't be staying with you,
but in a great way. You must know by now
that I will never truly leave you.
Speaker 1 (13:26):
The disciples took great comfort in his words, even if
they didn't fully comprehend what he meant. By the apparent
paradox in what he was saying.
Speaker 2 (13:35):
What should we do? Where should we go?
Speaker 1 (13:39):
Peter was eager to do all that Jesus commanded him.
The hunger to lead was quickly revitalizing itself in Peter's veins.
He envisioned what being the rock meant in this new
paradigm of jesus resurrection. He felt pride beginning to grow
small roots, and quickly reminded himself of Jesus words on
(14:02):
the beach, feed my sheep. He couldn't take any credit
for what God had done through him up to this point,
just as much as he couldn't blame him for his
missteps and failures. He knew there was nothing he could
do in his own power. Though learning that lesson had
(14:22):
come with difficulty, Peter now found it comforting. He knew
Jesus would sustain him and the rest of the disciples
through whatever lay ahead.
Speaker 5 (14:34):
Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my
Father has promised, he who I spoke of before my betrayal.
You will have much to do, but none can be
done without him.
Speaker 6 (14:49):
Without him, are you not the one who will lead
us on our mission?
Speaker 1 (14:53):
Jesus smiled graciously at Andrew. The disciples would always have questions,
and Jesus knew the answer he was about to give
would be better than anything else he could offer them
in this next season.
Speaker 5 (15:07):
I have shared many lessons with you regarding my spirit.
It is he who empowered me during my time with you.
Think back to when we first met, Andrew. Do you
remember that day?
Speaker 6 (15:18):
Of course, Lord, it was after your baptism, and what
a glorious time that was. What I wouldn't have given
to be there when the heavens opened up. I can't
imagine any of the stories I've heard do it justice.
Speaker 5 (15:31):
I can assure you the stories have more power for
you than you know, and they will continue to embolden
my people. But beyond the stories, there's something, or should
I say, someone who will give you even greater strength
and an everlasting hope. Believe it or not, I meant
(15:52):
it when I said it would be better if I left.
In many ways, I will still be with you.
Speaker 1 (15:59):
The disciples mar at Jesus words. They leaned forward, their
hearts began to race. Could anything really be better if
Jesus left? He had been their teacher regarding all things
about God and his Kingdom, their pillar of strength through persecution,
(16:19):
their strong tower in times of trouble, and their peace
and the storms of anxiety, doubt, and fear.
Speaker 5 (16:29):
In the early days of my ministry, John baptized a
baptism of repentance with water. But just as I was
baptized in the Spirit, I now share that gift with you.
In a few days, you will be baptized with the
Holy Spirit. It is with Him that you will do
more wondrous works than I.
Speaker 1 (16:51):
There was a deafening silence as this revolutionary news danced
around their minds, delving into their hearts. Surely, the Spirit
had been with them this whole time, but it was
evident that this baptism of the Spirit held an even
greater significance than just his presence with them. Jesus spoke
(17:14):
of intimacy with the Spirit. This was the beginning of
something new and unheard of. The baptism of the Spirit
was more than just a new mission. It was the
beginning of new fresh life. They wondered if they were
ready for everything it entailed. With each word Jesus shared,
(17:39):
it was as though scales were falling from their eyes
and they could see the world more clearly in the
light of the Father's perfect plan unfolding before them. Their
musings bubbled over with a plea to know what Jesus
would do next.
Speaker 2 (17:55):
Lord, Is it finally time? Are you going to restore
order the kingdom to Israel?
Speaker 5 (18:01):
I shared this with you and the sons of Thunder
on the mountain at my transfiguration, but for the benefit
of the others here I'll say it again. I'm sure
it's hard to accept, but it is not for you
to know the times, what the dates the Father has
set by his authority. Of course, this is no mark
against you, but my Father works in mysterious ways that
(18:25):
no human could ever comprehend.
Speaker 1 (18:28):
At this, the disciple shoulder slumped over so slightly. Any
time a question of timing was posted to Jesus, obscurity
was always involved, and time seemed to be an enigma
when it came to jesus plans. They did their best
to fight the confusion and stay focused on their faith.
Speaker 5 (18:49):
But do not worry. There is good news to be
had while waiting. You are to stay here in Jerusalem,
where you will receive power, a power unlike any you've
ever seen before. Kings could only wish for authority like this.
Speaker 1 (19:06):
And just like that, Jesus had pulverized their doubts and
laid the foundation for courage. Again, like a master craftsman,
he chiseled away at their hearts precisely and patiently.
Speaker 5 (19:22):
The Holy Spirit will descend upon you, filling you with
unimaginable power.
Speaker 1 (19:28):
Their eyes sparkled in amazement at the very thought.
Speaker 6 (19:32):
Remember his purpose.
Speaker 5 (19:34):
He comes to testify of me, and when he empowers you,
you too will be my witnesses.
Speaker 6 (19:40):
And are we to stay here in Jerusalem? How will
we know what to do.
Speaker 5 (19:45):
When all this has come to pass, Yes, Hendrew, there
will be work to do here in Jerusalem. I know
I've stirred the part quite a bit, but Jerusalem is
only the start. The Helper will direct your steps, and
it's time you, my witnesses, in Jerusalem beyond to Judea
and Sumeria and the ends of the earth. The Spirit
(20:08):
would bring forth my gospel message with unstoppable.
Speaker 1 (20:12):
Force like a garden in heavy rain after a drought.
The disciples vigorously soaked up every word Jesus shared. Following
Jesus had become natural to them over the years, yet
everything he said spoke of the supernatural, a mission beyond themselves,
(20:34):
and a life that would lead the world with unprecedented
hope and transformation. Sweat ripped from their brows, but it
was hard to tell if it was from the heat
of the glaring sun or the welling up of anticipation
for the arrival of the Advocate. Each man who stood
before Jesus knew this promised gift would start a cat
(21:00):
aclysmic chain of events spreading across the world. The clouds
gently sailed through the skies before anchoring themselves directly overhead,
dampening the sunlight. Jesus peered up and let out a sigh,
But this was not a sigh of dejection or weariness.
(21:20):
This was the exhale of one catching their breath after
a job well done. Though he came from eternity, the
humanity in him felt the sorrow of saying goodbye. He
lifted his arms and smiled, addressing them one final time,
(21:41):
my friends, to.
Speaker 5 (21:42):
Say our time together was short. Would be an understatement.
Each of you has grown tremendously, and I'm oh so
very proud of you.
Speaker 1 (21:50):
The disciples knew the tone of Jesus's voice. They were
no strangers to parting words, leaving their family and friends
regularly to travel with Jesus. They could feel an imminent
goodbye coming as the heavy weight of sadness pressed on
their hearts like a millstone. Tears sat in the corner
(22:12):
of their eyes. As a whirlwind of mourning and joy
intermingled in their souls, all they could do was listen
with trepidation. Before they could ready themselves for the inevitable,
Jesus bid them farewell.
Speaker 5 (22:30):
Goodbye for now, my good and faithful servants, do not fear,
for I would be with you.
Speaker 1 (22:37):
Before their eyes, Jesus began to levitate off the ground
like an invisible army of angels. Hoisted in the air.
The disciples felt a strong gust of wind to push
them back, leaving them in a state of tumult. The
wind had no discernible origin, but was sweeping from the
(22:58):
ground towards the heavens. It cast rocks ricocheting against one another,
and bent back crackling boughs of nearby trees. The blend
of sounds was like a natural aria of stones and flora,
crying out Creation itself was praising its creator. The disciples
(23:21):
eyes never left Jesus during his ascent. The further away
he got from them, the nearer they subconsciously drew towards
one another in solidarity. The clouds began to shift once more,
as though Heaven was constructing a door to welcome the
(23:41):
King home. Time seemed to be irrelevant. No man could
say whether seconds or hours had passed, nor did they
dare look away, afraid they might miss a magnificent celestial
event above. Out of nowhere, two men of great stature
(24:04):
stood to the left of the disciples. Their attire was
the first sign that these men were not of any
earthly community. Their robes were woven of immaculate white linen,
then sparkled in the light like polished.
Speaker 7 (24:20):
Granite men of Galilee.
Speaker 1 (24:23):
The disciples were aghast and jumped back. Their heads swiveled
around to find the booming voice that drew their attention
from the miracle they witnessed. What they saw stunned them.
Two large men had drawn only a few paces away
without so much as a sound. Surely they would have
(24:45):
heard them approaching, but their sudden appearance indicated that they
likely hadn't walked to greet the disciples.
Speaker 7 (24:53):
Why do you stand here looking into the sky. The
same Jesus who has been taken from you into will
come back in the same way you have seen him
go into heaven.
Speaker 1 (25:06):
The disciples quickly bounced their eyes toward one another before
darting them back to the skies, and in a blink
of an eye, the clouds krem together like waves breaking
against a promontory. The disciples were left with more questions
than answers, but more importantly, they were left with a
(25:28):
promise that would be the key to unlocking the mystery
of God's plan to spread the Gospel message to the
ends of the earth. They knew this was the definitive
end to the first chapter of their ministry, but it
certainly wasn't the end of the story.
Speaker 4 (25:53):
Jesus's final instructions to his disciples were to wait. This
might sound like a simple requests packed with significance. We
all know that waiting's hard, and we have to understand this.
Waiting isn't passive. It's an active preparation for what's to come.
You know, I used to wait tables back in the day,
and waiting tables was anything but passive. We were constantly
(26:18):
on the move, constantly taking orders, and constantly serving the
people around us. You see, that's kind of what waiting
on the Lord is like. Waiting on the Lord is serving.
It's serving the people around you, it's serving him, it's
serving his purposes and his kingdom. The Disciples were not
to sit idly by, but to anticipate the promise of
the Father, the Holy Spirit. Jesus Is directive underscores that
(26:42):
sometimes the most profound work in our lives and ministries
happens in the waiting. It's in these moments that we
align our hearts with God's timing and prepare ourselves for
the next chapter. Jesus promises the disciples that they will
be baptized with the Holy Spirit. This is more than
a mere upgrade from John's baptism of water. It's a
complete immersion in divine power. Jesus acknowledges that the task ahead,
(27:05):
the mission to witness to the ends of the earth,
cannot be accomplished through human strength alone. It requires the
power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus has been talking about
the Holy Spirit a lot up until now, but this
concept of the Holy Spirit is very abstract to the disciples.
But as we go through our series now, we're going
to find out that the Holy Spirit is dynamic, present
(27:26):
and practical. This promise wasn't just for the early Church.
It's a continual promise for every believer, you and I
who would testify to the name of Jesus. If to
glorify Jesus relied on the Holy Spirit, how much more
do we need his empowering presence in our lives. Jesus's
command to be witnesses to the end of the earth
reveals the expansive nature of the mission. The Gospel is
(27:48):
not confined by geography, ethnicity, or social status. It's meant
for everyone. The disciples might have felt overwhelmed by this mandate,
considering their limited resources in the hostile environment that they
were going to be minister to. Yet Jesus's words assure
them that their mission is not dependent on their abilities,
but on the power of the Holy Spirit. The Gospel
(28:08):
spread from Jerusalem to Judaeus and Maria, and the ends
of the Earth becomes a guiding framework for the book
of acts and a reminder of our global mission here
and now and today. Yet the disciples waiting period was
essential for their preparation. Similarly, in our own lives, periods
of waiting, whether for a new job or relationship, or
spiritual growth, are not void of purpose. Use these times
(28:31):
to deepen your relationship with God, seek his guidance, and
prepare for the next steps He has for you. Remember,
waiting often is a precursor to great things. Just as
the disciples were to wait for the Holy Spirit, we
too should seek His presence and power in our lives
in the waiting. It's easy to rely on our own
strength and resources for things, but true effectiveness in the
(28:53):
Kingdom of God requires the Spirit's empowerment. I want you
to think about it this way. Whence the last time
that you dreamed for something that was only big enough
if God showed up, and if God used his spirit
to empower you and move things around you? Have we
been praying small prayers?
Speaker 2 (29:13):
You see?
Speaker 4 (29:13):
The Disciples had a big task ahead of them, and
the big task required big power. We, as disciples of
Jesus today, ought to follow suit of these disciples who
sought Jesus eagerly and knew that only by His strength
would they accomplished the things ahead. As we reflect on
Acts one one through eleven, let's remember that the ascension
(29:34):
of Jesus is not just a historical event, but a
call to action. It's a remember to wait with expectation,
seek the Holy Spirit's power, expand our vision for the Gospel,
and live with the assurance of Christ's return. In this
grand narrative, we're not passive observers, but active participants and
the unfolding story of God's kingdom. So let's step into
our role with faith, courage, and anticipation, knowing that the
(29:57):
same Jesus who ascended will return. But in the meantime,
as we wait for his return, we are going to
be witnesses to the ends of the earth. I'm so
happy to be back with you as we go through
the Jesus Podcast. In our next episode, we're going to
follow Peter, James, John, and all the Disciples as they
figure out what's next. Have you ever been a Have
(30:18):
you ever been in a time of uncertainty, not really
knowing what's ahead. The Disciples certainly know that feeling
Host
Zak Shellabarger
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