We are continuing the sermon series “Celebrating the Life that Christ Makes Possible” The next five weeks we will be looking at the new life that is possible through Christ.
We start by asking the question "Where is Jesus?
Mark 16:19 NIV After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, he was taken up into heaven and he sat at the right hand of God.
Scripture Reading:
Mark 16:16-20 NIV Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.” After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, he was taken up into heaven and he sat at the right hand of God. Then the disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them and confirmed his word by the signs that accompanied it.
Text:
Mark 16:19 NIV After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, he was taken up into heaven and he sat at the right hand of God.
Introduction
We started the year off with a sermon series “Celebrating the Life that Christ Makes Possible”. The sermons were Christ the Only Hope, The Secret of Facing Need, Christian Rewards and what I thought was the last in that series last week, was Free at Last. I said I thought that was going to be the last but the Holy Spirit has me continuing the series for at least the next three weeks.
Today’s church desperately needs new life. The hope of the church is Christ himself. So, the basic question is, where is Jesus?
The answer to this question enables us to praise Jesus Christ for his position today in God’s eternal plan.
Our text says that “he was taken up into heaven and he sat at the right hand of God.”
If we were detectives, looking for Jesus, we would return to the place where He was last seen. The very last words He spoke were to His disciples just before He ascended into heaven, which according to Luke happened near the town of Bethany.
Bethany was about two miles from Jerusalem on the Mount of Olives, and it was the home of Jesus’ friends; Mary, Martha, and Lazarus.
Luke 24:50-51 says
Luke 24:50-51 NIV When he had led them (talking about his disciples) out to the vicinity of Bethany, he lifted up his hands and blessed them. While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven. (emphasis mine)
Luke who also wrote the book of Acts describes this same scene like this.
Acts 1:9-11 NIV After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.”
We need to answer two questions today.
Where is Jesus today?
What is Jesus doing today?
I. First Where is Jesus?
A. Jesus’ ascension was his homegoing. He was going home to heaven. His ascension was the restoration of the glory He had before the creation of the world.
John 17:5 says,
John 17:5 NIV And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began.
He had already announced that He was going back to the Father
John 14:12, 28 NIV Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. “You heard me say, ‘I am going away and I am coming back to you.’ If you loved me, you would be glad that I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I.
B. Jesus today is exalted to the Father’s right hand, as it says in our text,
Mark 16:19 NIV After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, he was taken up into heaven and he sat at the right hand of God.
In his sermon on the Day of Pentecost Peter, in talking about Jeus said
Acts 2:33-36 NIV Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear. For David did not ascend to heaven, and yet he said, “ ‘The Lord said to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.” ’ “Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.”
In Philippians 2:9–11 Paul concluded,
Philippians 2:9-11 NIV Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
These are powerful Scriptures. However, Ephesians 1:19–23 even more fully describes where Jesus is and what that means.
Ephesians 1:18-23 NIV I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.
He is at the Father’s right hand, “far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named.”
This passage describes Jesus’ victory. His work on earth is finished. He has done all the Father told him to do. He triumphed over Satan, sin, the world, the flesh, and death. Jesus’ position at the Father’s right hand demonstrates his authority and sovereignty. He is Lord of heaven and earth, the highest authority of all.
To understand “the right hand of God” we have to realize that we can’t place human limitations on God. We need to understand that the Bible often describes God in ways that aren’t meant to be taken literally. When the Bible describes God in terms of imperfect human qualities, it’s not because He actually has those qualities, but it is a way for us imperfect humans to understand Him better.
The expression “right hand” is not to be taken literally but symbolically, when we speak of God. When you consider the fact that God doesn't have a physical body, and that the Bible tells us that God is everywhere, it really doesn't make sense to think of God sitting in one particular place and having hands, next to the right one of which sits Jesus. And when you consider, further, that Christian doctrine tells us that the Father and Son, while being two persons, are one in essence and being, then it really doesn't make sense to think of them sitting side by side. My son and I could sit side by side, but we are not one in essence and being. God the Father and God the Son are.
There are not two thrones in heaven with God the Father sitting on one and Jesus the Son of God, sitting on the one at God’s right hand. That is a metaphor indicating that whatever honor and respect is due to God is due Jesus. He has also given Jesus all authority and power. At the right hand of God means that wherever the power of God is at work there is Jesus and that’s everywhere. Being everywhere is omnipresence and that’s an attribute of God only.
The fact that Jesus is "sitting" refers to the fact that His work of redemption is done. Being at the right hand of God is taking on the power of God, not being in a certain location. It all has to do with the relationship of Jesus, the Son of God, to God the Father, and His role and work in the plan of redemption of mankind.
Now before He went back to the Father He also talked about preparing a place for us
John 14:1-4 NIV “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God ; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.”
II. The second question: What is Jesus doing today? That Is really asking what kind of ministry is Jesus doing today?
A. Jesus is drawing all people to himself.
John 12:28-33 NIV Father, glorify your name!” Then a voice came from heaven, “I have glorified it, and will glorify it again.” The crowd that was there and heard it said it had thundered; others said an angel had spoken to him. Jesus said, “This voice was for your benefit, not mine. Now is the time for judgment on this world; now the prince of this world will be driven out. And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” He said this to show the kind of death he was going to die.
This is his saving ministry, to draw all men to Himself
Acts 4:12 NIV Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”
He is not dragging people but drawing them. He is doing this right now in the world through his Spirit, through his love, through his Word, and through his people. From heaven he is drawing people on earth!
B. Jesus is interceding for people.
Romans 8:33-35 NIV Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?
First John 2:1–2 teaches that Jesus Christ is our Advocate, our heavenly lawyer, our Counselor.
1 John 2:1-2 NIV My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.
Like a lawyer in a courtroom, Jesus defends us. We are guilty of sin and deserve punishment, but Jesus took our condemnation on Himself. As a result, we are free, if we trust in His name for salvation.
He represents us before the Father. Satan accuses us to the Father and the Father to us, but Jesus represents our case before the Father.
Revelation 12:10 NIV Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say: “Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Messiah. For the accuser of our brothers and sisters, who accuses them before our God day and night, has been hurled down.
What hope and encouragement this is for us.
C. Jesus is directing the church.
Ephesians 1:22-23 NIV And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.
Jesus is the head of the body, His church. As the head leads the body, so Christ leads the church. He is directing the ministry of the church. As the head, Jesus is doing two things for the church.
1. Jesus is pouring out the gift of the Holy Spirit
Acts 2:33, 38 NIV Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear. Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
2. Jesus is giving spiritual gifts to believers
1 Corinthians 12:4-6 NIV There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.
We are empowered by the Spirit to exercise our spiritual gifts in relation to other members of the church—all under Christ’s direction.
Romans 12:3-8 NIV For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.
D. Jesus is building the church.
Jesus said in Matthew 16:18, “I will build my church.”
Matthew 16:17-18 NIV Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.
Acts 2:42-47 NIV describes saved people being added to the church. - They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
Jesus wants the church to do more than He wants it to multiply
Acts 6:7 NKJV Then the word of God spread, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were obedient to the faith.
E. Jesus is preparing an eternal place for believers.
John 14:1-3 NIV “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God ; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.
In God’s perfect timing Jesus will come and escort us to the place He has prepared.
1 Thessalonians 4:13-17 NIV Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.
F. Jesus is sharing his power with us today.
His desire for us is expressed in John 17:24
John 17:20-24 NIV “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one— I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. “Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world.
The reality of this desire is expressed in Ephesians 2:5–6, where we are seated with him in heaven,
Ephesians 2:4-7 NIV But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.
Astonishing as it may sound, Christians are united with Jesus Christ in His resurrected life.
Colossians 2:11-12 NIV In him you were also circumcised with a circumcision not performed by human hands. Your whole self ruled by the flesh was put off when you were circumcised by Christ, having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through your faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead.
Romans 6:4 NIV We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.
Since Christ is seated “at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms,” so too are we in a spiritual sense. Since we have been “raised to new life with Christ,” we can now set our sights “on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand”. Physically, we still live in the natural world. But God, by His great power, and because of His immense love, mercy, and grace, raised us from our spiritually dead status to new life in Christ. We now sit in heavenly places.
As we sit in heavenly places while still living on earth, we have access through Jesus Christ to all of heaven’s privileges and spiritual blessings.
2 Peter 1:3-4 NIV His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.
We have the whole armor of God at our disposal
Ephesians 6:10-17 NIV Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
In Romans 8:28–30, it says we are also glorified in his likeness!
Romans 8:28-30 NIV And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.
His victory is our victory! All that Jesus has, we share with him. All that he does, we do with him. His new position and ministry in heaven are our new position and ministry on earth!
Conclusion
Christ’s position in the heavenly realms is the basis of knowing victory in our Christian life. We are in him. We identified with him. This means victory over the world and every circumstance.
So, may we live emboldened today that nothing can come against us to separate us from the love of Christ. So, let’s be bold as witnesses. Let’s proclaim the gospel. Let’s live with excitement of the glory of God knowing that we have an Intercessor at the right hand of God lives and pleads for us, and who stands on our behalf.
Let’s pray.
Oh, God, thank you, thank you, thank you for sending Jesus to die on the cross, to rise from the dead, to ascend to your right hand where right now He is interceding for us. Jesus, thank you for being at the Father’s right hand right now and promising to give us everything we need.
We look to you as our Intercessor. We pray for your provision in our lives. Grant us everything we need: wisdom, strength, peace, boldness. Lord, everything we need to live for your glory and to not fear anything in this world because nothing can separate us from your love. What a glorious truth. Help us to live in it today and help us to live with this kind of single-minded, resolute focus in our lives today. Help us to live with our eyes fixed, our gaze fixed on you. We pray in Jesus' name. Amen.
Invitation
Imagine that you are given an accounting ledger with your name at the top. In the negative column is everything you owe God—your sins carry the penalty of death. You can never do enough good deeds to repay that debt. How can you balance your account? Then you hear about God’s offer of forgiveness. Jesus paid that penalty by dying in our place. When we put our faith in Him and accept God’s gift of eternal life, our debt is canceled!
As I said in my sermon Jesus is our “advocate with the Father”. Like a lawyer in a courtroom, Jesus defends us. We are guilty of sin and deserve punishment, but Jesus took our condemnation on Himself. As a result, we are free, if we trust in His name for salvation. On this same basis, we can confess our sins and walk in the light.
Have you received God’s gift of salvation in Christ? There is nothing you can do to cancel the debt of sin. But if you accept this gift, praise the Lord, your debt has been paid! Let today be the day that heaven rejoices in your spiritual rebirth.
Luke 15:10 NIVIn the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”
You can pray something like this
Lord, today I am ready to admit my guilt before You. I can do nothing to save myself from Your just wrath, so please wash away my sins with the blood of Jesus, Your Son, and let me become Your child
When you do that you are doing what it says in
Romans 10:8-10, 13 NIV
But what does it say? “The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart,” that is, the message concerning faith that we proclaim: If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
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