WEBVTT - Chapter 23: Go Therefore 0:00:00.560 --> 0:00:04.059 Teach them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you. 0:00:05.100 --> 0:00:09.840 And lo, I am with you always, even unto the 0:00:09.900 --> 0:00:10.539 end of the world. 0:00:11.560 --> 0:00:11.880 Amen. 0:00:13.160 --> 0:00:20.829 Matthew 28.20 Dear Jesus, When you left the disciples, you 0:00:20.890 --> 0:00:23.930 promised one of the greatest comforters that will ever be, 0:00:25.010 --> 0:00:28.990 and that is your Holy Spirit. In the same way 0:00:29.070 --> 0:00:33.589 the disciples waited in expectation for your Holy Spirit, I 0:00:33.670 --> 0:00:38.110 too will wait in expectation each and every morning for 0:00:38.170 --> 0:00:44.450 your Spirit to rest on my mind and heart. With 0:00:44.490 --> 0:00:48.750 the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, I know that whatever 0:00:48.850 --> 0:00:53.470 I put my hands to will go from natural to supernatural. 0:00:55.190 --> 0:00:59.230 No matter what I do, I will not move. until 0:00:59.350 --> 0:01:04.330 I feel your supernatural hand upon me. I will not 0:01:04.390 --> 0:01:08.600 speak unless my words are empowered by your Holy Spirit. 0:01:10.520 --> 0:01:13.820 Thank you, Jesus, that you haven't left me by myself. 0:01:15.160 --> 0:01:18.580 Thank you that even when you ascended to heaven, you 0:01:18.640 --> 0:01:22.070 cared enough about our lives to give us the one 0:01:22.209 --> 0:01:28.069 who puts power behind your word, the Holy Spirit. as 0:01:28.150 --> 0:01:33.030 I grow in my faith. Holy Spirit, teach me and 0:01:33.110 --> 0:01:40.690 lead me into all truth. In Jesus' name, amen. Stay 0:01:40.730 --> 0:01:44.380 tuned to immerse yourself in the greatest stories ever told 0:01:44.800 --> 0:01:48.180 from Pray.com's podcast, Heroes in the Bible. 0:01:50.220 --> 0:01:52.740 Hi, I'm Dr. Tony Evans, your host for Heroes in 0:01:52.760 --> 0:01:56.090 the Bible, Jesus. If you've enjoyed this podcast so far, 0:01:56.150 --> 0:01:58.170 please share it with your family and friends so that 0:01:58.230 --> 0:02:01.500 they can know Jesus Christ in a personal way, because 0:02:01.540 --> 0:02:05.120 knowing Jesus is the key to understanding the Bible. Welcome 0:02:05.160 --> 0:02:07.840 to The Greatest Story Ever Told. It is the story 0:02:07.860 --> 0:02:10.540 of a shepherd's heart for his sheep, a father's love 0:02:10.580 --> 0:02:14.210 for his children, and a hero's triumph over death and darkness. 0:02:14.930 --> 0:02:17.250 This is a story that continues to shape and mold 0:02:17.270 --> 0:02:20.310 the world around us, bringing the divine heart of God 0:02:20.410 --> 0:02:23.140 right into the hearts of you and me. This is 0:02:23.220 --> 0:02:27.050 our final episode together. Throughout this episode, we get the 0:02:27.110 --> 0:02:30.590 sense that although Jesus is leaving, things are going to 0:02:30.669 --> 0:02:34.290 change for the better. His departure is a sign of hope, 0:02:34.430 --> 0:02:38.190 not sorrow. And the disciples are left with a grand 0:02:38.250 --> 0:02:42.150 and beautiful mission. The commission Jesus leaves the disciples is 0:02:42.250 --> 0:02:46.139 also for us. As our final story unfolds, put yourself 0:02:46.260 --> 0:02:50.340 in the disciples' shoes. Take Jesus' words as an invitation 0:02:50.400 --> 0:02:53.710 to a grand adventure. I have enjoyed going through the 0:02:53.770 --> 0:02:56.830 series with you. I pray that the life and ministry 0:02:56.870 --> 0:03:00.030 of Jesus impacted you in some way. I find it 0:03:00.070 --> 0:03:03.310 impossible to interact with the story of Jesus and leave unchanged. 0:03:04.080 --> 0:03:06.780 My encouragement for you as we embark on our last 0:03:06.900 --> 0:03:11.419 episode is to have hope. Have hope that the compassion, kindness, 0:03:11.480 --> 0:03:14.280 and miracles of Jesus can live on through you and me. 0:03:14.639 --> 0:03:18.280 There is no cultural way, political power, or toxic ideology 0:03:18.620 --> 0:03:21.630 that can thwart the work of God. Take heart today 0:03:21.669 --> 0:03:25.489 and follow the example of the disciples. Great and miraculous 0:03:25.530 --> 0:03:28.410 things await those who put their faith and hope in Jesus. 0:03:29.030 --> 0:03:31.889 This episode begins like all the others, with a prelude. 0:03:32.430 --> 0:03:34.910 We will visit Moses as he speaks to God through 0:03:34.930 --> 0:03:37.990 the burning bush. The call of Moses was grand and 0:03:38.030 --> 0:03:40.790 terrifying at the same time. He was called to liberate 0:03:40.830 --> 0:03:43.930 an entire nation from the bonds of a tyrant. He, 0:03:43.990 --> 0:03:47.570 like many of us, felt unqualified and afraid. But God 0:03:47.610 --> 0:03:51.430 doesn't call the qualified. He qualifies the called. Let's finish 0:03:51.490 --> 0:03:54.410 well together. After the end of this episode, I will 0:03:54.450 --> 0:03:58.790 give you some parting thoughts and prayers. Here is episode 23, 0:03:58.790 --> 0:03:59.470 Go Therefore. 0:04:05.680 --> 0:04:10.660 Prelude to chapter 23. It was midday and the wind 0:04:10.740 --> 0:04:13.760 was whistling through the canyons above the camp of Jethro. 0:04:15.120 --> 0:04:19.320 Soft green grass lay gently on the mountain's edge and Moses' 0:04:19.380 --> 0:04:23.710 sheep were grazing in peace. Moses laid in the field 0:04:23.770 --> 0:04:27.430 next to his sheep, enjoying the mild sun shining through 0:04:27.490 --> 0:04:32.849 cracks in the canyons. Then Moses saw a light flickering 0:04:32.930 --> 0:04:36.510 in the distance. He perked his head up and approached 0:04:36.550 --> 0:04:40.900 the light with trepidation. Around the corner he found a 0:04:40.950 --> 0:04:45.880 blazing fire engulfing a tree. The fire raged and swayed 0:04:45.920 --> 0:04:49.250 to the wind above, Yet the tree was not consumed 0:04:49.830 --> 0:04:54.089 or burned. Moses, the tree whispered. 0:04:54.930 --> 0:04:55.890 Moses. 0:04:56.570 --> 0:04:57.609 Moses stepped forward. 0:04:58.210 --> 0:04:58.810 Here I am. 0:04:59.330 --> 0:05:03.370 Moses stopped. The ground near the tree was beating with power. 0:05:04.600 --> 0:05:07.150 It was as if the mountain had a beating heart. 0:05:08.810 --> 0:05:11.720 He looked up to see the tree standing with power 0:05:12.020 --> 0:05:16.460 and majesty. The flames whistled around the tree like doves. 0:05:17.250 --> 0:05:22.060 Why isn't the tree burning? Moses whispered to himself. He 0:05:22.100 --> 0:05:26.560 took another step, but the tree spoke again, saying, Do. 0:05:26.480 --> 0:05:31.720 Not come any closer. Take off your sandals, for the 0:05:31.779 --> 0:05:35.180 ground on which you stand is holy ground. 0:05:35.800 --> 0:05:39.640 Moses did as he was commanded, now standing in amazement 0:05:39.839 --> 0:05:40.539 before the flame. 0:05:41.760 --> 0:05:42.550 Who are you? 0:05:43.230 --> 0:05:43.940 Moses asked. 0:05:44.730 --> 0:05:49.390 I am the God of your father. the God of Abraham, 0:05:49.990 --> 0:05:54.049 the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. 0:05:54.920 --> 0:05:58.060 When Moses heard this, he covered his face and fell 0:05:58.120 --> 0:06:02.460 to his knees. He now fully understood he was in 0:06:02.500 --> 0:06:07.780 the presence of the Most High God, Elohim, the Creator 0:06:08.060 --> 0:06:12.040 of the heavens and earth. The fire pulsated to the 0:06:12.120 --> 0:06:13.040 rhythm of his voice. 0:06:13.870 --> 0:06:18.140 I have seen the oppression of my peoples, They are 0:06:18.220 --> 0:06:22.760 in bondage under the hard fist of Egypt. I have 0:06:22.820 --> 0:06:27.940 heard their cries. I have come to redeem them from 0:06:28.080 --> 0:06:33.650 darkness and to lead them out of slavery. I will 0:06:33.730 --> 0:06:37.790 bring them to a new land, a land flowing with 0:06:37.930 --> 0:06:39.180 milk and honey. 0:06:39.510 --> 0:06:43.540 Moses knelt in awe. Beside him was the living God. 0:06:44.620 --> 0:06:46.890 His voice echoed. was like the sound of a thousand 0:06:46.970 --> 0:06:51.240 rushing waters. He spoke to the heart of Moses and. 0:06:51.210 --> 0:06:57.500 Said, Go therefore to Pharaoh, for I am sending you 0:06:57.920 --> 0:07:01.240 to lead my people out of Egypt. 0:07:02.080 --> 0:07:05.000 Moses backed away from the tree and stood to his feet. 0:07:05.960 --> 0:07:07.420 He opened up his arms and said. 0:07:08.120 --> 0:07:10.700 Who am I to stand before the king of Egypt? 0:07:11.620 --> 0:07:12.930 You must have the wrong man. 0:07:13.570 --> 0:07:17.610 Moses had grown up in Egypt, and knew their power. Furthermore, 0:07:17.930 --> 0:07:20.090 he was also a member of the royal family that 0:07:20.130 --> 0:07:24.610 oppressed God's people for generations. He did not feel worthy 0:07:24.630 --> 0:07:27.430 of the task, nor did he want to leave his home. 0:07:29.240 --> 0:07:37.260 Surrounded by light, God spoke. Do not be afraid, my child. Behold, 0:07:38.000 --> 0:07:41.860 I will be with you always. If I do go, 0:07:43.080 --> 0:07:46.550 whom shall I say sent me? Moses asked in fear. 0:07:48.430 --> 0:07:52.010 The fire flickered and grew larger. Its radiance was like 0:07:52.050 --> 0:07:56.910 the rising sun, and the voice illuminated from the flames boldly. 0:07:58.070 --> 0:08:03.360 I am that I am, he said with power. Say 0:08:03.380 --> 0:08:07.520 it is, I am Yahweh, the God of your fathers, 0:08:08.440 --> 0:08:16.920 the God of Abraham. the God of Isaac and the 0:08:17.000 --> 0:08:24.170 God of Jacob. This is my name forever, and I 0:08:24.370 --> 0:08:28.910 will be remembered throughout all generations. 0:08:29.570 --> 0:08:33.890 So Moses departed down the mountain. He looked at his 0:08:33.950 --> 0:08:38.140 sheep trailing behind him. There were more sheep who needed 0:08:38.179 --> 0:08:42.339 to be tended to. There were people captive and in 0:08:42.400 --> 0:08:47.480 need of a shepherd, Moses left with purpose, power, and 0:08:47.600 --> 0:08:51.520 love for his people. He empowered him to march down 0:08:51.570 --> 0:08:55.450 that mountain and reclaim the people of God. He knew 0:08:55.510 --> 0:08:59.570 he was not alone. The God of his ancestors walked 0:08:59.610 --> 0:09:03.770 beside him. The great I Am was prepared to go 0:09:03.850 --> 0:09:17.439 before him. Together again, Jesus and the eleven disciples reclined 0:09:17.720 --> 0:09:22.040 at a small table enjoying a meal. The room was 0:09:22.120 --> 0:09:26.350 small and humble. The wooden table was old and rickety, 0:09:26.730 --> 0:09:30.250 and the fireplace was worn and weathered from years of use. 0:09:31.730 --> 0:09:35.809 Yet there was joy in the room. The disciples' laughter 0:09:35.910 --> 0:09:41.290 shook the four walls. Jesus watched his disciples laugh, bicker, eat, 0:09:41.790 --> 0:09:48.370 and pray. Their joy was complete. in light of Christ's resurrection. Now, 0:09:48.730 --> 0:09:51.110 there was only one thing left for Jesus to do. 0:09:52.850 --> 0:09:56.050 He would leave them again. But this time, it would 0:09:56.090 --> 0:10:00.460 not be a sorrowful or mysterious goodbye. it would be 0:10:00.540 --> 0:10:05.620 filled with hope and promise Jesus had completed the work 0:10:05.740 --> 0:10:09.319 necessary for them to thrive and scatter throughout the nations 0:10:10.620 --> 0:10:12.619 he took a sip from his cup and set it 0:10:12.640 --> 0:10:16.800 down clearing his throat he lifted his voice for them 0:10:16.820 --> 0:10:17.320 to hear. 0:10:18.840 --> 0:10:20.939 You did not believe those who claimed I had risen 0:10:20.980 --> 0:10:22.140 from the dead, did you? 0:10:23.230 --> 0:10:27.689 Jesus asked. The eleven men looked at Jesus, feeling convicted 0:10:27.809 --> 0:10:31.870 that they had not known sooner. Jesus smiled and shook 0:10:31.929 --> 0:10:32.290 his head. 0:10:32.790 --> 0:10:35.670 Be mindful of this, my dear children. Soon you will 0:10:35.710 --> 0:10:39.229 be proclaiming my resurrection, and people will not want to 0:10:39.290 --> 0:10:43.510 believe you either. You have seen me and believed, yet 0:10:43.580 --> 0:10:46.640 blessed are those who have not seen me and still believe. 0:10:47.630 --> 0:10:48.590 What are you going to do now? 0:10:48.950 --> 0:10:50.110 James asked Jesus. 0:10:50.670 --> 0:10:51.969 We are eager to follow you. 0:10:52.450 --> 0:10:56.079 Jesus looked around the room. The men were awaiting a 0:10:56.140 --> 0:11:00.500 new mission. They were anticipating a revolution of some sorts 0:11:00.860 --> 0:11:05.100 with Jesus at the front. However, Jesus was about to 0:11:05.179 --> 0:11:07.300 shift their expectations yet again. 0:11:08.179 --> 0:11:09.960 Now we go into the world. 0:11:11.020 --> 0:11:11.900 Jesus responded. 0:11:12.800 --> 0:11:16.339 You will proclaim the gospel to my creation and reconcile 0:11:16.380 --> 0:11:19.880 their hearts to God You will be my ambassadors on 0:11:19.920 --> 0:11:24.350 the earth, proclaiming the coming kingdom. People will believe in 0:11:24.420 --> 0:11:29.570 me and be saved. However, many will reject me and 0:11:29.630 --> 0:11:30.330 be condemned. 0:11:31.870 --> 0:11:32.630 Where do we begin? 0:11:33.130 --> 0:11:34.230 Peter asked eagerly. 0:11:35.150 --> 0:11:36.270 With faith, Peter. 0:11:36.610 --> 0:11:37.950 Jesus said softly. 0:11:38.550 --> 0:11:40.870 There will be many signs and wonders you will behold. 0:11:41.570 --> 0:11:43.990 Yet you must wait for the coming of the Holy Spirit. 0:11:44.809 --> 0:11:47.990 He will guide you into all truth, with him counseling you. 0:11:48.460 --> 0:11:51.210 You will be able to cast out demons, speak in 0:11:51.260 --> 0:11:54.410 new tongues, and be immune to the poisons of this world. 0:11:55.190 --> 0:11:57.390 You will lay hands on the sick as I have, 0:11:57.690 --> 0:12:02.230 and they will be healed. Yet it all begins with faith. 0:12:03.070 --> 0:12:07.380 With these words, Jesus stood to his feet. He breathed 0:12:07.460 --> 0:12:09.819 in deeply and embraced his disciples. 0:12:10.500 --> 0:12:12.440 Meet me on the mountain above Galilee. 0:12:12.720 --> 0:12:13.260 He whispered. 0:12:14.559 --> 0:12:18.599 Then, as he had several times before, He vanished into 0:12:18.640 --> 0:12:23.160 thin air. John smiled and ran out the door towards 0:12:23.200 --> 0:12:27.020 the mountains. Being the youngest, he was filled with youthful 0:12:27.179 --> 0:12:31.150 energy that was infectious. The other disciples did not bring 0:12:31.270 --> 0:12:35.670 any packs or coats. They ran to the mountains behind John. 0:12:37.110 --> 0:12:39.750 As they weaved through the town of Galilee, many others 0:12:39.809 --> 0:12:44.290 began to follow. Jesus had revealed himself to over 500 0:12:44.290 --> 0:12:47.610 people in the 40 days since his resurrection. and had 0:12:47.650 --> 0:12:51.709 called many to join him up on the mountain. Men, women, 0:12:51.770 --> 0:12:55.390 and children all left their homes and workplaces to hike 0:12:55.550 --> 0:12:58.600 up to the place of meeting. It was later in 0:12:58.640 --> 0:13:01.540 the day, and the wind was whistling through the canyons 0:13:01.660 --> 0:13:07.120 above Galilee. Soft green grass lay gently on the mountain's edge. 0:13:08.340 --> 0:13:11.780 John was still running, while others jogged and walked behind him. 0:13:12.800 --> 0:13:15.210 The sun would be setting soon, and John did not 0:13:15.270 --> 0:13:19.720 want to miss what would happen next. Trailing close behind 0:13:19.780 --> 0:13:22.980 him was Peter. The two of them scaled the rocks 0:13:23.280 --> 0:13:27.200 and took shortcuts. As if they were racing the sun, 0:13:27.520 --> 0:13:30.179 the two of them ran swiftly up the edge, up 0:13:30.370 --> 0:13:34.429 onto the plateau. They stopped and looked around in awe. 0:13:35.610 --> 0:13:38.469 The sun's rays were shooting out in a hundred directions, 0:13:38.890 --> 0:13:42.790 bouncing off the towns and valleys below. In front of 0:13:42.830 --> 0:13:46.710 them stood Jesus, looking out in the direction of Jerusalem. 0:13:48.100 --> 0:13:52.479 The gentle wind bustled around him. His robe and hair 0:13:52.559 --> 0:13:56.240 flew back in the wind, and Jesus lifted his eyes 0:13:56.300 --> 0:14:01.440 to heaven, basking in the final hour of sunlight. The 0:14:01.500 --> 0:14:04.099 others made their way up the mountain. There was a 0:14:04.179 --> 0:14:08.469 palpable feeling of anticipation in the air as they all 0:14:08.530 --> 0:14:13.010 gathered before Jesus. The Son of God stood there on 0:14:13.030 --> 0:14:17.000 the mountain's edge. The radiance of the sun was nothing 0:14:17.100 --> 0:14:21.840 in comparison to his glory. Small slivers of light began 0:14:21.860 --> 0:14:26.700 to shine through his skin like flickering flames. Hundreds of 0:14:26.760 --> 0:14:31.000 them bowed before Jesus. They sang his name and proclaimed 0:14:31.040 --> 0:14:36.210 his mighty works to the heavens. Hallelujah, they sang. Hallelujah 0:14:36.250 --> 0:14:39.930 to the Son of David. For the first time in history, 0:14:40.450 --> 0:14:43.690 a group of people gathered to worship the risen King. 0:14:45.280 --> 0:14:48.760 They sang his praises and spoke of his glory and grace. 0:14:50.180 --> 0:14:53.420 Their songs of hope and salvation would resonate for a 0:14:53.520 --> 0:14:59.520 thousand generations. People of all creeds, cultures, and tongues would 0:14:59.580 --> 0:15:04.040 gather together for the sole purpose of worshiping the risen Christ. 0:15:05.640 --> 0:15:08.620 His name would be on their lips, and his mighty 0:15:08.700 --> 0:15:13.620 deeds would be proclaimed into the heavens. Peter stepped forward 0:15:13.660 --> 0:15:18.920 from the crowd. My Lord, Peter stopped. The ground near 0:15:18.980 --> 0:15:23.220 Jesus was beating with power. It was as if the 0:15:23.320 --> 0:15:27.670 mountain had a beating heart. He looked up to see Jesus. 0:15:28.950 --> 0:15:31.870 When Peter saw him, he covered his face and fell 0:15:31.950 --> 0:15:36.470 to his knees. He now fully understood he was in 0:15:36.530 --> 0:15:42.100 the presence of the Most High God, Elohim, the Creator 0:15:42.140 --> 0:15:45.290 of the heavens and earth. He was speaking to the 0:15:45.390 --> 0:15:49.390 Great Deliverer, the voice from the burning bush, the Great 0:15:49.650 --> 0:15:54.700 I Am. Where he was standing was holy ground. He 0:15:54.800 --> 0:15:56.460 bowed before him and looked up. 0:15:57.100 --> 0:16:01.230 Jesus, is it time for you to restore the kingdom 0:16:01.590 --> 0:16:02.290 of Israel? 0:16:02.850 --> 0:16:03.450 Peter asked. 0:16:04.110 --> 0:16:05.750 Is it time for you to take the throne of 0:16:05.790 --> 0:16:07.250 David and claim your authority? 0:16:07.870 --> 0:16:11.910 Jesus looked down at Peter and walked towards him. The 0:16:11.970 --> 0:16:16.100 earth beneath him rippled with each step. The air around 0:16:16.140 --> 0:16:21.380 him was warm and inviting. From his voice resonated the 0:16:21.460 --> 0:16:22.920 very power of God. 0:16:24.240 --> 0:16:24.840 Authority? 0:16:25.640 --> 0:16:26.260 Jesus asked. 0:16:26.590 --> 0:16:29.910 All authority I have, Peter, I give to you. You 0:16:29.950 --> 0:16:33.030 will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, 0:16:33.330 --> 0:16:35.950 and you will be my witness in Jerusalem and in 0:16:36.030 --> 0:16:39.410 all Judea and Samaria and to the ends of the earth. 0:16:39.510 --> 0:16:40.650 Jesus looked to the crowd. 0:16:41.030 --> 0:16:42.010 And raised his arms. 0:16:42.810 --> 0:16:45.650 All authority in heaven and on earth is mine. I 0:16:45.690 --> 0:16:48.030 hold the very power of the universe in my hands, 0:16:48.590 --> 0:16:51.220 the power to transform and save. 0:16:52.820 --> 0:16:56.400 Jesus' voice grew louder, and the clouds around him began 0:16:56.440 --> 0:17:00.680 to illuminate with light. The crowd looked behind Jesus to 0:17:00.740 --> 0:17:04.679 see the sun holding its place on the horizon. It 0:17:04.740 --> 0:17:07.620 became impossible to tell where the light was coming from. 0:17:08.380 --> 0:17:13.970 The sunset, the clouds, Or Jesus himself? Like a thousand 0:17:14.090 --> 0:17:18.410 raging waters, Jesus' voice poured forth to his followers. 0:17:18.910 --> 0:17:23.359 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations. Baptize them 0:17:23.400 --> 0:17:26.040 in the name of the Father, the Son, and the 0:17:26.119 --> 0:17:27.140 Holy Spirit. 0:17:27.640 --> 0:17:32.530 Matthew gazed upon Jesus. He noticed that Jesus' feet were 0:17:32.570 --> 0:17:38.750 rising above the ground. He's leaving, Matthew realized. Matthew ran 0:17:38.790 --> 0:17:42.469 to Jesus and fell at his feet beside Peter. The 0:17:42.510 --> 0:17:45.810 eleven disciples fell to their knees and watched as the 0:17:45.869 --> 0:17:47.370 Son of God rose above them. 0:17:47.950 --> 0:17:51.000 Teach others to observe what I have taught you, Jesus said, 0:17:51.340 --> 0:17:55.500 to love, to obey, to sacrifice, and to serve. 0:17:55.920 --> 0:17:56.820 Master, no! 0:17:57.320 --> 0:18:02.740 Matthew shouted. Tears streamed down his face. He was frightened. 0:18:03.390 --> 0:18:05.410 He did not want to be away from the presence 0:18:05.450 --> 0:18:11.060 of Jesus. In him he had found hope, power, and acceptance. 0:18:11.980 --> 0:18:14.619 All of the disciples raised their eyes in awe of 0:18:14.660 --> 0:18:18.840 the risen God. The heavens cracked open, and the light 0:18:18.880 --> 0:18:21.940 of the Lord burst forth like a stream of living water. 0:18:21.960 --> 0:18:28.550 It fell from the skies and enveloped Jesus. Surrounded by light, 0:18:29.210 --> 0:18:30.170 Jesus smiled. 0:18:30.550 --> 0:18:34.590 Do not be afraid, my children. Behold, I will be 0:18:34.630 --> 0:18:37.619 with you always. even to the end of time. 0:18:38.680 --> 0:18:42.000 As he said this, the light enveloped him, and he 0:18:42.080 --> 0:18:46.899 disappeared into the skies like a vapor. The sun's rays 0:18:46.980 --> 0:18:51.210 retreated back into the horizon, and the clouds disappeared into 0:18:51.250 --> 0:18:57.310 the skies. Jesus of Nazareth, Son of God, the Great 0:18:57.550 --> 0:19:00.810 I Am, had gone to be with his Father in 0:19:00.850 --> 0:19:04.530 the heavens. There he would prepare a place for them 0:19:05.700 --> 0:19:08.540 he would map out the course of eternity with them 0:19:08.580 --> 0:19:12.800 in mind. The king of kings would be the architect 0:19:12.840 --> 0:19:17.820 of his kingdom on earth and in heaven. The disciples 0:19:18.000 --> 0:19:20.859 awed up in the skies as the orange hues of 0:19:20.920 --> 0:19:26.270 sunset turned darker. Two voices interrupted their gaze, saying. 0:19:27.230 --> 0:19:30.850 Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking to heaven? 0:19:32.010 --> 0:19:33.550 You have a calling to fulfill. 0:19:33.570 --> 0:19:36.379 The disciples looked Jesus has been taken up into his 0:19:36.420 --> 0:19:38.840 dwelling place. He will come back in the same manner. 0:19:44.869 --> 0:19:48.540 Jesus has been taken up into his dwelling place. He 0:19:48.560 --> 0:19:52.480 will come back in the same manner. Be watchful, they said. 0:19:53.500 --> 0:19:57.740 Peter nodded in agreement. He looked at the other ten disciples. 0:19:58.940 --> 0:20:02.659 He looked at James and John. He nodded to Andrew, 0:20:02.840 --> 0:20:07.340 his brother, and Philip. He placed his hand on Bartholomew 0:20:07.720 --> 0:20:11.010 and gathered Matthew, Thomas, and John. and James, the son 0:20:11.050 --> 0:20:15.609 of Alphaeus. Thaddeus and Simon came in close as well. 0:20:17.230 --> 0:20:22.010 Peter felt a deep fire within his belly. Jesus had gone, 0:20:22.510 --> 0:20:26.760 but he was still present. His spirit dwelled within him, 0:20:27.680 --> 0:20:33.020 ready to guide, convict, and empower him. Peter and the 0:20:33.080 --> 0:20:37.399 ten disciples looked to Jerusalem in the distance. The wind 0:20:37.720 --> 0:20:42.909 howled as the final hints of light disappeared peter closed 0:20:42.970 --> 0:20:46.300 his eyes remembering the words jesus spoke. 0:20:46.040 --> 0:20:49.320 To him by the fire tend to my sheep. 0:20:49.780 --> 0:20:53.600 Peter opened his eyes and marched down the mountain there 0:20:53.619 --> 0:20:56.489 were sheep who needed to be tended to there were 0:20:56.510 --> 0:21:00.450 people lost in need of a shepherd the disciples left 0:21:00.490 --> 0:21:05.470 with purpose power and love for god's people he empowered 0:21:05.530 --> 0:21:08.980 them to march down that mountain and reclaim the people 0:21:09.080 --> 0:21:13.580 of god They knew they were not alone. The God 0:21:13.600 --> 0:21:17.580 of their ancestors walked beside them. The great I Am 0:21:17.700 --> 0:21:21.429 was with them. All the nations would soon hear the 0:21:21.490 --> 0:21:27.429 story of the Good Shepherd, the Hero of Scripture, the Messiah, 0:21:29.050 --> 0:21:30.030 Jesus Christ. 0:21:35.310 --> 0:21:38.330 There we have it. A beautiful end to a beautiful story. 0:21:38.670 --> 0:21:41.490 The final page in a brilliant book. But it doesn't 0:21:41.550 --> 0:21:44.330 feel like the end, does it? That's because it isn't. 0:21:44.850 --> 0:21:47.800 The departure of Jesus isn't the end of anything, but 0:21:47.820 --> 0:21:52.179 the beginning of everything. Jesus' ascension into heaven hearkens to 0:21:52.220 --> 0:21:55.180 the dawn of a new era. The Son of God left, 0:21:55.560 --> 0:21:57.740 making room for the Spirit of God to dwell and 0:21:57.780 --> 0:22:01.520 work among his followers. This episode wasn't somber like the 0:22:01.560 --> 0:22:05.580 crucifixion because Jesus' departure wasn't a death, but a sign 0:22:05.619 --> 0:22:08.510 of new life. He left to prepare a place for us, 0:22:08.710 --> 0:22:11.090 and we have his spirit dwelling in and among us 0:22:11.350 --> 0:22:14.830 for the mission ahead. God never gives his commission without 0:22:14.910 --> 0:22:18.530 first giving us his comfort. Jesus tended to his disciples' 0:22:18.590 --> 0:22:22.180 hearts before giving them the ultimate mission. He reminded them 0:22:22.220 --> 0:22:25.260 of his love, power, and presence before calling them to 0:22:25.320 --> 0:22:28.300 go and make disciples. You and I can take heart 0:22:28.340 --> 0:22:31.399 that God wants to supply us with all the strength 0:22:31.480 --> 0:22:35.240 necessary to perform His purposes. He won't leave us alone 0:22:35.400 --> 0:22:38.659 and confused. That is why we need His Spirit. The 0:22:38.720 --> 0:22:41.820 Holy Spirit guides us into all truth, directs our course, 0:22:41.880 --> 0:22:44.840 convicts us of sin, and challenges us to live up 0:22:44.880 --> 0:22:48.180 to our calling. Jesus said in John 16, I tell 0:22:48.200 --> 0:22:50.780 you the truth, it is to your advantage that I 0:22:50.820 --> 0:22:53.379 go away. For if I do not go away, the 0:22:53.440 --> 0:22:55.860 Spirit will not come to you. But if I go, 0:22:55.880 --> 0:22:58.520 I will send Him to you. Jesus said it was 0:22:58.619 --> 0:23:00.939 better that he depart so that he might have the 0:23:01.000 --> 0:23:04.660 Holy Spirit in his place. After Jesus comforted and spent 0:23:04.700 --> 0:23:07.460 time with his disciples, he said, meet me on the 0:23:07.500 --> 0:23:10.820 mountain above Galilee. We have talked about a few different 0:23:10.859 --> 0:23:14.270 images that are commonly used in scripture. Mountains are common 0:23:14.310 --> 0:23:18.070 motifs used by God. The ancient Hebrews believed that Eden 0:23:18.109 --> 0:23:20.430 was set on a high place where heaven and earth 0:23:20.470 --> 0:23:24.570 converged in beautiful harmony. That is why many major events 0:23:24.609 --> 0:23:28.080 in the Bible took place on mountains. Noah's ark settled 0:23:28.140 --> 0:23:31.040 on a mountain after the flood. Abraham marched up a 0:23:31.080 --> 0:23:34.790 mountain to sacrifice Isaac. In our prelude, Moses met the 0:23:34.830 --> 0:23:38.670 burning bush tucked between two canyons and a mountain. Moses 0:23:38.730 --> 0:23:42.770 received the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai. David captured the 0:23:42.890 --> 0:23:45.500 area known as Mount Zion where the temple was built. 0:23:46.180 --> 0:23:50.220 Elijah called fire down from heaven on Mount Carmel. Jesus' 0:23:50.280 --> 0:23:52.800 greatest sermon on the kingdom of God was given on 0:23:52.840 --> 0:23:56.139 a mountain. Jesus was transfigured on a mountain and his 0:23:56.160 --> 0:23:59.870 glory was shown to Peter, James, and John. Jesus was 0:23:59.920 --> 0:24:03.129 arrested to die on the Mount of Olives. Jesus marched 0:24:03.230 --> 0:24:05.330 up a hill of Golgotha to die for the sins 0:24:05.369 --> 0:24:09.050 of humanity. And finally, on the mountain range of Galilee, 0:24:09.510 --> 0:24:13.149 Jesus ascended into heaven. The Bible is our mountain, a 0:24:13.190 --> 0:24:15.980 high place for us to meet God and hear from 0:24:16.020 --> 0:24:19.540 the heart of heaven. 500 people witnessed the risen Lord 0:24:19.660 --> 0:24:21.919 and many of them met with the disciples on the 0:24:21.960 --> 0:24:25.490 mountain to see Jesus depart. On the high place where 0:24:25.530 --> 0:24:28.910 heaven and earth converge, the first church service took place. 0:24:29.650 --> 0:24:32.129 They sang his name and proclaimed his mighty works to 0:24:32.150 --> 0:24:36.260 the heavens. Hallelujah, they sang. Hallelujah to the son of David. 0:24:36.760 --> 0:24:38.800 For the first time in history, a group of people 0:24:38.840 --> 0:24:41.960 gathered to worship the risen king. They sang his praises 0:24:42.020 --> 0:24:44.810 and spoke of his glory and grace. Their songs of 0:24:44.869 --> 0:24:48.960 hope and salvation would resonate for a thousand generations. People 0:24:49.000 --> 0:24:52.440 of all creeds, cultures, and tongues would gather together for 0:24:52.480 --> 0:24:55.700 the sole purpose of worshiping the risen Christ. His name 0:24:55.720 --> 0:24:57.710 would be on their lips and his mighty deeds would 0:24:57.750 --> 0:25:00.230 be proclaimed into the heavens. Every time you and I 0:25:00.270 --> 0:25:02.810 meet at church or in our homes to worship, we 0:25:02.869 --> 0:25:05.449 are attempting to capture a moment like this, where our 0:25:05.530 --> 0:25:08.230 songs to God unite us and our love for Jesus 0:25:08.270 --> 0:25:11.830 empowers us. When the singing was finished, the mountains began 0:25:11.869 --> 0:25:14.950 to tremble. We were taken back to the prelude when 0:25:14.990 --> 0:25:19.409 the presence of God was tangible and spectacular. Jesus began 0:25:19.450 --> 0:25:23.510 his ascension giving his disciples one final charge. Go therefore 0:25:23.670 --> 0:25:26.810 and make disciples of all nations, baptize them in the 0:25:26.850 --> 0:25:29.679 name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. 0:25:29.920 --> 0:25:31.940 This calling is carried out by you and me every 0:25:31.980 --> 0:25:35.820 day with every act of compassion, moment of love, and 0:25:35.880 --> 0:25:39.480 intentional conversation. We do not embark on this mission alone. 0:25:40.180 --> 0:25:42.710 We have the comforting presence of Jesus in our hearts, 0:25:43.109 --> 0:25:46.189 and we have the community of God in our lives. Hallelujah. 0:25:46.869 --> 0:25:49.429