Ascension. Mark 16:19-20.
So then the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God. And they went out and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the message by accompanying signs.
Dear Citizens of Heaven,
The gospel of Mark concludes with the departure of Jesus for his heavenly home. The visible departure was important in the communication to the disciples that Jesus was now depending on them to further the extension of the Kingdom.
Position (v. 19). Jesus was not only taken up to heaven, he “sat down at the right hand of God.” This is symbolic of the position of power and authority. Kings would have the crown prince sit at the right hand when they held court. A decree or judgment from the crown prince would be final because whoever sat at the right hand had the power of regency. Jesus is exalted to that place and is to be worshipped, even as God is (Philippians 2:9-11).
Proclamation (v. 20a).The disciples had finally understood the mission of the Kingdom. We also learn that they received the Holy Spirit and began to proclaim the gospel (Acts 2:1-41). They understood that Jesus was King and their role as one of recruiting subjects through the preaching of the good news.
Proof (v. 20b).As Jesus had promised them, the signs that confirmed the message of the gospel accompanied them. They did not necessarily seek the signs, nor did they need to. They needed to go out and preach the gospel, and they did, and God did the rest. It is unfortunate that some preachers see signs as a means to enriching themselves and gathering followers for themselves. True servants of Jesus will always point people to Jesus. Are you looking at your pastor, bishop, apostle, prophet, or Jesus?
Your Loving Pastor Chris.