Spectacular Exit

Backstory:
Luke the physician wrote the Gospel of Luke as well as the book of Acts. Both were addressed to Theophilus, who possibly was Luke’s patron, responsible for seeing that the writings were copied and distributed. After appearing to the disciples on several occasions following his resurrection, Jesus was taken up into the sky before their eyes, leaving them to tell the world the Good News of God’s magnificent blessings.

God’s Story:
What an accomplishment — my Son’s mission is complete! Many people were drawn back to me through my Son’s ministry on earth, but many missed out. I took Jesus up to heaven to his place at my right hand. Soon, I will send my Spirit to fill the believers with the power to spread the gospel to every nation. My plan is still unfolding and there is still a lot of work to do.

Read Acts 1:1-26

Your Story:
In the middle of the lesson of the day, Jesus left. All of a sudden, he was gone. He gave last-minute instructions but did not indicate his imminent departure, likely leaving his disciples mystified. They recovered quickly and dove right into their mission, but why do you think Jesus left them this way? Was this quick exit necessary? Think about what it meant for the disciples to see Jesus taken up to heaven and its impact on them as witnesses on behalf of the early church.