Sermon on Luke 24:44-53, for Ascension Day, "The Joyous Farewell"
Sermon Outline: 1. What is it that makes farewells with a loved one so tearful and emotional? The distance, separation, longing to see them, time away. Contrast to Jesus’ farewell. Worshipped Him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. What made this different? 2. 1) Jesus has promised that He is not “absent” from us. 2) Jesus has been exalted to His rightful position of honor and glory—a joyful “well-done” to His divine rescue mission here on earth. 3) Jesus left us with an important purpose, with much still to do! 3. Matthew 28:20b, “And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” How? In various ways: His Word spoken to us, John 14:23, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.” Jesus remains in us if we remain in His love and love one another. He will make His home or dwelling with us. ...