The Final Instructions of Jesus

You are probably familiar with the account of the Lord Jesus’ departure from the Mount of Olives found in Acts chapter one. In this passage the Disciples indicated their anticipation that the kingdom would be restored at that time. But the Lord Jesus gave them instructions and was then “taken up” until He was out of sight.

“When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power. But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.” – Acts 1:6-9

This account of the Ascension is found in two other Scriptures, Mark 16:14-19 and Luke 24:44-51, which provide us with more detail. The accounts of Acts, Mark and Luke are all given from a different perspective. In summary, the Disciples were given the following information by the Lord Jesus. He:

Opened their understanding, that they might understand the Scriptures
Told them to tarry in Jerusalem until they were endued with power from on high
Advised them that they would receive the Holy Spirit and would receive power
Told them that they would be witnesses unto Him in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and the uttermost parts of the earth
Instructed them to go to all the world and preach the Gospel to everyone

After this, the Lord Jesus was “taken up” (Acts 1), “received up” (Mark 16), and “carried up” (Luke 24), into Heaven.

A few verses after this in Acts chapter one we are told that the Disciples returned to Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives which was a Sabbath Day’s journey away. I have never understood this because the Mount of Olives is just across the Kidron Valley from Jerusalem.

“Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day's journey.” – Acts 1:12

But we are given more information in the Gospel of Luke.

“And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them. And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven.” – Luke 24:50-51

The village of Bethany was on the far side of the Mount of Olives, a little less than two miles from Jerusalem.

I have always considered the Great Commission of Matthew chapter twenty-eight to be part of the final instructions of Jesus to the Disciples. This is not correct. The Disciples were in Galilee.

“Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them.” – Matthew 28:16

Three verses later:

“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” – Matthew 28:19-20

The Lord frequently provides us with different perspectives of the same event. Praise His name for His Holy Word! Praise Him always!

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