Christ's Ascension Gift of the Spirit

Good Shepherd Community Church

Jesus in the hours before his sufferings and death on behalf of sinful people spent several hours seeking to prepare them. He spoke of leaving them. First a short leaving by his death and burial but in a little while you will see me again. He is prophesying his third day resurrection. Then of a much longer departure when he returns to the Father. It is in this connection that Jesus speaks of the Holy Spirit as his ascension gift that he will send to them. His promise was fulfilled on Pentecost ten days after he ascended into heaven. The Spirit brings the spiritual presence of Christ Jesus and he bears witness to him. He empowers believers in the Lord Jesus to witness beginning with the disciples on that Pentecost day but continuing to this day. He is Christ's ascension gift and he comes with fullness of power and grace gifts for ministry and witness to Jesus.