“FOLLOW” Sermon Series Review:  

  1. The gospel is not merely the beginning of discipleship. It is the whole of discipleship. 
  2. Jesus is both the object of our faith and the power of our transformation 
  3. The gospel forms a people who grow together and live on mission together. 
  4. The future belongs to Jesus, so the present belongs to faithful discipleship. 
  5. The risen, ascended, and reigning Jesus is forming His disciples until He returns 

Mark 16:14-20 “…[19] So the Lord Jesus, after speaking to them, was taken up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God.” 

Three movements: 

  1. He SPOKE – His last act before ascending is INSTRUCTION. His authority remains MEDIATED by His word.  
  2. He was TAKEN up - This is the FATHER’S action Jesus is not portrayed as INDEPENDENTLY ascending. 
  3. He SAT down - The work of atonement is finished. The reign of the King begins publicly.

Q: Where is Jesus now? The Right Hand of God  

  • Royal Authority and COSMIC Dominion - The right-hand position signifies authority and power.  
  • PRIESTLY Intercession - Beyond kingship, the right-hand position carries priestly significance.  
  • ESCHATOLOGICAL Promise and PRESENT Reality - The right-hand position bridges present and future.  

Theological IMPLICATIONS:  

  • He REIGNS over Heaven and Earth- “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” (Matthew 28:18) 
  • He extends His RULE through His CHURCH - “He gave Him as head over all things to the church.” (Ephesians 1:22) 

Q: What Does Jesus Look Like Now? - Not less human. More glorious. 

  • HUMAN —  The scars remain. 
  • DIVINE -  King, Judge, Warrior, Bridegroom, Shepherd, Lord of lords. 

The ASCENSION means that disciples follow a living King who is presently REIGNING over history, INTERCEDING for His people, EMPOWERING His Church by His Spirit, and DIRECTING all things toward the public revelation of His kingdom. 

Verse 20 - “And they went out and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the word by accompanying signs.” 

Q: What is Jesus doing now? 

  • He INTERCEDES - “He always lives to intercede for them.” (Hebrews 7:25) 
  • He SENDS the Spirit – at Pentecost “Exalted at the right hand of God… He has poured out this.” (Acts 2:33)