The apostles returned to Jerusalem to await the coming of the promised Spirit. Jesus appeared and led them up the Mount of Olives where he spoke his final blessing. Then, “He parted from them,” and Jesus began his ascent to the right hand of the Father. The apostles went back to the upper room in Jerusalem where a large group of followers had assembled, including Jesus’ mother Mary. They all knew that Jesus promised to send his Spirit to comfort and inspire them.
Discussion Questions
The ascension of Jesus happened on the fortieth day after his resurrection. What gave his followers hope after he disappeared from their sight? Today, we are not able to see Jesus, yet we experience his presence. How can that be?
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| He parted from them |
Jesus had promised his apostles many times that he would rise from the dead on the third day. Why did they not have faith in that promise? Can you think of some promises that Jesus makes, even now, to all of us?
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| Jesus himself stood in the midst of them |
The apostles were surprised when Mary Magdalene and other women believers hurried into the house where they were staying. The women had amazing news. They told the apostles that they had gone to the tomb earlier in the morning. The stone had been rolled away from the entrance, and Jesus’ body was not inside the tomb. In addition, the women declared they had seen and spoken with Jesus. But when the apostles heard their report, they did not believe it.
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| They reported all these things |
Two thieves were crucified on crosses to the right and left of Jesus. One of the thieves taunted Jesus saying, “Save yourself and us!” But the second thief rebuked the first one saying, “Do you not even fear God?” He knew the two of them had done wrong, but Jesus had done nothing wrong. Then, he turned to Jesus and said, “‘Lord, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” And Jesus said to him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
Even during the agony of the crucifixion, Jesus listened to a convicted thief who acknowledged his crime and honestly repented. What do you think caused the second thief to repent? In your own words, what did he ask of Jesus?
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| Lord, remember me |
Jesus was taken several places during the night of his arrest, and the apostle John was allowed to go with him. The chief priests held a trial in the middle of the night. Then, they took him to the Roman governor. They wanted Pilate to sentence Jesus to death. After Pilate spoke with Jesus, he said, “I find no fault in this man.” This enraged the priests who said, "He stirs up the people all over Judea by his teaching. He started in Galilee and has come all the way here.”
Discussion Questions
The chief priests wanted Pilate to think Jesus was a threat to Roman rule. Why? Pilate, however, could see that Jesus was being unjustly accused. Why couldn’t the chief priests see the goodness and righteousness of Jesus?
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| I find no fault in this man |
Jesus made a promise to his disciples on the evening of the Last Supper. He promised to send a new spirit to comfort, help, and guide them. Jesus spoke of this spirit saying, “He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” The Spirit helps us to know Jesus and experience his presence in our lives. The new spirit that Jesus promised is a teacher as well as a comforter. “When the Spirit of Truth comes, he will guide you into all truth.”
Discussion Questions
Today, we know that Jesus sent this promised spirit after his ascension. It has long been called the Holy Spirit. Even now, it comforts, helps, and guides us. How do we know that the Spirit is still with us? How can we experience it?
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| I will not leave you desolate |