Third Meeting / What is Jesus doing now?
Many people in this world think that Jesus has nothing to do with us in this world. And he thinks of himself as the one who does nothing for this world and is just there in heaven. Even some Christians who claim to believe in Jesus think so. Does Jesus really have nothing to do with us and people living in this world?
1. After Jesus was crucified and died, he was buried in a tomb. What happened to Jesus after being buried in the tomb?
Answer : He conquered death and rose again.
(Matthew 28:5~7) But the angel answered and said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. "He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. "And go quickly and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead, and indeed He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him. Behold, I have told you."
(1 Corinthians 15:3~8) “For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures, and that He was seen by Cephas, then by the twelve. After that He was seen by over five hundred brethren at once, of whom the greater part remain to the present, but some have fallen asleep. After that He was seen by James, then by all the apostles. Then last of all He was seen by me also, as by one born out of due time.”
2. After Jesus rose from the dead, he was on earth for 40 days. What did Jesus do after 40 days?
Answer : He ascended into heaven.
(Acts 1:9) “Now when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight.”
(Mark 16:19) “So then, after the Lord had spoken to them, He was received up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God.”
(Luke 24:50~51) “And He led them out as far as Bethany, and He lifted up His hands and blessed them. Now it came to pass, while He blessed them, that He was parted from them and carried up into heaven.”
3. Where is Jesus who ascended into heaven now?
Answer - He is seated at the right hand of God's throne in heaven.
(Mark 16:19) “So then, after the Lord had spoken to them, He was received up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God.”
4. What is the promise Jesus ascended into heaven to his disciples and to those who believe in him?
Answer : He said he would come again to this earth.
(John 14:3) “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.”
(Acts 1:11) “who also said, "Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.”
5. Now Jesus is at the right hand of God's throne in heaven. Then, what is Jesus doing in heaven after ascending to heaven?
First, he is interceding for us.
(1 Timothy 2:5) “For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus,”
(Hebrews 8:6) “But now He has obtained a more excellent ministry, inasmuch as He is also Mediator of a better covenant, which was established on better promises.”
(Hebrews 9:15) “And for this reason He is the Mediator of the new covenant, by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions under the first covenant, that those who are called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance.”
Second, He is praying to Heavenly Father for us at the right hand of God's throne for us.
(Rom 8:34) “Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.”
Third, He is sending the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, for us.
(John 16:7) “Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you.”
Fourth, He is preparing a place for us who believe.
(John 14:3) “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.”