CXLIV.

The Ascension.

(Olivet, Between Jerusalem and Bethany.)

^B Mark XVI. 19, 20; ^C Luke XXIV. 50–53; ^E Acts I. 9–12.

^b 19 So then the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken unto them, ^e 9 And when he had said these things, ^c he led them out until they were over against Bethany: and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them. 51 And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he parted from them [it is significant that our Lord's gesture, when last seen of men, was one of blessing], and ^e as they were looking, he was taken { ^c carried ^b received} ^c up into heaven. ^a and a cloud received him out of their sight. ^b and [he] sat down at the right hand of God. ^c 52 And they worshipped him, ^e 10 And while they were looking stedfastly into heaven as he went, behold, two men [angels in human form] stood by them in white apparel; 11 who also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye looking into heaven? this Jesus, who was received up from you into heaven shall so come in like manner as ye beheld him going into heaven. [Thus the angels add their testimony to the sureness of our Lord's promise that he will return.] 12 Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, ^c with great joy; 53 and were continually in the temple, blessing God. ^b 20 And they went forth, and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word by the signs that followed. Amen.