Proclaiming the Gospel to the Jew first and also to the Greek. Shalom and welcome to the Everlasting Nation, a radio ministry of International Board of Jewish Missions. I'm your host Aaron Brott, and I want to thank you for joining me today. What sweet fellowship Jesus had with his disciples after his resurrection. Jesus showed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them 40 days and speaking the things pertaining to the kingdom of God. In all, over 500 people saw the risen Lord. He indeed was alive. However, Jesus was now about to leave this earth and return to heaven. Standing on top of the Mount of Olives is breathtaking. From this vantage point, we can see the Kidron Valley, the City of David, and the Temple Mount situated in the Old City of Jerusalem. With this sweeping view, it is hard to miss the large Jewish cemetery in front of you. While most of these graves date from the Middle Ages to the present, some graves are dated to Biblical times. Absalom, the son of David, is buried here. The prophets Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi are buried here as well. In more recent times, Eliezer ben Yehuda, the father of modern Hebrew, and former Prime Minister Menachem Begin are buried here as well. The thousands buried on the Mount of Olives are a mosaic of Jewish people from all walks of life and cultural backgrounds. To be buried here is considered a privilege. They hope to be the first ones resurrected when the Messiah appears on the day of resurrection. This belief is linked to the prophet who is believed to be buried here. According to Zechariah 14, the Messiah will one day set foot on the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem and establish his throne. I wonder though, how many of these graves will be opened? However, the hope of the resurrection is not found in a location, but a person. Jesus, the Messiah, came to this earth and lived a perfect life. Yet the sinless one would be crucified, buried, and rise again. Forty days later, Jesus brought his disciples to the Mount of Olives near the village of Bethany. Then he lifted his nail-pierced hands and blessed them. At that moment, Jesus ascended into heaven to sit on the right hand of the throne of God. What a moment that must have been! But this was not the end of the story. The book of Acts 1 verse 11 reads, And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven, As he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel, which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, which has taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven. The ascension of Jesus was not a moment for reminiscing or longing for the presence of Jesus, Rather, the disciples obeyed Jesus' command and worshipped Him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, and were continually in the temple praising and blessing God. Amen. God's presence through the Holy Spirit would come upon them ten days later at the Feast of Pentecost. This emboldened them for the future ministry of the church as they would turn the world upside down with the gospel. The ascension of Jesus is critical as it gives assurance of God's approval of Jesus' life and ministry. It also gives assurance of His promise to return. At the second coming, Jesus will return in the clouds to the very place where He ascended, the Mount of Olives. And now, as we stand on this magnificent place, the Mount of Olives, take a look behind you at the Chapel of the Ascension. Now, believe it or not, there is at least four other churches on the Mount of Olives that commemorate the ascension of Jesus, including a mosque. Even though we are uncertain about the exact location of the ascension, we are certain that we are standing very close to where it did take place. But this gives us great hope for the Lord's return. By trusting God's word, you will experience hope, joy, and purpose. Jesus promised that He will never leave us nor forsake us. Jesus is preparing a place for us. He is advocating for us. He is reigning all over with divine authority. While we wait for Him, we can look back at the Mount of Olives knowing that Jesus finished His work. The Bible says in Hebrews 4.14, Seeing then that we have a great high priest that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God Let us hold fast our profession. Until he returns, let us keep the faith. I want to thank you for joining us today as we've talked about the Ascended Lord and going to the Mount of Olives. Now, if you'd like to hear this program again or any of our other archive programs regarding Israel and the Jewish people, simply visit us at IBJM.org. In fact, why don't you invite a friend as well? Now, as we close this program, let's remember the words of Psalm 122.6, Sha'alu shalom Yerushalayim. Let us pray for the peace of Jerusalem. You've been listening to The Everlasting Nation, a ministry of International Board of Jewish Missions. For more information, you can contact us at 423-876-8150, or go online to ibjm.org. Until next time, may God bless and shalom.