Today our focus is upon an unusual event which closed the earthly ministry of Jesus. Perhaps even more so than his Resurrection has the Ascension created unceasing controversy among believers and scholars alike. All four Gospels report Jesus’ Resurrection in considerable detail, but it is only Mark and Luke who include the Ascension, albeit briefly. Luke, however, in this first chapter of The Acts of the Apostles, provides us with the fullest account in the New Testament.

Now, what about the Ascension? What interpretation can we put upon it in this age of doubt and ready skepticism? Or, what difference does it make whether or not we accept whatever truth lies in it?

First of all, let us look at what Luke tells us. After forty days of post-Resurrection appearances, Jesus had a final get t…