The ascension of Jesus might well be called the end of the beginning of historical Christianity. Early Christians told the story of Jesus’ birth, life, death, and resurrection as the realization of Israel’s most cherished hope. Jesus was the most expected Messiah and the fulfilment of the Law and the Prophets. Therefore, his departure from this world was the end of the beginning.
The ascension is given only one sentence in the very succinct Gospel of Mark, and the original version of the Gospel ended with Mark 16:8. Mark 16-20 is not in the earliest of the ancient manuscripts, and is thought to have been written by a later writer. History, in fact, may also be seen as a vast collection of short stories, which is the way we learn it. No single human being, no one family, no empire or nation appears in all these stories. Each story ends so that others may begin.
The story of Jesus ended that the story of his church could begin. When Jesus’ story ended the temple was still standing in Jerusalem, and Rome still ruled the world, including Palestine. But the temple would be utterly destroyed in 70AD. Eventually the Roman Empire would be divided, and the western empire would sink into anarchy. Meanwhile, Christianity would be extended in all directions. One story ended and another story began.
The world has always been fascinated with the last words of famous people. Jesus’ last words were not about himself. His earthly story was about to end. He spoke to them of the story that was about to begin. Looking ahead, he charged them with a commission: “Go into the world and preach the gospel to the whole creation.” A world was waiting. They would encounter opposition on all sides, and some of the most bitter would come from their own kinsfolk. Some of the disciples would be imprisoned, others tortured, and still others put to death. But Jesus promises them that he would be with them every step of the way in the presence of the Holy Spirit.
The Ascension of Christ is the end of his physical presence on earth. But it is the beginning of the missionary expansion of his church throughout the world. In Acts, the last words of Jesus are: “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all of Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” The Ascension is the beginning of the universal Lordship of Christ and the witness of his people, the Church universal. By word and example we are to proclaim the gospel.