The Preparation of Spirit
Luke 24:50-53; Acts 1:1-3
When he had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, he lifted up his hands and blessed them. While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven. Then they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. And they stayed continually at the temple, praising God.
If I had been a disciple, I would not have stayed in Jerusalem, much less at the temple, after the man I had served, loved, and revered as family died. Now Jesus appears again saying that death held no power for him. Look how he is under his own authority here and in John 10:18 rather than the authority of men. He is leading his disciples to Bethany just before he ascends into Heaven. Look at the power of the Father on display here. No one is questioning him. No one is challenging him. God spoke and no one disobeyed. Here is the proof of a true Shepherd according to John 10:27. The disciples heard his voice, they knew him, and they followed him. Notice how Jesus even lifted up his hands and blessed them. Ephesians 4:8 speaks of him leading captivity captive and giving gifts to men when "he ascended on high." The gifts were things that pointed to him for they were given by him from part of his character. The greatest gift he gave was that of himself. Thus when "God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son" in John 3:16, he did not take the gift back. Even after everything the world did to him and he was received back physically, the gift remained. The gifts were given to the disciples at this time to equip them for being his witnesses.
In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teachuntil the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God.
The disciples were witnesses of time spent with Jesus. You cannot witness without knowing of whom you speak or without spending time with that person. Jesus spoke to them about the kingdom of God. There is structure in the kingdom of God, there is focus in the kingdom, and there is a timing of the kingdom. Notice that the disciples agenda and time-table aligned with the Father's at this time; yet, they had not the authority to know the Father's time-table and seasons of working. Just as Jesus physically presented himself to them so also he gave them his Spirit. Jesus even taught the disciples he chose through the Holy Spirit at this point well before the giving of the Spirit on the day of Pentecost. Look at the unity of God on display here. No one disobeyed or was frightened that a strange spirit appeared among them. God instructed them now through the Spirit prior to the giving so they would know that it came from him. Notice that the utterance of the Spirit, the speaking of the Spirit, and the understanding of the Spirit is under the Father's command. You may find that much of the disorder in the church today could be cured by spending time with Jesus.