Ascension Day, which takes place 40 days after Easter, marks Jesus’ final day on earth and his return to heaven. Using a ‘forest church’ approach, Lindsay Wright introduces fresh ideas to engage both those who are new to the story and the well-versed.

Prepare

Where to look

Luke finishes his Gospel and starts the Book of Acts with the same event – the Ascension (Luke 24:50-52; Acts 1:9-11). We see two dazzling characters in white, reminding us of the bright figures at Jesus’ tomb. In both the Resurrection and Ascension, the dazzling figures draw attention to where the disciples are looking – it’s the wrong place! Jesus is no longer in the tomb – he is risen. And Jesus has gone to the Father, but it doesn’t help to stare into the sky. There is work to be done on earth. These passages discourage us from gazing up at the heavens. We are to take the message of the kingdom out to the nations.