Thursday 14 May 2026

Psalm 47

Background
Today’s passage comes from the very end of Luke’s Gospel and is traditionally read today – Ascension Day. It forms the bridge between the story of Jesus’ earthly ministry and the mission of the Early Church, which Luke continues in his second book, the Acts of Apostles.

Jesus begins with a final interpretation of the scriptures, referring to what Christians would call the Old Testament. He refers to “the law of Moses, the prophets, and the psalms” (v. 44). This is an important early reference to the threefold division of the Hebrew Bible, more commonly rendered as the Torah (the Law), the Prophets and the Writings, or in Hebrew the Tanakh.

We then have a moment of revelation when Jesus’ disciples finally begin to understand everything they have seen over the last three years during his earthly ministry (vs 45-47). Repeatedly, in all the gospels, the disciples have struggled to comprehend who Jesus really was and in particular why he had to suffer and die. Just like the two disciples on the road to Emmaus (24:13-35), it is only in the days after the resurrection that they can start to see how these incredible events fit into the bigger picture of God’s plans for humanity.

The disciples are not to keep this fresh understanding to themselves, though. They are now to act as 'witnesses' (v. 48), telling all the world the good news of Jesus Christ. But first they must wait in Jerusalem until they are “clothed with power from on high” (v. 49), a clear reference to the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost (Acts 2).

The Ascension itself is described briefly but significantly. Jesus blesses his followers and is taken from their sight. Unlike some ancient accounts of departure, the tone here is not one of loss but of joy: the disciples return to Jerusalem “with great joy” (v. 52). This is not the end of the story, Luke assures his readers, merely the conclusion of the first chapter. The work of Christ and the Holy Spirit continues into Acts and up to our own day. Indeed, “the wondrous tale is written, full clear, on every page”. ('Thy hand, O God, has guided', Singing the Faith 692)

To Ponder:

• Can you think of other examples in human history, or in your own life, when events and individuals have only been understood fully afterwards?
• What does it mean to be 'witnesses' in today’s world?
• Why might the disciples respond with joy rather than grief at Jesus’ ascension?

Prayer
Risen Lord, who endured the suffering and shame of death on the cross for our sakes, open our hearts that we might fully understand your will for our lives. Grant that we may be faithful witnesses this day and always, through the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Bible notes author: The Revd Geoffrey Farrar
The Revd Geoffrey Farrar is the Superintendent Minister of the Richmond & Hounslow Circuit in south-west London. He has pastoral charge of Barnes, Putney and Roehampton churches. He is currently studying for a (very) part-time PhD at the nearby University of Roehampton, looking at the impact of the Maccabean Revolt on responses to Jesus. He lives in Putney with his partner and their adopted son.