Before Jesus ascended into heaven, He gave His disciples five clear and powerful instructions: wait for the Holy Spirit, go make disciples, baptize and teach obedience, be His witnesses everywhere, and stay focused on the mission. These weren’t suggestions—they were the foundation for the Christian life and the global spread of the Gospel. His words still matter today because the mission isn’t finished, and every believer is called to be part of it.
If you’ve ever wondered what Jesus expects from His followers, His final instructions before ascending are the clearest place to start. They’re direct, practical, and filled with purpose. Keep reading to break down each command, understand why it still applies to you, and learn how to live it out every day.
What You Need to Know and Why It Still Matters
Before Jesus ascended into heaven, He gave His disciples clear instructions. These weren’t just casual parting words. They were direct, powerful, and packed with purpose. If you’re a follower of Jesus—or just curious about what He expected from His followers—this moment is essential to understand.
Let’s break it down.
1. The Setting: 40 Days After the Resurrection
Jesus didn’t ascend to heaven immediately after rising from the dead. According to Acts 1:3, He spent 40 days with His disciples:
“He presented Himself alive to them after His suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God.”
So, what did He do during those 40 days?
- He appeared multiple times: to Mary Magdalene (John 20:14-17), two disciples on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-35), and to the apostles (John 20:19-23).
- He ate with them: showing He wasn’t a ghost (Luke 24:42-43).
- He continued teaching: especially about the kingdom of God.
Then came the final meeting—on the Mount of Olives.
2. The Great Commission (Matthew 28:18–20)
Let’s start with one of Jesus’ most famous commands:
“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
This is called the Great Commission, and it’s a mission statement for every believer.
Key Instructions:
- Go – Don’t stay comfortable. You’re sent.
- Make disciples – Not just converts. Teach people how to follow Jesus.
- Baptize – A public declaration of faith.
- Teach obedience – It’s not about head knowledge; it’s about living like Jesus.
- Remember His presence – You’re not doing this alone.
Note: Jesus starts by asserting His authority. That’s important. You’re not sent out with your own message. You’re sent with His.
3. The Promise of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:4–5, 8)
Right before His ascension, Jesus told them to wait in Jerusalem:
“Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift My Father promised, which you have heard Me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 1:4-5)
Why wait?
Because they couldn’t do the mission in their own power.
Then Jesus gave this clear instruction:
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)
Let’s break that down:
- Power: The Holy Spirit would give them courage, wisdom, and strength.
- Witnesses: They were to testify about what they saw and heard.
- Everywhere: Starting local (Jerusalem), then expanding out.
This verse is often called the blueprint for Christian mission.
4. Don’t Get Distracted (Acts 1:6–7)
The disciples asked Jesus if He was going to “restore the kingdom to Israel” right then (Acts 1:6). That was their way of asking if He’d bring political power back to their nation.
Jesus didn’t say yes or no. Instead, He said:
“It’s not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by His own authority.”
Translation: Don’t worry about the timeline. Focus on the task.
And that’s still true today. Too many people get caught up trying to predict end times instead of obeying Jesus’ final instructions.
5. The Ascension (Acts 1:9–11)
Here’s what happened next:
“After He said this, He was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid Him from their sight.” (Acts 1:9)
They stood there, staring up.
Then two angels appeared and said:
“Men of Galilee, why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus… will come back in the same way you have seen Him go into heaven.” (Acts 1:11)
What’s the takeaway?
- Jesus left, but He’s coming back.
- There’s work to do in the meantime.
6. Recap: Jesus’ Final Instructions in 5 Clear Steps
Let’s summarize everything Jesus said before ascending:
- Wait for the Holy Spirit
Don’t rush ahead without God’s power. - Go and make disciples of all nations
It’s not optional. It’s your mission. - Baptize and teach obedience
Help people grow in their faith, not just start it. - Be witnesses everywhere
Your story matters. Tell it boldly. - Stay focused, not distracted
Don’t get sidetracked by questions God hasn’t answered.
7. Why It Still Matters Today
You might be wondering: “What does this have to do with me?”
Here’s why Jesus’ final words still matter:
- They’re meant for all believers, not just the original 11 disciples.
- The mission isn’t finished. There are still people who haven’t heard.
- You’ve been given power, through the Holy Spirit, to make a real impact.
- Obedience is not optional. If you call yourself a Christian, this is your call.
And let’s be honest—too many of us skip the mission and jump straight to comfort. Jesus didn’t say, “Go to church and be nice.” He said, Go make disciples.
8. Real-Life Application: What Should You Do?
Here’s what you can do today to obey Jesus’ final instructions:
Start Here:
- Pray daily: Ask the Holy Spirit for guidance and courage.
- Share your story: You don’t need a theology degree. Just tell what Jesus did for you.
- Support missions: Locally and globally. Time, money, or both.
- Disciple others: Meet regularly with someone and help them grow in their faith.
Ask Yourself:
- Am I living on mission?
- Who in my life needs to hear the Gospel?
- How am I helping others follow Jesus?
Final Thoughts
Jesus didn’t leave His disciples guessing. His instructions were clear, direct, and life-changing. And they haven’t expired. If you’re a follower of Jesus, then His final words before ascending into heaven are your standing orders.
You don’t need to be perfect. Just faithful.
“The one who calls you is faithful, and He will do it.” (1 Thessalonians 5:24)
So don’t wait. You’ve got a mission. Start today.
FAQs: Jesus’ Final Instructions to His Disciples Before Ascension
1. What were Jesus’ final instructions before ascending to heaven?
Jesus told His disciples to wait for the Holy Spirit, go and make disciples of all nations, baptize them, teach them to obey His commands, and be His witnesses to the ends of the earth.
2. Where in the Bible are Jesus’ last instructions recorded?
You’ll find them in Matthew 28:18–20, Mark 16:15–20, Luke 24:44–49, John 20:21–23, and Acts 1:4–11.
3. What is the Great Commission?
The Great Commission refers to Jesus’ command in Matthew 28:18–20 for His followers to make disciples of all nations, baptize them, and teach them to obey everything He commanded.
4. Why did Jesus tell the disciples to wait in Jerusalem?
He told them to wait for the Holy Spirit, who would empower them for the mission ahead (Acts 1:4–5, 8).
5. What is the role of the Holy Spirit in Jesus’ instructions?
The Holy Spirit gives believers the power, courage, and wisdom to carry out the mission Jesus gave them.
6. Who were the disciples Jesus was speaking to?
Primarily the remaining 11 apostles, but His instructions apply to all believers through every generation.
7. What does it mean to be a witness for Jesus?
Being a witness means sharing your personal experience with Jesus and spreading the Gospel through your words and life.
8. Are Jesus’ final instructions still relevant today?
Absolutely. The mission to make disciples and spread the Gospel is ongoing until Jesus returns.
9. What is the significance of the Ascension?
The Ascension marks Jesus’ return to heaven and the beginning of the Church’s mission on earth, guided by the Holy Spirit.
10. How can I personally apply Jesus’ final instructions in my life?
Pray for guidance, share your faith, disciple others, support missions, and live in obedience to Jesus’ teachings daily.
