In Acts 1:11, just before His ascension, Jesus’ final question to His disciples, delivered through angels, was simple yet profound: “Why are you standing here looking into the sky?” This question was more than just a comment on their physical stance; it was a call to action. The disciples had witnessed the resurrection of Jesus and spent forty days with Him, but now, it was time for them to take the mission forward. Jesus had commissioned them to spread the Gospel to the ends of the earth, and the angels’ question prompted them to stop looking back and begin fulfilling their purpose.
This question holds powerful implications for us today. Like the disciples, we can often find ourselves standing still, waiting for more signs or instructions. However, Jesus’ last question challenges us to step forward in faith, trust in God’s promises, and embrace the mission He’s given us. Reflect on how this question applies to your own life. Are you ready to move forward with purpose and action? Keep reading to explore how you can actively participate in the mission God has entrusted to you.
When you think of Jesus, you probably imagine a figure who taught profound lessons, performed miracles, and left a lasting impact on humanity. One of His powerful teaching methods was asking questions. His questions were more than just conversational tools; they were windows into deep truths and reflections of His mission.
In exploring the last question Jesus asked, we need to delve into His final moments on Earth. This question, asked just before His ascension, is recorded in the New Testament. It’s not only a profound reflection on His ministry but also a call to action for His followers.
The Final Question
After His resurrection, Jesus appeared to His disciples multiple times over forty days, teaching them about the Kingdom of God. Just before He ascended into heaven, He asked them a pivotal question:
“Why are you standing here looking into the sky?” (Acts 1:11, NIV).
This question, posed by angels as Jesus ascended, might seem simple on the surface. But let’s break down its deeper meaning and the context in which it was asked.
The Context of the Question
To truly understand the weight of this question, we need to look at the events leading up to it.
The Resurrection and Appearances
After His crucifixion, Jesus rose from the dead on the third day. His resurrection wasn’t just an event; it was the foundation of Christian faith. Over the next forty days, Jesus appeared to His disciples in various forms and locations, proving He was alive and preparing them for their mission.
The Ascension
In Acts 1:9, we read, “After He said this, He was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid Him from their sight.” Jesus’ ascension was a powerful and emotional moment. The disciples watched as their teacher and friend, whom they had seen crucified and resurrected, was taken up into heaven.
The Disciples’ Reaction
Imagine the disciples’ astonishment as they stood there, gazing up at the sky. Their beloved Rabbi, who had been with them in extraordinary ways, was now leaving. It’s no wonder they were standing there, possibly confused and awestruck.
This is where the final question comes in. The angels addressed the disciples with, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand here looking into the sky?” (Acts 1:11, NIV). This wasn’t just a question about their physical stance but a prompt to move forward with their mission.
Understanding the Deeper Meaning
A Call to Action
The angels’ question was a reminder. Jesus had given His disciples a clear mission: “…you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8, NIV). They were called to spread the message of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. Standing still and gazing into the sky was not their calling; action was.
Embracing the Mission
This final question signified a transition. The disciples’ time of direct instruction from Jesus was over. Now, it was time for them to step into their roles as messengers of the Gospel. The question urged them to stop looking back and start moving forward, embracing the task Jesus had given them.
Trusting in the Promise
Jesus had promised that the Holy Spirit would come and empower them. “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you” (Acts 1:8, NIV). The question encouraged the disciples to trust in this promise and to prepare for the coming of the Spirit, which would equip them for their mission.
Application for Today
Reflecting on Our Own Mission
Just like the disciples, we can find ourselves standing still, looking back, or waiting for more instructions. But Jesus’ last question prompts us to action. What are we standing still, waiting for, when there’s a mission in front of us?
Moving Forward with Purpose
This question encourages us to focus on our purpose and the tasks at hand. Whether it’s spreading the message of Jesus in our daily lives or stepping into roles we feel called to, it’s a reminder not to remain idle.
Trusting in God’s Promises
Jesus didn’t leave His disciples without a guide. The Holy Spirit was promised to them, and He’s promised to us as well. Trusting in God’s guidance and stepping out in faith is crucial.
Conclusion
The last question Jesus asked, through the angels at His ascension, was a profound one: “Why are you standing here looking into the sky?” It wasn’t just a query; it was a call to action, a push toward fulfilling the mission He had set out for His disciples and, by extension, for us.
As you reflect on this question, consider what it means for your own life. Are you standing still, looking back, or are you ready to step forward in faith and action, embracing the mission laid out before you?
Let this question inspire you to move forward with purpose, trust in God’s promises, and be a witness to His love and grace in your world.
FAQs: The Last Question Jesus Asked
1. What was the last question Jesus asked before His ascension?
The last question associated with Jesus before His ascension was, “Why are you standing here looking into the sky?” (Acts 1:11, NIV). This question was asked by angels to His disciples as Jesus ascended into heaven.
2. Why did the angels ask the disciples this question?
The angels asked this question to prompt the disciples into action. It was a reminder that they had a mission to fulfill — to be witnesses of Jesus and spread His message to the world. The question encouraged them not to stand idly by but to move forward with their purpose.
3. What was the significance of Jesus’ ascension?
Jesus’ ascension marked the completion of His earthly ministry and the beginning of His exaltation at the right hand of God. It signified His return to heavenly glory and the start of the disciples’ mission to spread the Gospel with the promised empowerment of the Holy Spirit.
4. What instructions did Jesus give His disciples before He ascended?
Before His ascension, Jesus instructed His disciples to be His witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8). He also told them to wait in Jerusalem for the gift of the Holy Spirit, who would empower them for their mission.
5. How can Jesus’ last question apply to our lives today?
Jesus’ last question encourages us to reflect on our own mission and purpose. It challenges us to avoid standing still or looking back and instead, to move forward in faith and action, fulfilling our roles in spreading His message and living out His teachings.
6. What does it mean to be a witness for Jesus?
Being a witness for Jesus means sharing the story of His life, death, and resurrection, and how it has transformed our lives. It involves living in a way that reflects His teachings and spreading His message of love, forgiveness, and salvation.
7. What is the role of the Holy Spirit in the mission Jesus gave?
The Holy Spirit empowers believers to carry out the mission Jesus gave. He provides guidance, strength, and the ability to witness effectively. The Holy Spirit also comforts and supports believers in their journey of faith.
8. Why were the disciples looking into the sky after Jesus’ ascension?
The disciples were likely gazing into the sky because they were witnessing a miraculous event — Jesus ascending into heaven. They might have been in awe and possibly uncertain about what to do next without His physical presence.
9. How did the disciples respond after Jesus’ ascension and the angels’ question?
After Jesus’ ascension and the angels’ question, the disciples returned to Jerusalem as Jesus had instructed. They gathered together, prayed, and waited for the Holy Spirit, as Jesus had promised. This period of waiting led to the day of Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit descended upon them.
10. What is the significance of the question, “Why are you standing here looking into the sky?” for Christians today?
This question serves as a powerful reminder for Christians today to not remain idle but to actively engage in their faith and mission. It’s a call to action, encouraging believers to focus on their purpose and to trust in God’s guidance and promises as they move forward.
