Where Did He Go?
May 11, 2025
When a Roman general defeated a city, he was honored with a victory parade into the Roman capital. His parade showcased his army, adoring citizens, and trophies from the conquered region, including those he had defeated in chains for all of Rome to see. When Jesus ascended into heaven, He also led a victory parade, not as a triumphant general, but as the Lamb who had been slain. Join us for part 3 of Ascended, where we will explore the heavenly perspective on Jesus’ ascension.
Passage
Revelation 5
Three Benefits of Jesus being in Heaven:
- He has gone to ##prepare## a ##place## for ##you##.
- He has made a way for you to be ##where## ##He## ##is##.
- He is leading a ##victory## ##parade##, conquering ##sin##, and reuniting ##heaven## and ##earth##.
Practice
##Live## and ##worship## with the confidence that Jesus has ##won## the ##victory##.
Small Group Questions
Use this outline for personal reflection, as a couples or family devotion, or with a small group.
HANGOUT
What are your biggest takeaways from this series about Jesus’ ascension? What difference, if any, should Jesus’ ascension have on our lives and the church?
HEAR
Read Hebrews 4:14
- Who is the “great high priest”? (Read Hebrews 5:1-10.) What does it mean that He has “passed through the heavens”? (Read Ephesians 4:8-10.)
- What is the confession, and how do we “hold fast” to it? (Read Romans 10:5-13)
- Why is Jesus superior to any earthly priest, pastor, or religious leader? Since we have Jesus, do we need earthly priests? Why or why not? What does it mean that Jesus made all His followers a Kingdom of Priests (see 1 Peter 2:9)?
Read Hebrews 4:15
- Why is it essential to have a priest who can understand our weaknesses? Why is it important for a priest to be without sin? Is that even possible?
- What would the consequences be of having a priest who is perfect but cannot relate to our human struggles? What would be the consequence of having a priest who can relate to our sins but has been overcome by his own sin?
- How should this influence our call to serve and care for one another as a kingdom of priests?
Read Hebrews 4:16
- What is the “throne of grace,” and what does it mean to approach it with “confidence”? What gives us this confidence?
- Where is this throne now? Do we have access to it now, or is it only something we can access after we die? What difference does that make?
- What will we discover there? Reflect on a time when you approached the throne of grace and found mercy and grace during a time of need.
HUDDLE
How closely do you stay to God’s throne of grace throughout your week? When are you most likely to stray from it? What habits, routines, and sacred rhythms do you use to remain near our Great High Priest and His throne of grace? Discuss it, invite accountability, and pray together.
Daily Reading
As you read each passage, look for connections to this week’s sermon and small group discussion. Invite the Holy Spirit to be your teacher as you seek Him with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength.
- Day 1: John 14
- Day 2: Luke 24:50-53 & Revelation 5
- Day 3: Ephesians 4
- Day 4: Ephesians 5 & 6
- Day 5: Hebrews 3 & 4
- Day 6: Hebrews 5
- Day 7: 2 Corinthians 2
Passage to Memorize: John 14:2-3
Think Deeper
- How confident are you in your ability to approach God?
- How should Jesus’ victory change your perspective on the struggles you will face this week?
- How does the depiction of Jesus in Revelation 5 challenge your understanding of leadership and sacrifice in your own life?
Suggested Reading
Following Jesus: Biblical Reflections on Discipleship, By N.T. Wright
Surprised by Hope, By N.T. Wright
Forgotten God, By Francis Chan
Check out these and other books from our suggested reading list at https://bit.ly/AspireSMB.