Sun. May 12, 2013 (J. Evan Kreider)

Evan Kreider focused on Jesus’ ascension, noting that there are eight appearances of Jesus recorded since his resurrection. Following the resurrection the disciples were told to stay in Jerusalem; normally they would have returned to Galiliee where Jesus had done most of his teaching. Rome was important as the centre of power for the Jews (the temple) and the ruling Romans. Staying in Jerusalem implied that the teachings of Jesus were to be taken to the centre of political and religious power. The ascension account presents some challenges; some were later additions to the gospels. Evan noted that this is not surprising since at the time the belief was that Jesus came from God, returned to God and was now with God. From this time on Christians would think of God only through the “Jesus filter,” and that’s how they would read the Old Testament. Reading all of Scripture through the teachings of Jesus keeps the focus on Jesus and not on worshiping the Bible. (HN)

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