Signs and Wonders
Part 2
Hebrews 2:4
God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will? (Hebrews 2:4)
  This is the 2nd part of Signs and Wonders. Are there more signs and wonders? Yes, let’s begin with Mary arriving at the tomb. The Savior is not there, with her heart sunk low she turns, and seeing a man she supposes that he is the gardener, and asked him, ‘if you have taken away my Lord, show me where you have laid him.’
But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre, (John 20:11)
And seeth two angels in white sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain. (John 20:12)
And they say unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? She saith unto them, Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him. (John 20:13)
And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus. (John 20:14)
Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away. (John 20:15)
Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master. (John 20:16)
Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God. (John 20:17)
Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that he had spoken these things unto her. (John 20:18)
Touch Me Not
  Then we hear the soft voice of eternity speaking to her, He speaks her name with all affection and love, and at the sound of His voice she immediately recognized the Lord (have you heard the voice of His love and mercy?) Then we believe she started to go to Him, and He stopped her, and said to her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father. He is speaking of His first ascension. His 2nd ascension occurred at the mount of Olives in Acts chapter 1, where we read the declaration of the angel, this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.
And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. (Acts 1:9)
And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; (Acts 1:10)
Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven. (Acts 1:11)
  Why two ascensions? The key is in what He said to Mary in that He was ascending. He declared I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God. This is the resurrected man Christ Jesus, as both man and Son of God; yet twain, one new man. (Ephesians 2:15) Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, [even] the law of commandments [contained] in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, [so] making peace. He must present Himself before His Father as the resurrected Christ. This is why He said to Mary, touch me not. Christ must remain pure and undefiled as in the type of Aaron (the high priest) in the Tabernacle in the wilderness. Once Aaron was washed at the laver no one could touch him, or he would be defiled. After washing at the laver Aaron had to remain unsoiled and undefiled, only then could he enter into the Tabernacle, and proceed into the holy place to place the blood upon the Mercy-Seat on the Ark of the Covenant to present the blood of atonement to God.
But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; (Hebrews 9:11)
Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. (Hebrews 9:12)
For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: (Hebrews 9:13)
How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? (Hebrews 9:14)
  Christ, therefore, as resurrected man could not be defiled by the earth before He entered into heaven; for Christ must present Himself before His Father as the resurrected Christ, and to God, as the eternal sacrifice. For the things in heaven must be sanctified by Him with the blood of the covenant.
And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. (Colossians 1:20)
And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance. (Hebrews 9:15)
It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. (Hebrews 9:23)
For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us: (Hebrews 9:24)
Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others; (Hebrews 9:25)
For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. (Hebrews 9:26)
And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: (Hebrews 9:27)
So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation. (Hebrews 9:28)
And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance. (Hebrews 9:15)
  He ascended as the resurrected God-man. Before this ascension, man in Adam had no place in heaven. Only through the divine purity of the Lord Jesus Christ could He, as resurrected man, enter into heaven. He is to enter into heaven to sanctify the things in heaven, and to receive His priestly mitre from God the Father. He will also place His blood on the heavenly Mercy-Seat to complete the remission of sin. Remember the things in the Tabernacle were figures of the true that were in heaven. Christ had to receive His Priesthood after the order of Melchisedec, who also was a figure of the True Priest in heaven. He, the Son of God, is the true eternal Priest of heaven. He existed prior to the creation of the world as Melchisedec; however, as man on earth out of the tribe of Judah, Christ was not qualified for the Priesthood; but as the Son of God-son of man resurrected, Jesus Christ would now be made a Priest forever, after the order of Melchisedec. So now, the confusion of the priesthood of Melchisedec is gone forever. For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us: (Hebrews 9:24)
The Lord Jesus is now a Royal Priest, for He is both King and Priest.
For this Melchisedec, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him; (Hebrews 7:1)
To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is, King of peace; (Hebrews 7:2)
Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually. (Hebrews 7:3)
  Now the things in heaven must be sanctified by His blood, and that blood was accepted by who He was, the Son of God. When He ascended and revealed Himself in heaven, Christ was there to sanctify all the true articles in which the things of the Tabernacle were a type. As Moses was shown the pattern of those things on mount Sinai, so now, we have the fulfillment of that which is true.
  To understand the 1st ascension, we must consider these Scriptures.
Moreover he sprinkled with blood both the tabernacle, and all the vessels of the ministry. (Hebrews 9:21)
For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us: (Hebrews 9:24)
For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. (Hebrews 9:26)
So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation. (Hebrews 9:28)
It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. (Hebrews 9:23)
Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others; (Hebrews 9:25)
 We also have to consider Old Testament Scripture as well. For the things that were written were written afore time for our learning. For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. (Romans 15:4)
  We will consider Leviticus chapter 8 and chapter 9 and compare it with chapter 8 and chapter 9 of the Book of Hebrews. We must allow the Holy Spirit to open our hearts, if we do, we will get a picture of the things that took place in the first ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ. At this point I think that it is needful to go back to the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Side Note: God the Father sent His Son to be the propitiation or the atonement for our sin, and not only our sin, but for the sin of the whole world. The law of sin and death would be removed from us by the sacrificial death of the Lord Jesus Christ. He would make a way that we could stand before God in His righteousness. As He was born of the Holy Ghost to be both God and man, He was also born to be both sacrifice and priest. God the Father presented His Son to Israel when His earthly parents (Joseph and Mary) had the trust of the God of heaven to raise His Son. They presented Him in the Temple at Jerusalem. They brought the Child as the sacrifice to be set apart; even though He was not announced to all of Israel at this time He was recognized in the prophecy of both Simeon and Anna in Luke 2:21-40.
And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb. (Luke 2:21)
And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord; (Luke 2:22)
(As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;) (Luke 2:23)
And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons. (Luke 2:24)
And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him. (Luke 2:25)
And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. (Luke 2:26)
And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law, (Luke 2:27)
Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, (Luke 2:28)
Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: (Luke 2:29)
For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, (Luke 2:30)
Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; (Luke 2:31)
A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel. (Luke 2:32)
And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him. (Luke 2:33)
And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against; (Luke 2:34)
(Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed. (Luke 2:35)
And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity; (Luke 2:36)
And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day. (Luke 2:37)
And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem. (Luke 2:38)
And when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth. (Luke 2:39)
And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him. (Luke 2:40)
He was to grow up before God the Father (Isaiah 53:2) as a tender plant, referring to Him as the Lamb with no blemish. If his offering be a burnt sacrifice of the herd, let him offer a male without blemish: he shall offer it of his own voluntary will at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation before the LORD. (Leviticus 1:3) He was now set apart by God the Father to grow up before Him as the Lamb of God without sin and without blemish. Though the world would not desire Him, He grew up before them as this ‘tender plant.’ He must grow and wait with the cross always before Him. The years passed by, and He grew, and as a child of 12 we find Him sitting in the Temple as He astonished the doctors and the teachers with His wisdom and knowledge. And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers. (Luke 2:47)
Although He was the Son of God, He was veiled by His flesh. As He moved through Israel, He constantly amazed the Jews and His parents; yet they still did not understand who it was before them. Although young, He was still the sinless Lamb of God, for God the Father had seen Him as the sacrifice before the foundations of the world. Even then at the age of 12 He, as the Son of God, replied to Mary (His earthly mother) wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business? (Luke 2:49) He was always totally under the will of God the Father for He delighted in His Father’s will. As time passed by Christ increased in wisdom and stature before God and man. And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man. (Luke 2:52) He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. (John 1:10) Even though He lived in a land of dry ground and spiritual drought He grew as a tender plant. (Isaiah 53)
The Jews had become dead to the Spirit of God as a nation, and corrupt men of reprobate minds were in charge of the spiritual welfare of Jerusalem and the law of Moses. They were using the law for their own gain and abusing it for position and political power. The true law had been put aside for a corrupt skeleton of that law. They had changed the law to honor man and not God. The fullness of time had now come. (Galatians 4:4) Christ was here and steadily walking towards the cross. Each and every day of His life was a witness of the Father against man by the presence of His Son. ♦ End of Side Note.
  When the day came for His public ministry to begin, Christ was announced by John the Baptist. John was the anointed messenger sent by God. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. (John 1:60) This was the moment, the day that Christ would be presented to all Israel. God the Holy Spirit had gathered priests and people from Jerusalem, Galilee, and from other parts of the promised land. They were all gathered to hear the announcement, The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. (John 1:29) The scene was set, God had all the pieces in place, even the fact that Christ was coming from Bethabara. These things were done in Bethabara beyond Jordan, where John was baptizing. (John 1:28) Bethabara was on the east side of the Jordan; Christ approached the Jordan from the land of the 2 ½ tribes, the wilderness side of the Jordan. Christ was walking the path that Israel took long ago when God led them through the Jordan into the land by His servant Joshua — the true Joshua now was here as the Son of God.
Side Note: The name Joshua means ‘Savior’ and in the Greek, the name of Jesus means ‘Savior.’ For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. (Luke 2:11) Here at this magnificent wonder of the beginning of the Lord’s ministry at the overflowing Jordan, we have John the Baptizer. John’s father was a priest named Zacharias who was a direct descendent of Aaron; only a direct descendent of Aaron had the authority, and the right to be the high priest of Israel. Throughout the entire history of Israel, the lineage of the priesthood was to be faithfully kept and maintained; however, in Israel at the time of Christ neither Annas nor Caiaphas were qualified to be high priests as they were not direct descendants of Aaron. Not only were they not qualified, but under the law of Moses there was only one high priest; it was never a shared responsibility. Annas and Caiaphas being the high priests, the word of God came unto John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness. (Luke 3:2)
  Adding to this wonder John’s mother, Elisabeth, was also a direct descendent of Aaron. This would have made John the Baptist a prime candidate for high priest; yet John came preaching from the wilderness Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. (Mark 1:3) It is John the Baptist who is the true earthy high priest of Israel sent by God to the river Jordan to present the sacrifice for sin, the Lamb of God, Jesus Christ. Is this enough of a wonder for you? But that’s not all, Mary (the mother of Jesus) who brought forth the child of God’s grace was a cousin of Elisabeth, which also tied the Lord Jesus Christ to Aaron on His mother’s side. On the Lord’s earthly father’s side, Joseph’s genealogy went back to David, the king, a man after God’s own heart.
Approaching the Jordan we have John (who should have been recognized and acknowledged as the high priest) to baptize the Lord of glory; we have Jesus ‘Savior’ who is the Lamb of sacrifice and the true Ark of the Covenant. Christ is also the future king and priest after the order of Melchisedec; we have the Jordan, the river of death, and we have two men sent by God to fulfill all righteousness. Oh, yes, we have one more wonder, 12 stones waiting for Christ on the floor of the Jordan. Read the articles ‘these 12 stones.’  (In these articles you will see the fulfillment of God’s plan, although in the days of Joshua it was only a picture of the future, which was fulfilled exactly by John the Baptist and the Lord Jesus Christ.) This scene of the baptism of Christ at the Jordan was one of the divine wonders of the Almighty God. From this point forward the Lord Jesus had His face as a flint or rock turned towards the cross, and would not be denied, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.) End of Side Note.
  Christ would go down into the Jordan as the true Ark of the Covenant to be baptized by John and enter into the land as the messenger of the covenant; and deliver Israel if they would receive him at this time. The Lord Jesus with John were fulfilling all the righteousness of God. Christ was not only baptized as the Son of God, And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: (Matthew 3:16) And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. (Matthew 3:17) but He was baptized as the sin offering; for as the sin offering in the Old Testament was washed, Christ was washed in preparation for His journey to the cross. It was the journey of His ministry to Israel for 3 ½ years.
O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not! (Matthew 23:37)
Behold, your house is left unto you desolate. (Matthew 23:38)
For I say unto you, Ye shall not see me henceforth, till ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord. (Matthew 23:39)
  His journey ended at the cross. The cross was the place of His death as the tomb was the place of His resurrection, and as the first day of His resurrection was His first ascension. Completing His work as the sin offering on earth, He had offered Himself on the brazen altar, or the cross. He had been made a curse for us and had satisfied all the righteous claims against us for our sin by becoming sin for us, as this was a sweet savor unto God the Father.
And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour. (Ephesians 5:2)
But his inwards and his legs shall he wash in water: and the priest shall burn all on the altar, to be a burnt sacrifice, an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD. (Leviticus 1:9)
  God the Son had seen the travail of His soul and was satisfied. He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities. (Isaiah 53:11)
Christ must now ascend to the Father to present Himself as the sacrifice, and to receive His holy mitre as the Priest forever after the order of Melchisedec. For he testifieth, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec. (Hebrews 7:17) Why was Christ both sacrifice and priest? It was His own blood that He had to apply to the eternal Mercy-Seat, and He must be a Priest of the most high God to perform His final step in the redemption and sanctification of things both in heaven and in earth. And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. (Colossians 1:20)
  All things in heaven were prepared for this time. God the Father had been waiting for the Son; God had the garments pure as snow, He had the priestly mitre and the golden crown, He had the breast plate and the golden girdle — all things were prepared for the eternal Priest, God the Son. In His last step of the work of redemption, Christ must apply His blood to the Mercy-Seat in heaven.
Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens; (Hebrews 8:1)
A minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man. (Hebrews 8:2)
It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. (Hebrews 9:23)
For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us: (Hebrews 9:24)
Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others; (Hebrews 9:25)
For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. (Hebrews 9:26)
And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: (Hebrews 9:27)
So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation. (Hebrews 9:28)
For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified. (Hebrews 10:14)
Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that he had said before, (Hebrews 10:15)
This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them; (Hebrews 10:16)
And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more. (Hebrews 10:17)
And so terrible was the sight, that Moses said, I exceedingly fear and quake:) (Hebrews 12:21)
But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, (Hebrews 12:22)
To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, (Hebrews 12:23)
And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel. (Hebrews 12:24)
See that ye refuse not him that speaketh. For if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from him that speaketh from heaven: (Hebrews 12:25)
And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament: and there were lightnings, and voices, and thunderings, and an earthquake, and great hail. (Revelation 11:19)
  Christ ascended as a sweet savor to God. When He arrived in heaven all was made ready, we have an example of this in type in the Book of Leviticus.
And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, (Leviticus 8:1)
Take Aaron and his sons with him, and the garments, and the anointing oil, and a bullock for the sin offering, and two rams, and a basket of unleavened bread; (Leviticus 8:2)
And gather thou all the congregation together unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation. (Leviticus 8:3)
And Moses did as the LORD commanded him; and the assembly was gathered together unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation. (Leviticus 8:4)
And Moses said unto the congregation, This is the thing which the LORD commanded to be done. (Leviticus 8:5)
  Although this is a shadow of the things we are speaking about, we see the presentation of the Lord Jesus Christ to God the Father in type. As Christ entered into heaven, we see Him as the Offering in Leviticus 8, it is the bullock, and the 2 rams; the bullock, a beast of work or servant (I delight to do thy will, O God), and the two rams the witness of strength (and upholding all things by the word of his power). These were offered before Aaron was clothed with his priestly garments. There also was unleavened bread, the unleavened bread or the absence of leaven show us that in Christ there is no corruption. He will not suffer His Holy One to see corruption. This brings forth the purity of the Lord Jesus Christ — in Him was no sin, nor guile. He, in Himself, is the bread of life.
Our fathers did eat manna in the desert; as it is written, He gave them bread from heaven to eat. (John 6:31)
Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but my Father giveth you the true bread from heaven. (John 6:32)
For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world. (John 6:33)
Then said they unto him, Lord, evermore give us this bread. (John 6:34)
And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst. (John 6:35)
But I said unto you, That ye also have seen me, and believe not. (John 6:36)
All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. (John 6:37)
  In Leviticus 8 we have a true picture of the true sacrifice, and the true bread from heaven. Did I miss something? What about the holy garments, and the anointing oil, and the gathering of the people at the door of the Tabernacle. Think of Israel at that time in the wilderness, this was a great congregation, so at the arrival of the Lord Jesus Christ into heaven there was a great congregation of ministering spirits awaiting the arrival of the Lord Jesus Christ. We are allowed to enter into the presence of the Almighty God and the Lamb in chapters 4 and 5 in the Book of Revelation. What we see is only for the eyes of the Holy Spirit working in us. He expands our vision, and our understanding of the One who sits upon the throne. We listen to all the hosts as they declare, with a loud triumphant voice, all His glory and honor. Was it not the same when He ascended into the presence of His Father, can we understand this great occasion? The triumphant warrior had returned from battle, the ultimate sacrifice had been given! Think of the magnitude of His welcome by all the hosts of heaven and God the Father. If chapter 4 and 5 in Revelation burns an image into our hearts, what must the image have been when He first ascended? Once again, we go to the Old Testament And Moses brought Aaron and his sons, and washed them with water. (Leviticus 8:6)
And again, I will put my trust in him. And again, Behold I and the children which God hath given me. (Hebrews 2:13)
For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. (Hebrews 2:10)
   In the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ in John 13:14-10 hear what the Savior told Peter concerning the washing of the feet of Peter.
He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself. (John 13:4)
After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded. (John 13:5)
Then cometh he to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet? (John 13:6)
Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter. (John 13:7)
Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me. (John 13:8)
Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head. (John 13:9)
Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all. (John 13:10)
  Jesus said, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter. (1 Corinthians 6:11) And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. (Hebrews 10:22) Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. (Hebrews 10:21)
  And having a High Priest over the house of God, let us draw nigh with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water which is the living water in Jesus Christ. Remember when I wrote that Christ was baptized in the Jordan as the living Lamb of God, there He was washed as the sacrificial Lamb referenced by the Old Testament. (Leviticus 1:9) But his inwards and his legs shall he wash in water: and the priest shall burn all on the altar, to be a burnt sacrifice, an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD. (Ephesians 5:2) And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.
  Now that He ascended, He also descended, and when He descended, He fulfilled His 40 days of ministry to His disciples, and also to show Himself alive unto the nation of Israel; yet, as a nation, they still would not believe. The main part of His ministry during those 40 days was to His disciples. This was a combination of instructing them and giving them power to go into the world with His gospel that all men might receive the knowledge of repentance towards God, and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. He would give them the promise of the Comforter, the Holy Spirit, who would be sent down from heaven to lead them into all truth.
Handle me and see. Touch me.
  In the Gospel of Matthew, Christ returned to His brethren; if you notice, it is here that they hold Him by His feet and worship Him.
And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him. (Matthew 28:9)
Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me. (Matthew 28:10)
The Lord also explained the two ascensions to His disciples in John 16:16-19
A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me, because I go to the Father. (John 16:16)
Then said some of his disciples among themselves, What is this that he saith unto us, A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me: and, Because I go to the Father? (John 16:17)
They said therefore, What is this that he saith, A little while? we cannot tell what he saith. (John 16:18)
Now Jesus knew that they were desirous to ask him, and said unto them, Do ye enquire among yourselves of that I said, A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me? (John 16:19)
  A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me? (John 16:19) Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God. (John 20:17)
  His disciples were just as confused as the teachers of today; however, Paul was in tune to the two ascensions when the Holy Spirit revealed to him the first ascension as recorded in Ephesians 4:8-10.
Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. (Ephesians 4:8)
(Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? (Ephesians 4:9)
He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.) (Ephesians 4:10)
  In both Scriptures of John 16 and Ephesians 4, we have both ascensions; so, when Mary told the words of the Lord to the disciples, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God, (John 20:17) they would remember the words that the Lord Jesus had spoken unto them as recorded in John 16:8-10. And as the Lord had spoken to them in a proverb (John 16:25) Mary’s words would now reveal to them the understanding of the proverb.
  Paul receiving revelations and signs on the holy mount (2 Corinthians 12) when he was with Christ understood the first ascension as the priesthood after the order of Melchisedec; and the second ascension as His anointing upon His throne of righteousness. (Hebrews 1)
  His work in heaven is complete. He comes to them to minister to them and allows them to touch Him. (Luke 24:39) Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have. He encourages them to handle Him, to touch Him, for now He is in the midst of His brethren, and the children that God had given Him. All things in heaven are sanctified by His blood, now the work of sanctifying His brethren for the work ahead that He will give them to do. For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren, (Hebrews 2:11)
  When the 11 disciples, or should I say Apostles, heard the words of those who were at the tomb they not only remembered, but they were reminded that they were to go to Galilee to present themselves unto the Lord on one of the mountains in Galilee. Does not this relate to the same message of chapter 1 in the Book of Job, when the sons of God presented themselves before God? These 11 Apostles are now sons, brought into the covenant by the blood of Christ; and being sons, they are joint heirs with Jesus Christ, whereby they cry, ‘Abba, Father.’ The Lord had given them a pre-arranged place to meet. We should consider the mountains in Scripture and what transpired on those mountains, and we should add this mountain, although unnamed, to the list for this was a great occasion. They were to meet Him according to Matthew 18:17-20.
And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted. (Matthew 28:17)
And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. (Matthew 28:18)
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: (Matthew 28:19)
Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. (Matthew 28:20)
  The 11 met Him there, and what He ministers to them could be a book in itself; however, I will attempt to be brief as the Spirit will allow me. When the Lord Jesus was revealed to them on the mount, some worshiped and some doubted. Once again for their assurance, the Master of all creation spoke; the first declaration defined His 1st ascension and His return to earth. He emphasized that All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. He had received all at the hands of the Father, as He had committed all to the Father.
Thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet. For in that he put all in subjection under him, he left nothing that is not put under him. But now we see not yet all things put under him. (Hebrews 2:8)
For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him. (1 Corinthians 15:27)
And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all (1 Corinthians 15:28).
And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, (Ephesians 1:19)
Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, (Ephesians 1:20)
Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: (Ephesians 1:21)
And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, (Ephesians 1:22)
Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all. (Ephesians 1:23)
  These Scriptures give us a clear view of the great power that God the Father gave to His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. He qualifies Himself to the 11 by saying to them that All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth, the man of sorrows was no longer; now this same Jesus possessed all power in heaven and in earth. After that declaration He began to instruct the 11, and we also need to pay attention to that instruction; for as He wills to them, He also wills to us that we should follow His instructions. First, we are to go where He sends; secondly, we are to do what He instructs; thirdly, we are to teach all nations, and fourthly, we are to baptize the fruit of the Spirit in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost. He who possesses all power both in heaven and in earth promises us His presence even until the end of the world. The subject of this article, Signs and Wonders, are more than pen can tell.
  We must press on in these miracle and wonders. The Lord Jesus Christ had 40 days of ministry, if I include the 3 days of His death it would be 43 days and 1 night (referring to His prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane. Was it not a wonder that the Father sent one of His angels in the Garden of Gethsemane to strengthen His Son? Was it not a wonder that at the cross, the angels of God looked on, and wondered at this great love displayed by their Sovereign?
Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into. (1 Peter 1:12)
For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. (Psalm 91:11)
They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone. (Psalm 91:12)
  The angels had the responsibility of watching over Him, they did this in wonder, in service, and in empowerment. Would you not wonder? Would you not be amazed as you watched the crucifixion, death, and resurrection of the Creator of all things — your Creator?
  The first witness of the Lord’s resurrection was not man, but an angel from heaven sent down to roll the stone away. What a gospel message for the world, He is not here: for he is risen. This message from one of God’s angels reassures the heart. The stone that had been sealed with all the power of Rome had been moved or rolled away by an angel of God. No unholy hand would or could open that tomb. We have already written about the earthquakes; we will go on with the wonderful message of the angel.
   In each of the 4 gospels the scene at the tomb of the Lord Jesus changes, this does not detract from His resurrection, but adds to the wonder.
  In Matthew’s gospel it was dawn of the 1st day of the week. The 1st day of resurrection, divinely it was the 8th day, or the day of completion and the day of a new beginning. It was also the 3rd day, and the fulfillment of the Lord’s own prophecy that in 3 days He would raise His body, the temple of God. Read Leviticus 9:1 And it came to pass on the eighth day, that Moses called Aaron and his sons, and the elders of Israel here we understand the fullness of the 8th day. Also read the following Scriptures.
Also in the fifteenth day of the seventh month, when ye have gathered in the fruit of the land, ye shall keep a feast unto the LORD seven days: on the first day shall be a sabbath, and on the eighth day shall be a sabbath. (Leviticus 23:39)
And it came to pass on the eighth day, that Moses called Aaron and his sons, and the elders of Israel; (Leviticus 9:1)
And he said unto Aaron, Take thee a young calf for a sin offering, and a ram for a burnt offering, without blemish, and offer them before the LORD. (Leviticus 9:2)
And unto the children of Israel thou shalt speak, saying, Take ye a kid of the goats for a sin offering; and a calf and a lamb, both of the first year, without blemish, for a burnt offering; (Leviticus 9:3)
Also a bullock and a ram for peace offerings, to sacrifice before the LORD; and a meat offering mingled with oil: for to day the LORD will appear unto you. (Leviticus 9:4)
  Notice what takes place at the end of the sacrifice. The statement for to day the LORD will appear unto you, this is the 8th day. He appeared in Leviticus on the 8th day, and the Lord Jesus appears to His disciples on the 8th day. In the number 8, we see fulfillment, completion, and the beginning of the new. What a wonder when God determines to not only speak through words, but to speak through numbers also. Those who doubt the Scriptures know not what they say, for all power of heaven and earth has been given unto the Lord Jesus, and He upholds all things by the word of His power. We will continue with Signs and Wonders – part 3 when we catch up on our megabytes. God bless, see you soon, Amen.
© Copyright 2015, Michael Haigh
Article may be used, but not for gain. Freely ye have received, freely give.
All Scripture references are from the King James Bible. (KJB)