At the end of forty days Jesus appeared to the disciples once more,
and after giving final instructions as to their future work, "he led
them out until they were over against Bethany: and he lifted up his
hands and blessed them." (Luke 24:50.)
_Hofmann, Plate 171,_ illustrates the next verse. "And it came to
pass, while he blessed them, he parted from them, and was carried up
into heaven." In Acts the added information is given that "a cloud
received him out of their sight." (Acts 1:9.) Luke says, "they
worshipped him" (verse 52); but Hofmann has angels worshipping (the
"two men" of Acts 1:10), for the disciples are too greatly astonished
to worship just then.
[Illustration: The Ascension.]
Plate 171. _The Ascension._ H. Hofmann. 1824-
_Rembrandt, Plate 172,_ emphasizes the glory of it all. The prayer of
Christ (John 17:5), is answered, the promise of God (John 12:28), is
fulfilled. The Spirit which appeared at the baptism of Jesus in the
form of a dove, descending upon him as he began his ministry, here
descends again as he enters the heavens where he ever liveth to make
intercession for us.
[Illustration: The Ascension.]
Plate 172. _The Ascension._ Rembrandt. 1607-1666.
And many other such pictures have been painted, which are not given
in this book; but these are given that ye may be helped to see Jesus
the Christ, the Son of God, and that seeing ye may believe and have
life in his name.
Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that
readeth it.