Why is the ascension of Jesus Christ important?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

Jesus’ ascension was a monumental event that followed His resurrection from the dead. During this miraculous occurrence, Jesus was literally carried up to heaven, and His disciples were told by (presumably) angels that He would “come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven,” which is understood as a reference to Jesus’ future return (Acts 1:9–11; Luke 24:50–53). Before Jesus’ ascension, He had been limited in expressing much of His heavenly glory, with the exception of the Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1–9); however, the ascension event marked the point at which Jesus would be placed in new heavenly roles (Hebrews 4:14–16; Hebrews 9:15) and not be as limited in heavenly expressions of glory. It also sparked the time in which Jesus began preparing heavenly places for His disciples (John 14:2–3). Although the ascension is often overlooked, it is a crucial piece of biblical history that gave more evidence in support of Jesus’ divine nature and sparked the beginning of a new age for Christians.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• The ascension of Jesus Christ is not mentioned in the Old Testament.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• During His time on earth, with the exception of the Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1–9), Jesus was limited in expressions of glory. However, His ascension began a new period, during which He would once again reign without limiting Himself to His earthly role.
• A direct reference to Christ's ascension is made in Luke 24:50–53: "Then he led them out as far as Bethany, and lifting up his hands he blessed them. While he blessed them, he parted from them and was carried up into heaven. And they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, and were continually in the temple blessing God."
• The ascension marked the beginning of the time in which Jesus started preparing a place for His followers. John 14:2–3 teaches, "In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also."
• Acts 1:9–11 tells us what happened to Jesus after 40 days of appearances following His resurrection: "And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, and said, 'Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.'"
• Jesus’ ascension indicated the beginning of His new work as High Priest (Hebrews 4:14–16) and Mediator of the New Covenant (Hebrews 9:15).

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

Jesus’ ascension was significant in many ways, starting with the fact that it marked the end of His earthly mission, during which He had completed all the Father had designed for Him to do. His birth, miracles, teaching, death, resurrection, and appearances proved His divine nature, as well as fulfilled Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah's first advent. It also established the pattern for His future return. As the angels in Acts 1 told the disciples, Jesus will return just as He left (see also Daniel 7:13–14). Today, Jesus Christ currently reigns in heaven. As we await His future return, we can spread the good news of the gospel to a world that desperately needs the hope found in Him.

UNDERSTAND

• Jesus’ ascension confirmed His divine nature and marked the completion of His earthly mission.
• Jesus’ ascension began His heavenly reign as High Priest and Mediator of the New Covenant.
• Jesus’ ascension promised His future return and gives believers hope as they await Him and share the gospel.

REFLECT

• How does knowing Jesus ascended and reigns as your High Priest affect your confidence in His ongoing work for you?
• How does the promise of Jesus’ future return encourage or challenge you in your daily life?
• How can Jesus’ completed earthly mission motivate you to share His gospel with those around you?

ENGAGE

• Why is the ascension often overlooked, and how might understanding it better impact our faith?
• How does Jesus’ role as Mediator and High Priest influence how we approach God in prayer and worship?
• What practical steps can we take as believers to live in hopeful anticipation of Jesus’ promised return?