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Jesus’ Ascension

He was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.” (Acts 1:9–11)

In another surprising twist for the disciples, Jesus didn’t stick around on earth indefinitely. But he didn’t leave his followers hanging, either! Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would come and dwell in believers, giving them God’s power throughout their lives.

After assuring his followers that they would be equipped for the work he was giving them, Jesus ascended to heaven. He took his place at the right hand of God as King. Because Jesus ascended into heaven, we have the sure promise that we also belong to the kingdom of heaven. Right now we reign with Christ spiritually, but one day we will reign with him and dwell with him fully! God’s kingdom is the only kingdom that is not temporary. No other kingdom or power rivals Christ. And we reign with Christ!

As co-heirs of Jesus’ power, we are called to tell others about Jesus’ suffering, his resurrection, and the forgiveness of sin in his name. This kingdom isn’t up in the sky—“why do you stand here looking into the sky?” (Acts 1:11)—it’s here now among believers by the Holy Spirit. “And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way” (Ephesians 1:22–23).

Through faith in Jesus, we have received the power and majesty of his kingdom. Let’s live like it! 

The holy people of the Most High will receive the kingdom and will possess it forever—yes, for ever and ever. (Daniel 7:18)

Reflect on these questions after reading Luke 24:44–53.

• Have you ever been confused by a passage of Scripture that you couldn’t understand? If so, how do Jesus’ words in Luke 24:45 encourage you?
• According to Jesus, what do the Scriptures say about the Messiah?
• What was Jesus doing when he ascended into heaven?
• How did the disciples respond when they watched Jesus be taken up into heaven?

Pray

Today’s prayer comes from Psalm 47:5–9.

King Jesus, you have ascended with shouts of joy! You reign over the nations. Teach me to sing your praises, for you are the King of all the heavens and earth. By your word and Spirit, rule our hearts and minds, so that we might ascend and dwell with you forever and ever. In Jesus' name, amen.