The Ascension Series

Jesus stayed on the earth for forty days after His resurrection. Now, forty days is a long time. If Jesus rose on March 27, this would place His ascension from earth on May 5 (Cinco de Mayo).

America has holidays that mark the birth of Jesus (Christmas), the death of Jesus (Good Friday), and the resurrection of Jesus (Easter). But nothing marks the ascension of Jesus. If you go looking for a Hallmark card to mark the Ascension of Jesus, you’re going to look for a long time. Still, it is very important.

Today’s Scripture

As they were talking about these things, Jesus himself stood among them, and said to them, “Peace to you!” 37 But they were startled and frightened and thought they saw a spirit. 38 And he said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? 39 See my hands and my feet, that it is I myself. Touch me, and see. For a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have.” 40 And when he had said this, he showed them his hands and his feet. 41 And while they still disbelieved for joy and were marveling, he said to them, “Have you anything here to eat?” 42 They gave him a piece of broiled fish, 43 and he took it and ate before them.

44 Then he said to them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.” 45 Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, 46 and said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, 47 and that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. 48 You are witnesses of these things. 49 And behold, I am sending the promise of my Father upon you. But stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.”

50 Then he led them out as far as Bethany, and lifting up his hands he blessed them. 51 While he blessed them, he parted from them and was carried up into heaven. 52 And they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, 53 and were continually in the temple blessing God. (Luke 24:36-53)

The ascension of Jesus is simply Jesus is “taken up” in heaven (Acts 1:2, 11). This lifting off from earth means Jesus is no longer visible to the naked eye. And while Jesus cannot be seen with the psychical eye, He can be seen with the eye of faith.

The ascension of Jesus is essentially the crowning of Jesus. Think of this act as the crowning of Jesus – a public display to show Jesus’ authority. The ascension takes what Jesus Christ was and did on earth and releases it into the universe and into your lives with all of its healing power.

Before I go any further, here are three reasons why the ascension of Jesus is relevant today:

1. Jesus Serves as an Advocate for You

Just because Jesus has left doesn’t mean Jesus has stopped working. We may be ending the book of Luke today but this isn’t the end of Jesus’ work … it’s only the end of the beginning. This isn’t the end of Jesus; this is only the end of the beginning of Jesus. He has so much more to do. In fact, Luke has a second book to show all that Jesus does next (Acts 1:1-2).

Just because Jesus is gone doesn’t mean He is stopped working for you. “My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous” (1 John 2:1). The Bible tells us that Jesus Himself is in heaven praying for you. He is serving as your advocate when you are being tempted and accused by Satan. Doesn’t that encourage you? If so… “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16).

2. Jesus’ Ascension Seals You Secure in Christ

Because Jesus lifted off the earth, you need to know that this final act of our Savior sealed your salvation securely. “But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God, waiting from that time until his enemies should be made a footstool for his feet” (Hebrews 10:12-13). Think of Jesus’ ascension as a bomb blast through clearing a mountain in order to build a road. The ascension takes what Jesus Christ did on earth and releases it into the universe and into your lives with all of its healing power. The ascension is proof of Jesus’ ability to securely save you. The ascension is proof that all of Jesus’ enemies will be a footstool to His feet.