Week 6: The Ascension of Jesus (Part 2)

“While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up to heaven. So they worshiped him and then returned to Jerusalem filled with great joy. And they spent all of their time in the Temple, praising God.” — Luke 24:51-53

The ascension of Jesus was important for many reasons. One reason is that it helped the disciples understand that His earthly appearances were drawing to a close.

For forty days after the resurrection, Jesus appeared to them again and again. He taught them, answered their questions, calmed their fears, and strengthened their faith. But now things were changing. He would no longer appear suddenly in a room or walk beside them on the road as He had before.

Yet notice the disciples’ response. Luke tells us, “They worshiped him and then returned to Jerusalem filled with great joy.”

That is such a different reaction from what we saw in the Upper Room when Jesus first told them He was leaving. Back then, they were troubled, fearful, and confused. (John 13–17)

So what changed?

The disciples were now spiritually reborn. The life-giving presence of the Holy Spirit was now living within them. 

On the evening of His resurrection, Jesus appeared to His disciples and “breathed on them and said, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit.’” (John 20:22)

Because of Christ’s finished work at the cross and the empty tomb, the disciples could now fully enter into the new covenant and receive the renewing presence of the Holy Spirit. Before this, they were followers of Jesus under the old covenant. But now, through His death and resurrection, everything had changed.

This moment should not be confused with the baptism of the Holy Spirit that would occur at Pentecost. That would be a separate and distinct work of the Spirit in their lives.

The ascension also reminds us that Jesus fully accomplished His earthly mission. He returned to the Father victorious, exalted as a King.

So what is Jesus doing now?

1. He is governing the universe. (Hebrews 1:1–3)
2. He is ruling and building His church. (Ephesians 1)
3. He is helping His people. (Hebrews 2)
4. He is our advocate, pleading our case before the Father (1 John 2:1–2). Jesus stands before the Father as our Advocate. When we fail or fall short, He does not turn away from us—He speaks on our behalf, reminding us that our forgiveness and acceptance are secured by His sacrifice.

Just as the disciples were strengthened by the presence of the Holy Spirit and the understanding of Christ’s ascension, we are strengthened too. We can live with endurance, confidence, and wholehearted devotion because Jesus is alive, reigning, and still working on behalf of His church.

And like those first disciples, our response can be worship, joy, and continual praise.

Lord Jesus, thank You that You did not leave us alone but continue to guide, help, and intercede for us even now. Fill our hearts with the same joy and confidence the disciples knew, and help us live each day in worship, trust, and wholehearted devotion to You. Amen.