Exploring the Significance of Jesus' Ascension in Scripture
The Ascension of Jesus is a pivotal event in the Christian narrative, recorded in several key passages of the New Testament, including Acts, Luke, and Mark. This event, occurring 40 days after Jesus' Resurrection, marks His departure from Earth to Heaven, underscoring His divine mission and the promise of His return.
The Ascension in Acts
In Acts 1, Jesus, after appearing to His disciples over a period of 40 days, instructs them to remain in Jerusalem to receive the Holy Spirit:
Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” After he said this, 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 1:6-11)
The Ascension in Luke
Luke's Gospel offers another view of this momentous event:
When he had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, he lifted up his hands and blessed them. While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven. Then they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. And they stayed continually at the temple, praising God. (Luke 24:50-53)
The Ascension in Mark
Mark also briefly recounts the Ascension:
After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, he was taken up into heaven and he sat at the right hand of God. Then the disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them and confirmed his word by the signs that accompanied it. (Mark 16:19-20)
Theological Significance
The Ascension of Jesus is not merely a historical event but carries profound theological significance:
Exaltation: Jesus' ascension signifies His exaltation and His taking His place at the right hand of God, affirming His divine authority and His role in the divine plan of salvation.
Promise of Return: The angels' message to the disciples assures that Jesus will return in the same manner, providing hope and anticipation for His second coming.
Empowerment of the Church: The departure of Jesus sets the stage for the coming of the Holy Spirit, empowering the disciples to spread the Gospel to all nations, marking the beginning of the Church's mission.
This event not only marks the end of Jesus' physical presence on Earth but also initiates the era of the Church, where believers are called to live out the teachings of Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit, in anticipation of His return.