This past Sunday, we celebrated Easter in commemoration of Jesus’ resurrection. This happened three days after he died on the cross. But, what happened next?
And after He had said these things, He was lifted up while they were watching, and a cloud took Him up, out of their sight. And as they were gazing intently into the sky while He was going, then behold, two men in white clothing stood beside them, and they said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into the sky? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you have watched Him go into heaven.” –Acts 1:9-11
After Easter, many Christians around the world celebrate Ascension Day. Ascension Day day is also known as the Feast of Ascension. It marks the last appearance of Jesus Christ to his followers after his resurrection at Easter. Ascension Day is called this because Jesus ascended up into heaven to be seated at the right hand of his father, God.
Jesus *said to her, “Stop clinging to Me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to My brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to My Father and your Father, and My God and your God.’” –John 20:17
Jesus’ ascension is a reminder of the ultimate sacrifice. This act fulfills the promise and confirms that we are forgiven for our sins by God. The disciples understood that they would see Jesus again in heaven and that he had taught them everything they needed to fulfill their destiny. We celebrate because like the disciples, we also know from the resurrection that he is not dead but in fact is now with God.
No one has ascended into heaven, except He who descended from heaven: the Son of Man. –John 3:13
Jesus’ ascension guaranteed that his teachings would live on from his disciples to the church. As Paul mentioned in Ephesians 1:22-23, And He put all things in subjection under His feet, and made Him head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.
How do you celebrate Jesus’ resurrection and ascension? Share in the comments below.
