Three Comforting Truths about Jesus' Ascension

With all of the focus in our country on Christmas (rightly so), we often lose sight of Christ’s magnificent resurrection. But we must also not lose sight of the great event of Christ’s glorious ascension, which transpired 40 days after Jesus’ resurrection. This wonderful event is outlined for us in Acts 1. After having appeared to many followers over a period of 40 days by “many convincing proofs (1:3), “He was lifted up while they were looking on, and a cloud received Him out of their sight.” Because Jesus ascended, there are three comforting truths for Christians of all ages.

Jesus is Trustworthy as the Son of God 

First, Jesus’ ascension comforts us with the fact that Jesus’ words were true concerning His identity as the Son of God. Throughout the book of John, especially, Jesus spoke of His origin, as having proceeded from the Father. Many were apprehensive about Jesus’ words. But the fact that He was “taken up” (1:11) into heaven, tells us that Jesus was, indeed, the eternal Son of God, who had come to earth as our Redeemer! His words concerning His identity as the Eternal Son of God were true. We can trust Him in all other aspects of our lives.

Jesus is Alive and Interceding for Believers

Secondly, Jesus’ ascension comforts us with the fact that Jesus lives “at the right hand of the Father” to continually intercede for us as our High Priest and Mediator (Heb 1:3). He sat down, as no human priest had ever done, because His substitutionary atoning work was “finished” and “sufficient.” No longer did we need any human priest to atone for sin. Jesus, the Eternal High Priest, sufficiently paid for our sins. He now lives to make intercession for us at the right hand of the Father. Continual forgiveness is guaranteed because Jesus has risen, ascended, and is exalted in heaven.

Jesus Is Coming Again

Finally, Jesus’ ascension comforts us with the fact that He is returning. As Jesus’ disciples watched Jesus disappear into the sky (Acts 1:11), two angels addressed them with these beautiful words, “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 just the same way as you have watched Him go into heaven.” As Christians, we have the same promise, and the same hope: The Risen, Ascended, and Exalted Christ will one day return. No more brokenness, no more sin, no more tears, no more suffering, upon His glorious return. Maranatha! Come Lord Jesus! This wonderful truth gives us comfort, and propels us to accomplish our mission here on this earth, so that many other worshippers are added to Jesus’ coming Kingdom.