Why Jesus’ Ascension Matters

Why Jesus’ Ascension matters. Because it demonstrated that Jesus’ mission was complete, he intercedes for us before the Father, and he will return the same way he left.

Why Jesus’ Ascension matters. Because it demonstrated that Jesus’ mission was complete

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

For most Christians, the birth, death on a cross, and resurrection of Jesus gets top billing. After all, that was his mission. And the heart of the gospel. But the ascension of Jesus is important too. Why? Because it’s an exclamation point. The declaration that his mission was fully and successfully complete. An announcement that the path for a renewed relationship with God is now open through Jesus Christ.

The ascension was a dramatic event that occurred 40 days after the resurrection. And during that time Jesus appeared to his disciples several times and to over 500 other eye witnesses. He continued teaching them the significance of what he had just accomplished. And then, after final instructions on their mission Jesus ascended to heaven in a dramatic exit.

He was taken up in bodily form demonstrating his resurrection as a physical human and not an ethereal spirit. And it signifies that as followers of Jesus, our victory over death is also bodily.

Why Jesus’ Ascension matters. Because he now intercedes for us before the Father

Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. (ESV, Romans 8:24)

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. (ESV, Hebrews 4:15)

Christianity is unique among all world religions. For not only does it present a God that love us. But He cared enough to enter our human condition through his Son, Jesus Christ. And He knows us, not just as His creation, but as one who experienced human life as one of us.

So, He understands our hopes. Dreams. Fears. And most of all, our plight against sin.

He was tempted too, but didn’t sin. And yet, rather than condemn us, he intercedes for us before the Father.

One day Jesus will return the same way he left.

But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only. (ESV. Matthew 24:36)

Jesus promised a return the same way he left–visibly in the air. And while he predicted signs that would precede an imminent return, his appearance would still surprise everyone.

There are different viewpoints on the unfolding and order of events. But they all agree Jesus will return. And it will mark the end of his spiritual kingdom and the beginning of his physical, earthly kingdom.

Therefore, Christ-followers should remain vigilant as we eagerly anticipate his return with confident hope.

Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview. This blog is originally published here.