THE ASCENSION OF JESUS
The ascension of Jesus Christ is a pivotal event in Christian theology, marking the completion of His earthly ministry and His return to the Father. This event, described in the New Testament, not only demonstrates Jesus’ divine nature but also serves as a precursor to the coming of the Holy Spirit and a promise of His return.
BIBLICAL PRECEDENTS: ENOCH AND ELIJAH
Before Jesus’ ascension, the Old Testament recounts the extraordinary translations of Enoch and Elijah into heaven without experiencing death.
Enoch’s Ascension
The Bible briefly but profoundly mentions Enoch’s departure from this world. Genesis 5:23-24 states: “The whole lifetime of Enoch was three hundred and sixty-five years. Enoch walked with God, and he was no longer here, for God took him.” Enoch’s translation is noted without any witnesses, emphasizing his unique relationship with God and the divine mystery surrounding his departure.
Elijah’s Ascension
Elijah’s ascension into heaven was witnessed by his successor, Elisha. This dramatic event is recorded in 2 Kings 2:11-12: “As they walked on still conversing, a fiery chariot and fiery horses came between the two of them, and Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind, and Elisha saw it happen.” This vivid account, witnessed by Elisha, underscores the prophetic authority of Elijah and the continuation of God’s work through Elisha.
The Ascension of Jesus
After His resurrection, Jesus spent forty days with His disciples, teaching and preparing them for the coming of the Holy Spirit. The event of His ascension, detailed in Acts 1:9, describes Jesus being taken up and received by a cloud while His disciples watched. This significant moment, witnessed by the eleven apostles near Bethany on the Mount of Olives, provided them with concrete assurance of His divine mission and the promise of His return. The Gospels of Mark and Luke, along with the Acts of the Apostles (Mk 16:19-20; Lk 24:50-53; Acts 1:6-12), narrate that Jesus blessed the apostles before ascending into heaven. Following this, the apostles returned to Jerusalem with joy, continually praising God and anticipating the promised Holy Spirit, marking the end of Jesus’ earthly ministry and the beginning of their mission to spread His teachings.
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE ASCENSION
Jesus’ ascension signifies the completion of His earthly ministry. Having accomplished the work of redemption through His death and resurrection, He returns to the Father to intercede for us.
The ascension marks Jesus’ exaltation and His session at the right hand of the Father. As Ephesians 1:20-21 states: “He raised Him from the dead, and made Him to sit at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule, and authority, and power, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age, but also in that which is to come.”
Promise of the Holy Spirit: Before His ascension, Jesus promised the disciples the coming of the Holy Spirit. Acts 1:8 records Jesus saying: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you. You will be witnesses to me in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the uttermost parts of the earth.”
The ascension also brings the promise of Jesus’ return. Acts 1:11 records the angels’ message to the apostles: “This Jesus, who was received up from you into the sky will come back in the same way as you saw Him going into the sky.”
REFLECTION
The ascension of Jesus Christ carries profound implications for believers today. It assures us of His continued presence and intercession, the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, and the hope of His glorious return. As Christians, we are called to live in the light of these truths, maintaining our faith and commitment to His mission.
Though Jesus is physically absent, He is spiritually present with us through the Holy Spirit. We are encouraged to cultivate a deep, personal relationship with Him through prayer, worship, and obedience.
Just as the apostles were empowered by the Holy Spirit to be witnesses, we too are called to share the Gospel and make disciples. The same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead lives in us, enabling us to fulfill our God-given purposes.
The promise of Jesus’ return should fill us with hope and motivate us to live holy and godly lives, anticipating the day when we will be with Him forever.
In conclusion, the ascension of Jesus is a cornerstone of our faith, reminding us of His divine authority, the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, and the hope of His return. Let us hold firmly to these truths, drawing strength and inspiration as we navigate our spiritual journey.