When Jesus rose from the dead, he was seen to be alive physically (Acts 1:3).  He presented himself to the women near the tomb (Mt. 28:9-10); to his disciples (Lk. 24:336-43); and to more than 500 people (1 cor. 15:6). Later he taught his disciples about the Kingdom of God (Acts 1:3). Forty days after his resurrection, Jesus and his disciples went to the Mount of Olives, near Jerusalem.  There, he promised his followers that they would soon receive the Holy Spirit, and instructed them to remain in Jerusalem until the Spirit comes.  He blessed them; and as he was blessing them, he began to ascend into heaven (Lk. 24:50-51; Acts 1:9-11).

Scripture makes it abundantly clear that Jesus’ Ascension was a literal, physical, bodily return to heaven. He rose from the ground gradually and visibly observed by many people. As the disciples tried to catch a glimpse of Jesus, a cloud hid him from their view, and two angels appeared in white who promised that Jesus would return the same way he had left them (Acts 1:11).

Why the Ascension? These are some of the reasons:

1. It marks the end of Jesus’ earthly ministry;
2. It signifies the success of His earthly work. He accomplished all that God the Father had given him to do;
3. It shows the continuation of Jesus’ work as Lord and Messiah (Acts 1:1-2). Indeed, Jesus continues to work even after His Ascension. Luke’s second book is all about the “Acts of the Risen Lord Jesus,” which he works from heaven, through his people, by the Holy Spirit, for the accomplishment of God’s purposes;
4. It marks the return of His heavenly glory. Christ’s glory had been hidden during his earthly life, except at the Transfiguration (Mt. 17:1-9) and the Cana Incident (Acts 2:1-11).
5. The Lord ascended in order to send us the Holy Spirit (Lk. 24:49). God promised in Joel 2:28, saying, “I will pour out my spirit on all flesh”; this promise is fulfilled by Jesus at his Ascension. The Holy Spirit is present with his people (John 14:16) to empower them for universal mission of evangelization (Acts 1:8; 4:31) and to transform believers to live new lives.
6. Christ’s Ascension symbolizes his exaltation by God the Father (Eph. 1:20-23). The one with whom God the Father was well pleased (Mt. 17:5) was received up in honour and given a name above all other names (Phil. 2:9).
7. Christ’s Ascension allows him to prepare a place for us (John 14:2).
8. It indicates the beginning of his new work as High Priest (Heb. 4:14-16) as well as Mediator of the New Covenant (Heb. 9:15). As Mediator and High Priest (1 Tim. 2:5), he intercedes for us in heaven (Rom. 8:34; Heb. 1:3; 7:25; 1 John 2:1).
9. The Ascension of Christ sets the pattern for His return. Indeed, the Ascended Lord will return as King and Judge (Acts 1:11).When Jesus comes to establish God’s kingdom, he will return just the same way he left—literally, bodily and visibly. Jesus’ heavenly reign will one day be realized on earth (Rev. 11:15; 22:3). This is what we pray for in the “Our Father” (Mt. 6:10).
10. The Ascension of our Lord is his return to the Father. He has frequently told his hearers that he had come from the Father and that he would return to his Father (John 16:28; 20:17, etc.).
11. Our Lord and Master’s Ascension marks his heavenly enthronement as King (Acts 1:9-11).St. Stephen confirmed seeing Jesus seated at the right hand of God (Acts 7:56). 3:21 tells us that Jesus’ Kingdom cannot be destroyed. He conquered and sat down with his Father on the throne, where he continues to receive unending praise (Rev. 5:6-13). He will reign at God’s right hands until his enemies are defeated (Ps. 110:1;Acts 2:34-35; Heb.1:13; 1 Cor. 15:25, etc.).
12. Christ is the Head of the Church (Col.1:18). Where he, the Head has gone, we, the body, the Church, shall follow.

Here, then, are some of the implications or benefits of Christ’s Ascension for us Christians.

1. The reign of Jesus as King of Heaven and earth means that Jesus is active in our lives and in our world.
2. Christ’s Ascension enjoins us to live courageously, boldly and confidently as children of the exalted king of heaven. So, we must not be afraid.
3. Jesus is not indifferent to our sufferings. Since he himself has experienced sufferings and pains, he is sympathetic with us. This is “good news” for all sufferers. They should be consoled! Therefore, all who experience various degrees of sufferings and pains, those who find themselves in very desperate situations—no money, no food, in sickness, victims of injustice and other similar situations—should take their cares and worries to our Ascended Lord who hears our prayers and can respond with heaven’s authority

Finally, Christ’s Ascension is our hope in a glorious future. He will destroy death and all death situations in our lives; and set up a kingdom of truth, righteousness, justice and love. At the end of our earthly existence, may we all be with the Lord, forever and ever. Amen.

BY REV. FR. MARK AJIGA