The ascension is not about Jesus going away. It's about Jesus taking his rightful place so that he might fill the world with his presence and power.
We often celebrate Christmas with wonder, Good Friday with solemnity, and Easter with triumphant joy. But Ascension Day? Let's be honest. For most of us, it's the red-headed stepchild of the church calendar.
This is unfortunate since the early church found the event so significant—historically and theologically—that it was included in all of the major ecumenical creeds.
Let's briefly explore why the ascension of Jesus isn't just a theological add-on but an essential element of the Christian faith and confession.
The King is On His Throne
In Acts 1, after Jesus spent forty days teaching about the kingdom of God, he was lifted up into heaven before the eyes of his disciples. At first glance, it might seem like Jesus was leaving—exiting the building Elvis-style. But what's happening is not abandonment; it's an enthronement.
The ascension is Christ's coronation.
Luke tells us in Acts 2:33 that Jesus is "exalted at the right hand of God." That's royal language. The ascension is Christ's coronation. Jesus is not just our Savior; he is our reigning King.
Why does this matter? In a world filled with chaos, injustice, and suffering, it is easy to feel like no one is in charge. But the ascension tells us otherwise. The One who bore our griefs and carried our sorrows is now seated in sovereign authority over all things. He is not pacing the floor of heaven, wringing his hands. He is reigning. And because he reigns, we can have courage and peace even when our world seems like it's unraveling before our very eyes.
Jesus isn't distant or detached. He rules with scars still in his hands. The ascended Christ is not only sovereign but also sympathetic. He brings both authority and empathy to the throne of heaven.
Our Advocate in Heaven
Hebrews 7:25 says that Jesus "always lives to make intercession" for us. What does that mean?
Imagine a courtroom. You are on trial. The evidence against you is overwhelming. But then your defense attorney—who is also your older brother—stands up. And he doesn't merely argue for mercy. He presents his own perfect record on your behalf. He says, "Let the record show that my righteousness has been credited to this person." That's what Jesus is doing right now for you.
Jesus didn't ascend alone; he brought us with him in principle. Our future is already secured, already present before the throne of God.
Because of the ascension, Jesus has entered the true Holy of Holies, into the very presence of God, as our High Priest (Heb. 9:24). He stands there representing us, not as a mere symbol, but as our flesh-and-blood representative. St. John Chrysostom said it beautifully: "Through the ascension, our nature ascended and was enthroned on high. Let us then be uplifted in soul as well, for where the head is, there is the body also" (Homily on the Ascension). In other words, Jesus didn't ascend alone; he brought us with him in principle. Our future is already secured, already present before the throne of God.
The ascension tells us that humanity—your humanity—now exists in the presence of God. This provides deep assurance. When you sin, when you doubt, when you struggle, your standing before God doesn't wobble like a house of cards. It rests on the unshakable presence of Christ in heaven, advocating for you by name.
Empowered to be His Earthly Embassy
Before Jesus ascended, he gave a promise and a purpose: "You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses…" (Acts 1:8). The ascension sets this all in motion.
Jesus ascended so that he could pour out his Spirit. In John 16:7, he tells his disciples that it is actually better for them that he goes away. Why? because then the Holy Spirit will come—not just to be beside them but within them.
The ascension means that the church now lives in a Spirit-empowered age. Jesus is not localized in one place at one time—he is present in his people by the Spirit, active in the world through their witness. Jesus is building his kingdom, not with swords or legislation, but through the proclamation of his gospel.
This means that the church is now his embassy on earth, and you have been called to serve as an ambassador of the King. Picture a conductor of an orchestra. The musicians are scattered across the stage, each with a different instrument and a part to play. But they are united under one baton. The ascended Christ is our conductor—reigning from heaven, orchestrating the church's mission, empowering each member through the Spirit, and drawing the world to Himself through the melody of the gospel.
Foretaste of the Future
Finally, Christ's ascension points us forward. When Jesus ascended bodily into heaven, he didn't shed his humanity like a coat. He took it with him. He is still human—fully God and fully man—at the right hand of the Father.
That means he's not just your past. He is your future.
In Philippians 3:20-21, Paul writes, "Our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body…" The ascension is a promise: what has happened to Jesus will one day happen to you. Resurrection. Glorification. Union with God forever.
The risen and ascended Christ is the first fruits. You and I will follow. And that changes how we live now. We can face suffering, discouragement, and even death, knowing they do not have the final word.
If you want to understand how the early church turned the world upside down, look at how central the ascension was in their preaching and prayers. They believed Jesus was reigning, interceding, empowering, and returning. And because of that, they lived boldly and joyfully.
You can, too.
The ascension is not about Jesus going away. It's about Jesus taking his rightful place so that he might fill the world with his presence and power. It assures you that your Savior is also your King, your Advocate, and your future.
So don't let Ascension Day pass you by. Let it anchor your faith, ignite your witness, and steady your hope.
He is ascended. He is reigning. And he is coming again.
