Prior to Jesus’ death by crucifixion, he hinted to his people indirectly that he would return to heaven. He said in John 14: 2-3, my Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.
He again veiled to Mary Magdalene on his resurrection in John 20: 17, “Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, “I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.” Jesus therefore hinted of his ascension and purpose. His ascension was therefore no surprise just as his death and second coming will not be a surprise.
Did Jesus ascend into heaven?
To put it beyond doubt that he ascended to heaven after he rose from the dead, Acts 1: 9-11 say, he was taken up before their (disciples) very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. “Men of Galilee, ” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? The same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.”
Jesus was thus in the sky where the cloud is. So, contrary to some doubtful opinions, Jesus is in heaven. The reasons and necessity for Jesus’ ascension are also engraved in scripture some of which he made known prior to his ascension. They include the following facts:
To report to God, the Father
Jesus said to Mary Magdalene in John 20: 17, “Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, “I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.” Jesus had to report to him who sent him. Philippians 2: 6 says being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage. He observed due protocol.
To prepare a place for us
Jesus said in John 14: 2-3, my Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. Jesus wants to stay with us in heaven. As a good host, he’s gone to prepare our dwelling for us. Only Jesus can do this, are we ready?
To receive his due glory
Jesus ascended into heaven to receive glory and honour; and for the glory of God for his sacrificed blood. He asked in Luke 24: 26, did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory? Jesus earned his due glory, not coerced as some do. He has promised us in Revelation 2: 17, to the one who is victorious, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give the person a white stone with a new name written on it; known only to the one who receives it. Will we receive the white stone?
To receive his crown
Jesus’ kingship is attested to in Revelation 6: 2, I looked, and there before me was a white horse! Its rider held a bow, and he was given a crown, and he rode out as a conqueror bent on conquest. We must also strive to be royals of Jesus from here before we get to heaven. Paul asked in 1Thessalonians 2: 19, for what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you? Will we have the crown of death or the crown of life on the last day?
Reflection on Jesus’ ASCENSION
How meaningful is Jesus’ ascension to us? Paul asked in 1Corinthians 3: 12-13, if anyone builds on the foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. it will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person’s work. Will our deeds also ascend to God as righteous to his glory?
Prayer
Dear Lord Jesus Christ, as we commemorate the occasion of your ascension into heaven, may our deeds also ascend with you before your throne of grace to receive cleansing in your blood. May your cleansing power in the blood strengthen our weakness and prepare us in righteousness for your pleasure till the day of reckoning to receive our individual crowns. Hear us in your blessed holy name, Amen!!
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