4 Reasons Jesus’ Ascension Matters

Shutterstock.com

One of the most widely searched topics in relation to Jesus and Christianity is his ascension. The world is fascinated by the departure of Christ from Earth into the presence of God. It’s hard to believe that someone we call out to every day, once stepped foot on the ground we walk upon. Acts 1 takes place after the resurrection – 40 days to be exact. Jesus was accompanied by the disciples. He was taken up in there after warning them to remain in Jerusalem until the holy spirit came. When he ascends a cloud blocks him from their direct sight. Jesus’ ascension matters because two men, in white, appear and tell everyone that he will return in the same way they saw him go into heaven.

The world of the ascension is a three-part universe comprised of the heavens above, a flat earth centered on Jerusalem in the middle and the underworld beneath it all. Ultimately, the ascension represents so many long-discussed questions. Jesus represented so much and still does. Hebrew 10:11 – 14 says, “When Jesus ascended and sat down at the Father’s right hand, the Father verified the accomplishment of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus and confirmed that the final payment for sin had been made.” The ascension represented closure – on so many levels.

Which reasons resonate with your beliefs and questions? Let us help you discover, or perhaps rediscover, why Jesus’ ascension matters.

The Kingdom Was Officially Established

Waiting For The Word/Flickr.com

The ascension solidified that Jesus was establishing the kingdom. Even though Jesus lived his entire life fulfilling the kingdom’s promises, it’s clear that the ascension is the key. When you look at Bible pictures of the ascension you’ll see Jesus going into heaven leading a host of captives. In Ephesians 4:8 this is represented and its referencing the defeated enemies of the kingdom. When he arrives in heaven, he sits down at the father’s right hand and his rule officially begins. All in all, his birth marks the king’s arrival and his life, death and resurrection signifies the redemption. The ascension allows the king to rule – which is imperative. Without Jesus’ ascension, so much doesn’t matter and more questions are derived about his influence and the promises he vowed. Jesus’ ascension matters because it gave the people closure and hope to continue forward. That notion has saved so many lives in the past, present and will again in the future.

The Bittersweet Farewell

Shutterstock.com

How does the saying go? “If you love something, let it go.” If love is meant to be, it will come back and last forever. That’s what the ascension represents – love that left and came back stronger. Everyone endures heart break in their life, but sometimes departure is good for both parties. Same is true when analyzing Jesus’ ascension. The ascension is when Jesus sends the spirit to God’s people. Moreover, his departure is good news because the spirit is wonderful news.

Jesus’ ascension matters because he promised that his departure would do just that – send the spirit to God’s people. Lo and behold, he kept his promise. If you want to better understand this occurrence, re-read Acts 1 and Acts 2, you’ll get a better understanding and the ascension will be fresh. The good news, will always be the best news because it represents a fresh start and the strength of our faith.

A Bright Future

Have you ever wondered what the world would be if Jesus’ ascension never happened? Would the human race even exist today? Would the world be consumed with more selfishness and hatred?

What is very important to recognize and never forget is that Jesus never stopped being a human being when he ascended. His identity was more than Christmas attire. Not only was he incredibly more creditable, but he represented the notion of forever. Jesus’ ascension matters because he is the high priest that will remain with us for an eternity.

Without Jesus’ sacrifice and without his ascension the destiny of human beings in the past, present and future is very vague. Our future is because of the man upstairs. He gave us our future. He gave our children a future. He gave our children’s children a future. Now think about how many other generations came before you – Jesus is responsible for that existence.

We Are Powerful

I think it’s safe to assume that everyone has, at some point, felt down on themselves. They’ve wrestled with questions of self-worth and self-esteem, and wondered if they were successful. It’s important to hold our Lord’s sacrifice front and center. The exalted Christ gave up his spirit for all of us. Think about that, for a second. He gave it all up, so his people could live a life to its absolute fullest. He never turned back. We, as followers of Jesus Christ, are equipped with so much power, boldness, and courage because Jesus’ ascension matters.

Christ is the leader and savior who granted repentance and forgiveness of sins. Our God saves those who are lost and feel like they don’t have anything left to give. All in all, we don’t have to hurt others or hurt ourselves. We should stand tall and confident because we are empowered by Jesus’ sacrifice.