The ascension of Christ

"[Jesus] led [his disciples] out to Bethany, and lifting up his hands he blessed them. And it happened that by blessing them he was separated from them and was lifted up into heaven. After paying tribute to them, they returned to Jerusalem with great joy. And they were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God." Luke 24. 50-53

During the forty days following his resurrection, Jesus shows himself to his disciples and tells them about the kingdom of God. What comfort for his companions to receive directly from him encouragement and teachings !

But it is time for the disciples, strengthened by the presence of Jesus, to begin to fulfill their mission. They will not be alone because, before leaving, the Lord renews the promise he has already made to them : "You will be baptized of the Holy Spirit, in a few days", confirmation of the one he had left to them : "I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Comforter to be with you forever, the Spirit of truth" (John 14:16, 17). To make things clear, the Lord again defines their mission : "You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth" (Acts 1: 8).

In a last gesture before his elevation, Jesus raises his hands to heaven, from which comes all blessing. Raised from the earth, he is gathered by a cloud. We understand that the disciples find it hard to take their eyes off the sky. Will their beloved Master reappear ? Two angels present themselves to reassure them and tell them that, later on, Jesus will come down again from the sky in the same way that He has just ascended, and precisely on this same mountain of Olives (Zech 14: 4).

Mounted in heaven, the Lord is seen standing during the time of the call to repentance that Peter addresses to the Jewish people, to the martyrdom of Stephen. Now, by faith, we see the Lord "sitting on the right hand of majesty in the high places" (Hebrews 1: 3). But here, after having crossed the heavens, he remains, in the throne of grace, the one who sympathizes with our weaknesses (Heb.4: 14-16).

Jesus did not abandon the earth nor his people by going to his Father. Let us keep his promise : "I am with you every day until the end of the age" (Matt 28. 20).

Source (Pleasing the Lord)