When Jesus went up to heaven, he gave his apostles their final instructions and authority for their work (Acts 1:6–11; Luke 24:45–53). This event (the ascension) prepares the way for the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, when the Spirit begins to work powerfully through the church (Luke 24:49).
The ascension of Jesus to heaven shows that he now has ultimate power and authority as God and man (Ephesians 1:19–23; Philippians 2:9–11). Other passages also mention Jesus going to the Father (John 6:62; 13:1–3; 13:31–14:3, 14:28; 16:5–10, 16, 28; 20:17; Ephesians 4:8–10). This happened during the last physical appearance of Jesus. After this, he would stay in heaven until "the restoration of all things" (Acts 3:21).
The ascension reminds Christians of the promise Jesus made to return (Acts 1:11; see Matthew 24:30; Mark 13:26; John 14:3). Those present at the ascension returned to Jerusalem with joy and excitement, praising and worshiping Jesus (Luke 24:52). They trusted that Jesus would return again, both physically and personally (1 Thessalonians 4:16; 2 Thessalonians 1:7–10; 2 Peter 3:10).
The ascension of Jesus anticipates the Christian's future entrance into God's presence. Jesus has gone ahead to "prepare a place" (John 14:1–3; 2 Corinthians 5:4; Philippians 3:21; Hebrews 6:19–20).
Passages for Further Study
Matthew 24:30; Mark 13:26; Luke 24:45–53; John 6:62; 13:1–3; 14:1–4, 27–28; 16:10, 16, 28; 20:17; Acts 1:6–11; 3:20; 7:54–56; 2 Corinthians 5:4; Ephesians 1:19–23; 4:8–10; Philippians 2:9–11; Hebrews 6:19–20