The Day of Ascension
The Day of Ascension: Celebrating Jesus’ Glorious Return to Heaven
Ascension Day, also known as the Feast of the Ascension, marks the significant event in the New Testament where Jesus Christ ascended bodily into heaven. This momentous occasion is recorded in the Gospels of Luke and Mark, as well as in the Acts of the Apostles. It is a day of great importance in the Christian faith, commemorating Jesus’ exaltation and the beginning of the disciples’ mission to spread the gospel. Here is a detailed biblical description of the events surrounding the Ascension.
The setting for the Ascension is in Jerusalem, specifically on the Mount of Olives. After His resurrection, Jesus appeared to His disciples over a period of forty days, teaching them about the kingdom of God and preparing them for their mission.
“After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God.”* (Acts 1:3, NIV).
On the day of the Ascension, Jesus gathers His disciples on the Mount of Olives. Here, He gives them final instructions and commissions them to be His witnesses, spreading the gospel to all nations.
“Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go.”* (Matthew 28:16, NIV).
Before ascending into heaven, Jesus promises His disciples that they will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon them, enabling them to be His witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”* (Acts 1:8, NIV).
As Jesus is speaking to His disciples, a cloud appears and envelops Him. Jesus begins to ascend into heaven, rising above them until He disappears from their sight. The disciples watch in awe as Jesus is taken up into the clouds.
“After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight.”* (Acts 1:9, NIV).
After witnessing the Ascension, the disciples stand gazing up into heaven, filled with a mixture of emotions—wonder, awe, and perhaps a sense of loss at seeing their beloved teacher depart from them once again.
“They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them.”* (Acts 1:10, NIV).
Two angels appear beside the disciples, reassuring them that Jesus will return in the same way they saw Him go into heaven. This promise gives the disciples hope and encouragement.
“Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.”* (Acts 1:11, NIV).
Following the Ascension, the disciples return to Jerusalem, where they continue to gather in prayer and anticipation of the coming of the Holy Spirit, as Jesus had promised.
“Then they returned to Jerusalem from the hill called the Mount of Olives, a Sabbath day’s walk from the city.”* (Acts 1:12, NIV).
For ten days after the Ascension, the disciples, along with Mary the mother of Jesus and other believers, remain in Jerusalem, praying and waiting for the fulfillment of Jesus’ promise—the coming of the Holy Spirit.
“They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.”* (Acts 1:14, NIV).
Ten days after the Ascension, on the day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit descends upon the disciples with power and tongues of fire. They are filled with boldness and begin to speak in different languages, proclaiming the gospel to the crowds gathered in Jerusalem for the festival.
“When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.”* (Acts 2:1-4, NIV).
The Ascension marks a pivotal moment in the Christian faith, signifying Jesus’ exaltation to the right hand of God and the beginning of the disciples’ mission to spread the good news of salvation to all nations. As we reflect on this significant event, let us be reminded of the promise of the Holy Spirit and the assurance of Jesus’ return. May we continue to live as His witnesses, empowered by the Spirit, and committed to sharing His love and grace with the world.
All teachings are prayerfully written by Daniel Glasco, utilizing available resources to faithfully present biblical truth and discipleship encouragement.