The last action of Jesus on earth was His ascension. It is the climax of the story of Jesus and connects the story of Jesus with the story of the church.
The early church recognized the significance of the ascension. It is found in every major creed. For example, the Apostles’ Creed: “He ascended into heaven. He is seated at the right hand of the Father.”
Jesus referred to His ascension prior to His crucifixion…
David himself, speaking by the Holy Spirit, declared: ‘The Lord said to my Lord: Sit at my right hand until I put your enemies under your feet.’ (Mark 12:36)
What is the significance of the ascension? Why is it so important?
1. It means that Jesus finished His work on earth
God sent his Son into the world on a mission. He sent him here to save the world from sin. He sent Jesus here to rescue us for heaven. The fact that Jesus ascended back into heaven to be with his father at his right hand means that Jesus completed his mission.
If there had been something left undone, if there was something that had to happen to complete God’s plan to save us, Jesus wouldn’t have ascended into heaven. It’s finished. He’s sitting down.
2. It means that you have a friend in high places
Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. (Romans 8:34)
Can you picture in your mind’s eye how Jesus is pleading your case before the throne? In your evening prayers, you have come before God’s throne to make a confession of your sins. There are so many sins you must confess. Many of these sins you also confessed the night before. Won’t God in heaven run out of mercy? Haven’t you had your last chance a thousand times already? Only there is Jesus, at God’s right hand. “Father,” he says, “This sinner who has come before you is pleading for mercy. He makes no excuses. He pleads no merit or worthiness. And he has asked in my name, for my sake. I bore this man’s sins on the cross and paid for them. Therefore, Father, I will add my plea to his. Have mercy on him. Forgive his sins.” Do you think our Father can turn down the pleas of his one and only Son? Because Jesus has ascended to the right hand of God, you have someone who speaks to the Father in your defense.
3. It means that Jesus will come again
After he said this, he was taken up before their 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? 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 1:9-11)
Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know. Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way? Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. (John 14:1-6)
So our ascended Savior speaks tenderly to you, today, as well. “Don’t be afraid. I know the world is a hard place. There are many sorrows and dangers. I will always be with you. I will never leave you alone. I am getting a place in heaven ready, just for you. When I come again, I will take you home and we will be together forever.”