The Ascension is the bodily rising of Christ into heaven after his resurrection. It happened forty days after Easter. Jesus led his disciples to Bethany. He blessed them. He was lifted up. A cloud received him. He was taken out of their sight. The disciples returned to Jerusalem with great joy. They waited for the promised Holy Spirit.

The Ascension is recorded in the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles. It is a key event in the Christian story. It marks the end of Jesus' earthly ministry. It marks the beginning of his heavenly reign. He sits at the right hand of God. He intercedes for believers. He will return in the same way he ascended. The angels told the disciples: this Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.

The Ascension in scripture

• Luke 24:50-53: Jesus ascends at Bethany.
• Acts 1:9-11: a cloud receives him.
• Mark 16:19: he sits at the right hand of God.
• Ephesians 1:20: he is seated at God's right hand.
• Hebrews 4:14: he passed through the heavens.

The Ascension is not a departure. It is a transition. Jesus is not absent. He is present in a new way. He is with his people always. He sent the Holy Spirit. He empowers the church. He reigns in heaven. He prays for us. The Ascension is a comfort. It says that our humanity is in heaven. It says that our advocate is at the throne. It says that our future is secure. The Ascension is a promise. It promises that we will ascend too. We will be with Christ where he is. We will see him face to face. We will share his glory. The Ascension is not the end. It is the beginning. The beginning of the church. The beginning of the mission. The beginning of the hope. Christ has ascended. Christ will return. Christ is Lord.