After Jesus rose from the dead, He did not immediately ascend to Heaven. Instead, He remained on the earth for forty days, appearing to His disciples and proving His resurrection. His post-resurrection appearances were not random encounters; they were purposeful, confirming His victory over death and preparing His followers for the mission ahead.
On the first day of His resurrection, Jesus appeared to Mary Magdalene at the tomb. She was the first to see the risen Lord, though she did not recognize Him at first. Jesus told her,
“Do not cling to Me, for I have not yet ascended to My Father; but go to My brethren and say to them, ‘I am ascending to My Father and your Father, and to My God and your God.’” (John 20:17)
His words indicate that His ascension was soon approaching, but His work with the disciples was not yet finished.
Later that same day, Jesus appeared to two disciples on the road to Emmaus. As they walked and discussed the events of His crucifixion, Jesus joined them, though they did not recognize Him. He explained to them from the Scriptures how the Messiah had to suffer before entering His glory.
“O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken! Ought not the Christ to have suffered these things and to enter into His glory?” (Luke 24:25-27)
Only when He broke bread with them were their eyes opened, and they realized it was Jesus. He then vanished from their sight, leaving them with burning hearts full of understanding.
That evening, Jesus appeared to His disciples who were gathered behind closed doors out of fear. He showed them His wounds and said,
“Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.” (John 20:21)
Thomas, however, was not present and later doubted their testimony. Eight days later, Jesus appeared again, specifically addressing Thomas’ doubts by inviting him to touch His wounds. Thomas fell to his knees, declaring,
“My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28)
Jesus also appeared to His disciples at the Sea of Galilee. In a miraculous moment reminiscent of their first calling, He told them to cast their nets on the right side of the boat. When they did, they caught 153 large fish. It was during this encounter that Jesus restored Peter, asking him three times,
“Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?” (John 21:15-17)
This moment reversed Peter’s three denials and commissioned him to shepherd His people.
Where Jesus Went and What He Taught
During these forty days, Jesus did not stay in one place but traveled between Jerusalem and Galilee, strengthening His disciples and preparing them for the coming of the Holy Spirit. He continued teaching them about the kingdom of God, revealing how His life, death, and resurrection fulfilled the Scriptures.
Before His ascension, Jesus led His disciples to the Mount of Olives. There, He gave them their final instructions:
“Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.” (Mark 16:15-16)
This Great Commission was their divine calling—to spread the message of salvation to the ends of the earth.
He also commanded them to wait in Jerusalem for the Holy Spirit:
“For John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” (Acts 1:5)
This promise would soon be fulfilled on the Day of Pentecost.
The Ascension into Heaven
After giving His final instructions, Jesus blessed His disciples. Then, before their very eyes, He was taken up into Heaven:
“Now when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight.” (Acts 1:9)
The imagery of Jesus being taken up in a cloud is significant. In the Old Testament, the cloud represented the presence of God. When the Israelites journeyed through the wilderness, God’s presence was seen in a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night (Exodus 13:21). When Moses received the Law, a cloud covered Mount Sinai (Exodus 24:16). Jesus’ ascension in a cloud signifies His return to the presence of the Father, glorified and exalted.
As the disciples stood gazing into the sky, two angels appeared with a powerful message:
“Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.” (Acts 1:11)
The angel’s words confirm an important truth—Jesus will return the same way He left. Just as He ascended physically, visibly, and in glory, He will one day return in power and great majesty.
The Promise of His Return
The ascension of Jesus is not just an event of the past; it points forward to His future return. Jesus Himself spoke of this day:
“Then they will see the Son of Man coming in the clouds with great power and glory.” (Mark 13:26)
His return will not be secret or hidden. Every eye will see Him, and He will come to establish His kingdom fully. The ascension is a reminder that Jesus is not gone forever—He is reigning in Heaven, interceding for His people, and will one day return to rule and reign.
For the believer, the ascension is a call to faithfulness. The angels’ question to the disciples,
“Why do you stand gazing?”
is a reminder that we are not called to simply wait for His return, but to be active in spreading the Gospel and living in obedience.
Final Thoughts
The ascension of Jesus marks the completion of His earthly ministry and the beginning of His heavenly reign. It confirms His authority, His promise to send the Holy Spirit, and His future return. Though He is seated at the right hand of the Father, He is not distant—He continues to work through His Spirit and His people.
Just as Jesus ascended in the clouds, He will return the same way. The question remains: are we ready for His return? The disciples responded to His ascension with obedience, prayer, and preparation for the Holy Spirit. May we, too, live with expectation, faithfulness, and a heart set on the promise of His glorious coming.
