Jesus’s Ascension into Heaven

Open Your Bible

Matthew 28:16-20, Acts 1:1-11, Deuteronomy 31:6, Hebrews 7:26-27, Hebrews 10:11-14

I often listen to film scores when I write, and a never-skip on my curated soundtrack playlist is the theme from the movie Pirates of the Caribbean. When I listen to that soundtrack, you might as well grab me a parrot and an eye-patch, because I suddenly think I am as capable of taking on the high seas as the ever-witty Captain Jack Sparrow. 

As Bible readers, we get to go on a treasure hunt in our own way. We trace storylines like the dots on a map, hunting for the hope of God’s great restoration. As we do this, we find a million little clues leading us to the true treasure, Jesus Himself. 

Today’s Scripture is a great opportunity for us to hunt treasure together. 

When Hebrews 7:26 says, “For this is the kind of high priest we need: holy, innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens,” we can remember the places in Leviticus and Deuteronomy where God spoke about imperfect priests who temporarily made a way for God’s people to be in relationship with Him. The Old Testament priests continually offered sacrifices for sin, but Hebrews says of Jesus, “He doesn’t need to offer sacrifices every day, as high priests do—first for their own sins, then for those of the people. He did this once for all time when he offered himself” (v.27). 

When Luke writes about Jesus’s ascension in Acts, he says, “After he had said this, he was taken up as they were watching, and a cloud took him out of their sight” (Acts 1:9). Remember the pillar of cloud leading God’s people out of Egypt (Exodus 13:21) and the cloud that settled over the first tabernacle (Exodus 33:9)? That’s the visual I’m reminded of when I read Luke’s account of Jesus’s ascension in Acts: “After he had said this, he was taken up as they were watching, and a cloud took him out of their sight” (v.9). The cloud of God’s presence takes the living, resurrected Jesus up into heaven to sit down “at the right hand of God” (Hebrews 10:12). 

I see these connections across the entire narrative of Scripture as evidence of how completely fulfilling Christ’s salvific work is. Jesus lets us see how He’s always been there, eternally holding humanity as the Father writes His redemptive story. 

Jesus’s crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension are a set of three climactic events that, combined, are the turning point in God’s redemption story. The ascension completes Jesus’s physical and spiritual triumph over death; I don’t have to wonder if evil and death are fully conquered because I get to read that the risen Jesus ascended into heaven and is, at this very moment, triumphantly reigning with God the Father. The ascension concludes the chapter on God’s people expectantly waiting for their Messiah, opening the part of the story we exist in now: abundant life with Christ through the gift of the Holy Spirit. 

Because Jesus sits at God’s right hand, we have a secure pathway to the Father. And by the presence of His Spirit in us, we get to invite others to come along: 

“Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
—Matthew 28:19–20

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29 thoughts on "Jesus’s Ascension into Heaven"

  1. Ada McCloud says:

    Not much attention is given to the ascension. I never thought of the connection of the cloud and God – I just thought “cloud”. I am loving this study

  2. Irene Cedillo says:

    Thank you, Jesus for your relenting love.

  3. Lehua K. says:

    Amen ❤️

    TAYLOR: Praying for healing and full recovery for your mom’s cousin ❤️

    Have a great and restful weekend, Shes ❤️

  4. Mercy says:

    Saying goodbye hurts, especially to the ones that you love with all your heart, all your mind and all your soul. The One got caught up in the cloud, and the same way from the cloud He shall return to earth to the longing hearts of those who love Him. His ways of thinking are so different than ours. He assured that it if for our benefit that He leaves us, so the Comforter/the Advocate/ the Helper can come to dwell within us. We shall weep and lament, while the world is celebrating ( I feel this verse is living out in our time), but the prophecy goes on to say…our sorrow and anguish shall be turned into joy (John 16:20)…and no one no one can take that joy away (John 16:22).
    Praying for you @Rhonda J (your foot recovery and your joy as God leads you into various ministries), @Taylor (on your mom’s cousin Wendy’s accident), @Molly R (your family and transition times, was thinking of you as I sowed my flower and vegetable seeds, may gardening bring you so much joy and healing as it does me),@all shes (for you and your families, grace to cover and to nurture). Be blessed dear sisters. I hope you all will have a wonderful weekend. To God be the Glory.

  5. Claire B says:

    ♥️

  6. Jennifer Anapol says:

    Thank you Jesus that you are in all my hectic, crazy moments. I love that you are always by my side. ❤️

  7. Jennifer Anapol says:

    I love how Jesus has always been with us, throughout history, and will continue to be with us forever❤️

  8. Rhonda J. says:

    Go and witness! I have to say my “witness desire” has grown the closer I get to Jesus!! I prayed for many years for God to use me! Before moving to Florida I was determined to find a good church with lots of serving opportunities (and good Biblical teaching of course!). The Lord has really shown up in a BIG way these past few years!! The church we found has not only been so beneficial to me, but my husband has really come alive in his relationship with our Saviour! Yesterday as I was able to return to jail ministry (I had to take off my boot on my broken foot and limp, lol), it was so amazing to be able to poor into these broken women HOW GOD CAN CHANGE their lives!! I would encourage you if this is something that stirs your heart, try to get connected to your local ministry! They know they are at their end, and have plenty of time to read the WORD, and meditate, and let the Holy Spirit make them anew!! There are many other ministries and programs that NEED YOU!! Find what stirs your heart and get involved, you WILL BE BLESSED as you bless others!
    Love you all!! Prayers everyday for you and your needs!

  9. Donna Wolcott says:

    A song came to mind today that sums up the readings of the past two weeks and to the Ascension. If you can listen to Hillsong Worship’s “King of Kings”. Prayers lifted and have a weekend of peace.

  10. Joslynn G. says:

    I love how clever God is. We have been waiting for his return when he states that his return will be done through his people. I take that as if you’re alive and using your gift to witness to the people you come in contact with then you’re doing your part in awakening the return in others. It doesn’t always feel like it but He’s here if you’re truly paying attention.

  11. Allison Bentley says:

    Thank you Kayla for the “cloud clues” – God is so good and I pray that I have the courage to “go and make disciples” as Jesus instructed- help me to be strong and courageous in this broken world! Sending love to all my sisters on this Friday!

  12. Sarah Ritchie says:

    Deuteronomy 31:6 is my favorite passage in scripture. I have a small card with it written down in my wallet and when I wake up in the middle of the night I repeat it until I fall back asleep. It is my ballast. Happy Friday to you ladies.

  13. Eileen Dowd says:

    Thank you Kayla for your amazing analogy of searching for clues in the Bible for Jesus. I will put together a fun pirate game for my young grandsons who love all things pirate!

  14. Molly R says:

    Ascension Day always seems sadder to me than Crucifixion Day – in hindsight, of course. After several years of intimate living and learning alongside each other they see their beloved teacher crucified, they live through the exhilarating resurrection, spend a few weeks seemingly going back to “normal” of learning from Jesus only to have Him give a last instruction and be taken from their presence.
    I can’t imagine the mental processing during this time. It reminds me that even in my “crazy season” lately that Jesus is still here with me, instructing me, guiding me in my stress, comforting me in my doubts, but still giving me work to do while I wait for Him. It reminds me that even during the crazy, mentally exhausting time God is still working out His plan, His hope of salvation for all, and using me, despite my doubts and heartaches, to “make disciples” and instruct them in all the ways God has commanded.
    Thankful today for the perfect sacrifice that was once and for all, and that it’s not a daily task still left to me to present my sacrifice to atone for my sin – Jesus paid it all, all to Him I owe. Sin had left a crimson stain, He washed it white as snow.

    Praying for the requests mentioned – especially TAYLOR’S mom’s cousin! How awful and traumatic. Have a blessed day, dear SHE’S!

  15. Candace Smith says:

    ❤️

  16. Jeanie Mclellan says:

    Amen

  17. Allison M says:

    Amen. And whenever we earnestly look for Jesus, we will find him.

  18. Millie D says:

    It is really cool to see how the written word proves itself to be God-inspired although penned by man. There is no other way the words of the Old Testament would align with the New Testament, uses of the same imagry etc. God’s word is alive, true and relevant!

  19. Kyle Hopkins says:

    I love Kayla’s analogy of the treasure hunt as we search for clues throughout the whole Bible for Jesus❤️

  20. Aimee D-R says:

    Amen

  21. Taylor says:

    Thankful for the abundant life we have in Christ through the Holy Spirit!

    Asking for prayer for my mom’s cousin Wendy. She and my mom got lunch together yesterday, and on her drive back from the restaurant she was in a terrible car accident and ejected from her car. She is in the hospital with a broken wrist, broken ribs, a collapsed lung, and some other injuries. I believe overall she is medically stable but will have a long road ahead. Thank you ladies for your prayers <3

  22. Andrea Haring says:

    So grateful that God still loves us when we doubt. It says “they worshipped but some still doubted.” Mat. 28:17 I know for me, I am glad God is still working on me.

  23. Caitlin Emfinger says:

    ❤️❤️

  24. Erica Wilson says:

    I love that Jesus’ commission to us is bookended by His authority and His presence with us. Within those bounds, we have all we need to obey Him as we wait for His return. Help me, Lord Jesus!

    1. Martha Curfman says:

      I agree. Thank you for sharing

  25. Searching says:

    I am with you always … Jesus. Are there any words more comforting than these? Thank you, Lord. Go and tell others – The Commission by Cain, listen if you haven’t heard before.

    SUZANNE LOWRY – posting on the app can be tricky to master, since pressing enter/return is such a habit but posts each time we do.

    BRIELLE HEBERT – thank you for the update and your testimony. I am so sorry about your niece, and thankful for the comfort the Lord is showing you.

    TIFFANY BROWN – good reminder to pay attention to our own behavior. For me, that’s more than enough to keep me busy.

    CARLY S – praying for wisdom and guidance about the relationship, and hoping the meeting with your boss went well.

    MICHELLE PATIRE – “true win” – I like that! We should always remember what’s truly important.

    DOROTHY – praying for your family

    SISSY – praying

  26. Kelly (NEO) says:

    “Because Jesus sits at God’s right hand, we have a secure pathway to the Father.”

    Praise be to God!

    CARLY S – praying you found favor with your boss. Trusting things will be made clear in your relationship.

  27. Arina says:

    The kingdom has come, although different from how the disciples expected it to be. They thought all hope was lost when Jesus was crucified. But His death didn’t mean the end, it marked the beginning of a much more glorious kingdom. Jesus has been given all authority in heaven and on earth! He now reigns with the Father in heaven. And we have received the Holy Spirit to spread the good news of this Kingdom to the ends of the earth.

  28. Kristen says:

    Yes, reading the Bible can lead you on a treasure hunt. When I read the notes in my Bible or if you have a study Bible, there will be other Scripture references to help understand that passage or lead to the reference. May our eyes and those of all we pray for be amazed by God’s Word and truly treasure this gift!
    I am thankful to read this Scripture tonight: Be strong and courageous;n don’t be terrified or afraid of them. For the Lord your God is the one who will go with you; he will not leave you or abandon you.” Amen!
    My coworker just texted me about a movie coming out today that’s called, Nefarious. It is says it shows an uncensored look at satans agenda in the world today-exposes the evil. I’ve never heard of it, but she said it’s rated R, and this may attract Christians to go. She also said that the directors said there were many things that happened as they were making this movie to prevent this from being made. Also, many other movies are being released today too. That sounds about right. I’m thinking the directors would appreciate prayer. We know God can use anything for His purposes and glory! God’s plans can’t be stopped or thwarted. I pray that God’s will be done with that movie and the people that see and hear about it. I pray that by God’s mercy, people are drawn to Him and see Him rightly, repent, and by His grace are saved. I pray for God to put Divine protection on all those involved and that He gets all the Glory. Amen. Just thought I’d share. I was asleep and then saw her texts about something else that lead to the text about the movie.