The Ascension of Jesus

Acts 1:9–11

“And after He had said these things, He was lifted up while they were watching, and a cloud took Him up out of their sight. And as they were gazing intently into the sky while He was going, behold, two men in white clothing stood beside them, and they said, ‘Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into the sky? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you have watched Him go into heaven.’”

The moment of the Ascension was not quiet or hidden. Jesus was lifted up before their eyes, showing that His mission on earth was finished and He was now returning to His place at the right hand of the Father (Hebrews 1:3). The cloud that received Him was no ordinary cloud but a sign of God’s presence, the same way He showed Himself in the wilderness (Exodus 13:21) and on the Mount of Transfiguration (Matthew 17:5).

The disciples stood staring, caught between wonder and sorrow, watching something no one had ever seen before. But God did not leave them there. Two men in white, angels, stepped into the scene because the Lord did not want His followers frozen in that moment. Their question, “Why do you stand looking into heaven?” was not meant to shame, but to redirect. Jesus had promised the Holy Spirit (John 14:16–17) and had commissioned them to be His witnesses “to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8). Gazing upward could have kept them in the past, but God wanted their eyes on the future—toward the work ahead and toward the day when Christ would return.

So these two details—their appearance and their words—are God’s way of making sure the disciples understood. Jesus is exalted. His presence is still with His people. And one day, He will come again, just as surely as He ascended. As He said, “And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20). Until then, His church has a mission to carry out.

The Ascension is not just history to be remembered—it is hope to be lived. The same Jesus who went up will come again. The same Spirit He promised still fills His people. And the same mission He gave His disciples is now in our hands. We are not called to stand staring at the sky, waiting for His return. We are called to walk in obedience, to bear witness, and to live with eyes fixed on the promise that one day the heavens will open again, and the King will come just as He said. “Behold, He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him; and all the tribes of the earth will mourn over Him. So it is to be. Amen” (Revelation 1:7).

______________________________________________________________________________

“What I write is not for everyone, but what I write is meant for someone.” – Dean Butler

I am the author of two books: Embracing God's Wisdom: A Journey of Faith and Reflection and Embracing God’s Wisdom: Paul’s Commands for Victorious Living. Both are available on Amazon.

This work may be shared for ministry or personal use, but please credit the author when doing so. © Dean Butler – Dean’s Bible Blog. All rights reserved.

Please reach out at: hopeinchrist2024@yahoo.com

“I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service.” (1 Timothy 1:12