The meaning of ascension

There is only a minimal description here concerning the ascension. However, we cannot conclude the Gospel of Luke without reflecting on its meaning, so let us at least confirm the following three points. (1) The ascension signifies that Jesus was transferred from the earthly realm to the realm of the Kingdom of God. When we say that Jesus ascended, it does not mean that His body is floating thousands of miles above the earth. Jesus has taken His seat at the right hand of God – the seat of glory. Please see the following Scriptures. “So then, when the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, He was received up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God” (Mark 16:19). “Therefore, since He has been exalted at the right hand of God, and has received the promise of the Holy Spirit from the Father, He has poured out this which you both see and hear” (Acts 2:33). “Who is at the right hand of God, having gone into heaven, after angels and authorities and powers had been subjected to Him” (1 Pet. 3:22). (2) The ascension marked both the completion of Jesus’ earthly life and the beginning of a new era. Jesus is interceding for us as our great High Priest. (3) Through His ascension, Jesus brought His humanity into the heavenly realm. His incarnation was not a temporary act or performance. The Son of God, Jesus, has taken on humanity forever. What a wonderful miracle of love. Jesus’ humanity being brought into heaven signifies that we too, in Christ Jesus, have been brought into the heavenly realm. Ephesians 2:6 says, “And raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus.” Let us meditate on how our way of life changes when we understand the meaning of the ascension.

Conviction of the disciples

The Gospel of Luke began with worship in the temple, filled with the atmosphere of the Old Testament. And it ends with the disciples, full of joy, worshiping in the temple. The disciples had gained the firm conviction that Jesus is the promised Messiah and God Himself. How about you? Jesus alone is worthy to receive our worship and praise. As we come to the end of our study of the Gospel of Luke, let us worship Jesus from the depths of our hearts.