Ascension
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
For forty days, the most surprising thing happened: the Man who was brutally crucified to death in front of many witnesses now walked the earth once again, fully alive! While there were markings on His flesh that gave testimony of a wretched death, His resurrection now gave testimony to a glorious and eternal life.
Jesus left a testimony of His great ascension in other places too. He had prepared His disciples through His word and teaching. As the time of His death drew near, He continued to prepare His disciples for what was to come. “For He taught His disciples and said to them, ‘The Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of men, and they will kill Him. And after He is killed, He will rise the third day.’” (Mark 9:31)
This was no last-minute revelation: God had laid the groundwork through His word that His Son would ascend on high. “You have ascended on high, You have led captivity captive; You have received gifts among men, even from the rebellious, that the Lord God might dwell there.” (Psalm 68:18) “The Lord said to my Lord, ‘Sit at My right hand, till I make Your enemies Your footstool.’” (Psalm 110:1)
Jesus promised them that the Helper would come when He had left (John 14:16-28). In Acts 1, He reminds them of this promise. They would not be left alone. “God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things.” (Hebrews 1:1-2) Jesus is now in His rightful spot, where He rules for all eternity!
Look, ye saints, the sight is glorious; see the Man of sorrows now!
From the fight returned victorious, ev’ry knee to Him shall bow.
Crown Him! Crown Him! Crowns become the Victor’s brow.
The Lutheran Hymnal 222:1