Learn the Story of Jesus
Season 8: Resurrection and New Life
8.8 — The Ascension
8.8 — The Ascension
The King Returns to Heaven
For forty days after His resurrection, Jesus appeared to His followers.
He taught them.
He encouraged them.
He restored Peter.
He opened the Scriptures.
He commissioned His disciples.
Again and again, He proved that He was alive.
Then the time came for His earthly ministry to reach its conclusion.
The resurrection was not the final event.
The ascension was.
The ascension marks the moment when Jesus returned to the Father and took His place at the Father’s right hand.
Yet the ascension is not a story about Jesus leaving.
It is a story about Jesus reigning.
The risen Savior became the exalted King.
His work on earth was complete, but His work through His people was just beginning.
Scripture References
Luke 24:50–53
Acts 1:1–11
Psalm 110:1
Daniel 7:13–14
Ephesians 1:20–23
Hebrews 1:1–4
The Story
After giving final instructions to His disciples, Jesus led them to the Mount of Olives near Bethany.
The disciples gathered around Him.
They still had questions about God’s Kingdom and the future.
Jesus reminded them that some things belonged to the Father’s authority alone.
Then He repeated His promise:
“You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses.”
He described how the Gospel would spread:
Jerusalem.
Judea.
Samaria.
The ends of the earth.
As the disciples watched, Jesus was lifted up.
A cloud received Him out of their sight.
The disciples stood gazing into heaven.
Suddenly two angels appeared beside them and said:
“Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into the sky?”
The angels reminded them that Jesus would one day return in the same manner they had seen Him go.
The disciples then returned to Jerusalem with joy.
Rather than mourning His departure, they worshiped Him.
They knew God’s plan was continuing.
The promised Holy Spirit would soon come.
Understanding the Story
What Is the Ascension?
The ascension is Jesus’ return to heaven following His resurrection appearances.
It marks the conclusion of His earthly ministry and the beginning of His heavenly reign.
Why Is the Mount of Olives Important?
The Mount of Olives played a significant role throughout Jesus’ ministry.
He taught there.
He prayed in Gethsemane there.
Now He ascended from there.
The location is also connected to future prophecy concerning God’s Kingdom.
Why Did a Cloud Receive Him?
Throughout Scripture, clouds often symbolize God’s presence and glory.
The cloud emphasizes Jesus’ exaltation and divine authority.
Understanding Jesus
Where Is Jesus Now?
The New Testament teaches that Jesus is seated at the right hand of the Father.
This position symbolizes authority, honor, and kingship.
Is Jesus Still Active?
Yes.
Jesus intercedes for believers.
He reigns as Lord.
He builds His Church.
He sends the Holy Spirit.
His ministry continues.
Why Is the Ascension Important?
Without the ascension, the story of Jesus would feel incomplete.
The ascension reveals that Christ is not merely risen.
He is exalted.
He reigns as King.
Understanding Jesus: The Exalted King
The disciples had seen Jesus as Teacher, Healer, Messiah, Crucified Savior, and Risen Lord.
The ascension reveals another truth.
Jesus is King.
The One who humbled Himself in service is now exalted in glory.
His authority extends over all creation.
The Church carries out its mission under His leadership.
Old Testament Connections
Psalm 110 speaks of the Messiah seated at God’s right hand.
Daniel saw the Son of Man receiving authority, glory, and an everlasting kingdom.
The ascension fulfills these promises.
Jesus is enthroned as the eternal King.
His reign has begun and will never end.
Missing Context Check
Did Jesus Stop Being Present With His Followers?
No.
Though physically ascending, Jesus remained present through the Holy Spirit.
Why Didn’t the Disciples Follow Him?
Their mission remained on earth.
Jesus had commissioned them to be witnesses.
Will Jesus Return?
Yes.
The angels specifically promised that Jesus would return.
The ascension points both backward to the resurrection and forward to Christ’s return.
A Deeper Look: Looking Up and Moving Forward
The disciples stood watching the sky.
The angels gently redirected their attention.
The mission was not in the clouds.
The mission was in the world.
Many believers spend time wondering about future events.
The ascension reminds Christians that Jesus has already given His mission.
The Church is called to worship the King, wait for the Spirit, and share the Gospel.
See the Related Lessons section near the bottom of this page for connections to Pentecost and the beginning of the Church.
Key Themes
Jesus Reigns
The ascension reveals Christ’s kingship.
The Mission Continues
The disciples are called to witness.
The Holy Spirit Is Coming
God’s promise is about to be fulfilled.
Jesus Will Return
The story is not over.
Why This Lesson Matters
The ascension reminds believers that Jesus is alive and reigning today.
He is not distant.
He is actively working through His people.
The lesson also provides hope.
The same Jesus who ascended will one day return.
Until then, Christians are called to faithfully carry out His mission.
Connecting to Jesus
This lesson reveals Jesus as:
The Risen Lord.
The Exalted King.
The Son of Man.
The Head of the Church.
The Returning King.
Jesus reigns today and will reign forever.
Living the Message
Worship Jesus as King.
Live with confidence in His authority.
Participate in His mission.
Look forward to His return.
Trust that Christ remains present and active in the lives of His people.
Reflection Questions
Why is the ascension important?
Possible answers:
It reveals Jesus’ exaltation and kingship.
What promise did Jesus repeat?
Possible answers:
The coming of the Holy Spirit.
What were the disciples called to do?
Possible answers:
Be witnesses to the world.
What did the angels promise?
Possible answers:
Jesus will return.
How does the ascension encourage believers today?
Possible answers:
It reminds them that Christ reigns and remains active.
GROW Framework
Grounded in Scripture
Jesus ascended into heaven and was exalted as King.
Reasons We Believe
The risen Christ reigns and continues His work through the Church.
Obedience in Action
Live as a witness for Christ.
Walk It Out
Remember that Jesus is Lord over every area of life.
Related Lessons
Season 8: Resurrection and New Life
Season 1: Life in the Spirit (Learn the Story of the Church)
1.3 Pentecost: The Holy Spirit Comes
Related Pages
Understanding Jesus: Cultural Insights
Continue Learning
Season 8: Resurrection and New Life
Then continue to:
Season 1: Life in the Spirit (Learn the Story of the Church)
The disciples watched as Jesus was taken up into heaven.
But this was not the end.
The King had taken His throne.
The Spirit was coming.
The Church was about to begin.
“This Jesus… will come in just the same way as you have watched Him go into heaven.” — Acts 1:11
