Why Jesus Ascended

I came forth from the Father and have come into the world; I am leaving the world again and going to the Father.
–John 16:28

When I was young, it was a big deal for people to travel by air. I remember going with friends and family members to Dallas Love Field to see them off. We would say goodbye at the gate, and then I would go to the observation deck and watch the plane take off, waving to my loved ones as they climbed higher and higher into the sky.

I imagine Jesus’ disciples experienced a similar wonder as they watched Him ascend into heaven. Acts 1:9 describes this amazing event: “After He had said these things, He was lifted up while they were looking on, and a cloud received Him out of their sight.”

Why was the ascension necessary? In John 16:28, Jesus said, “I came forth from the Father and have come into the world; I am leaving the world again and going to the Father.” Jesus’ rightful place is at the right hand of His Father. And right now, He is there interceding for us. Revelation 12:10 says Satan is before God’s throne day and night accusing you and me. When Satan says, “Look at how that Christian is acting. I think they belong with me in hell,” Jesus interjects. He says, “You’re right–they do belong in hell. But I paid the price to free them forever. They’re mine.” Jesus is our Advocate in heaven (1 John 2:1).

The ascension was also necessary for the coming of the Holy Spirit. Jesus said, “It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you” (John 16:7). Because Jesus left this earth, we now have the full power of the Holy Spirit living in us.

While Jesus is in heaven, He is preparing an eternal home for us. In John 14:2–3, Jesus said, “In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also.” One day, we will join Jesus in the new heaven and earth, the ultimate dwelling place He is preparing for those who trust in Him!

Today’s devotion is adapted from “Unstoppable Power” and “The Promise,” by Dr. Robert Jeffress, 2021.

Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. www.lockman.org.