Scripture Passage
Luke 24:50–53 (NRSV, NIV, CEB, NASB1995)
“Then he led them out as far as Bethany, and lifting up his hands, he blessed them. While he was blessing them, he withdrew from them and was carried up into heaven. And they worshiped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy; and they were continually in the temple blessing God.” – Luke 24:50–53, NRSV
The ascension of Jesus is not His departure but His enthronement. The same hands that bore the wounds of love are now lifted in blessing forever. Jesus reigns—not far away, but as the living presence of God who fills heaven and earth.
1. Jesus Ascends in Blessing
Luke paints a tender and powerful image: before returning to the Father, Jesus blesses His disciples. The Greek word eulogeo—to invoke divine favor—echoes the priestly benediction of Numbers 6:
“The Lord bless you and keep you…”
Here, Jesus acts as the eternal High Priest, mediating God’s blessing upon His people. Even in His ascent, He is giving. He departs not with distance but with divine favor extended to His Church. His final earthly gesture is a perpetual promise—His blessing continues still.
2. Heaven Is Nearer Than We Think
All Saints’ Day invites us to remember those who have gone before us into glory. The ascension reminds us that heaven is not some distant galaxy, but a thin space—the unseen realm of God’s glory that touches our own.
The disciples could no longer see Jesus, yet they worshiped with great joy. They had learned what we too must hold fast: though unseen, Christ is not absent. As Paul writes, “You have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God” (Col. 3:3). We live with one foot on earth and one in heaven, always in His presence.
3. Jesus Reigns as King and Priest
To ascend is to take a throne. Psalm 110:1 foretold, “The Lord says to my Lord, ‘Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies your footstool.’”
Jesus’ ascension fulfills this promise—He now reigns as the world’s true Lord.
Wesleyan theology sees this not as divine distance, but divine authority made personal. The One who reigns in glory also reigns in grace. His kingly rule is love itself, ordering creation toward holiness, peace, and renewal.
As John Wesley preached, “The Son of God is now in heaven interceding for us; He is still blessing His people.”
4. The Disciples’ Response: Joyful Worship
What strikes us most is joy.
No fear. No grief.
The disciples respond to Jesus’ ascension by worshiping and continually blessing God.
The Greek word proskyneo—to bow down—shows deep reverence. They understand that Jesus is not merely a teacher or prophet; He is divine. Worship becomes their posture of life.
That same worship sustains us when loved ones enter eternal life. Because Christ reigns, death no longer has dominion. Heaven’s joy is already breaking into our world.
5. Living Between Ascension and Return
We live now in the sacred “in-between”—after Christ’s ascension, before His return.
In this time, our calling mirrors that of the first disciples:
- To worship continually,
- To bless others with the grace we’ve received,
- To live as citizens of heaven on earth.
Every act of love, mercy, and justice is participation in the reign of the Ascended Christ. The Church’s mission flows from this truth: Jesus reigns now, and His Spirit fills us with joy for the journey.
Wesleyan and Early Church Lens
Wesleyan Grounding:
Prevenient grace draws us to this moment; justifying grace unites us with Christ; sanctifying grace propels us to live as His witnesses. The ascended Lord blesses us that we might bless the world.
Early Church Connection:
The Fathers saw the ascension as humanity’s exaltation. In Christ, human nature has entered the very life of God. As Athanasius said, “What is not assumed is not redeemed.” Christ’s ascension means our destiny is communion with God.
Reflection Questions
- How does Jesus’ continual blessing shape your understanding of His presence today?
- What does it mean for you that heaven is “near,” not distant?
- How can your worship—private and corporate—mirror the disciples’ joy?
- In what ways can you “extend Christ’s blessing” to someone this week?
- How does remembering the saints help you live with hope and courage?
A Prayer for the Ascended Christ
Gracious and reigning Lord,
You ascended in blessing, not to leave us, but to lift us into Your life.
Teach us to live with joy, to worship continually, and to share Your blessing with the world.
Let heaven’s hope fill our hearts until faith becomes sight,
Through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns forever. Amen.
Next Steps for Discipleship
- Practice the Blessing: Speak a blessing each day over someone you encounter.
- Join in Worship: Like the disciples, gather regularly to praise God in community.
- Live Heavenward: Begin each morning with the prayer, “Jesus, reign in me today.”
- Remember the Saints: Name those who have shaped your faith; give thanks that they now live in Christ’s glory.
- Serve with Joy: Let your acts of mercy reflect the reign of the Ascended King.
R Y A N S T R A T T O N 