(Plain Text Version)
After the Resurrection, Jesus Encouraged His Disciples
Jesus, in His glorified body, appeared to the Apostles, and to many others who believed in Him. This was a time of relief and encouragement to those who mourned His passing. It was also a time to prepare the Apostles to spread the Gospel throughout the world.
The Ascension
At the end of forty days, Jesus ascended into heaven:
And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. Acts 1:9
Just as Jesus taught, suffered, died, and rose in a real human body, He also went from earth to heaven in His body. By “earth”, we mean the created universe we live in. By “heaven”, we mean the realm of perfect happiness ruled by God. Jesus went to the highest place in heaven to take His place with the Father and the Holy Spirit.
Why Did Jesus Ascend Into Heaven?
Jesus belongs in heaven because He is God. Heaven is His home by right. We can enter heaven only when God brings us there, but Christ entered heaven by His own power.
Although Jesus is in heaven, we should remember that He hasn’t left us. For God, there is no barrier between heaven and earth, so He interacts with us freely.
Christ’s entry into heaven is a demonstration of His victory over the Devil. It is an encouragement to us who are still at war with the Evil One.
The Ascension is the reward to Christ for His humility. Jesus had stressed many times that those who are humble will be exalted. He has the highest of any position because of His perfect humility.
Why the Ascension is Important to Us
Christ called us to follow Him in all things, including hardships. His ascension shows us the reward awaiting us:
… I go to prepare a place for you. John 14: 2
Christ’s ascension reminds us that our true home is in heaven. It is a reminder of how we are to live our lives:
Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. Colossians 4:2
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St. John Bosco News and Notes 