The pictures of Jesus seemingly levitating or being taken away by mysterious angels does not help people today understand the significance of the ascension. This last resurrection appearance was highly significant to the disciples.

1. It showed Jesus had truly risen

This was no hallucination as they do not stop so suddenly. Jesus was never to be seen again after this incident. Paul’s vision of Him in Acts 9 was different.

2. It showed that Jesus was leaving the earth in his limited bodily form

Jesus was going away and it was no possible to follow him as yet. He had promised them the power of the Holy Spirit to do great things for Him.

3. It spoke of his elevation to a higher plane of existence

This was elevation to a full life in Heaven. The promise was that He was going to prepare a place for those who followed Him to come later. He was at the “right-hand of God”. See Hebrews 1:3.

4. It gave the disciples something to look forward to

Jesus promised the disciples that He would return in a similar way. (i.e. visible). This was an important part of early Christian teaching. The ascension is not the end of His work on earth. The ascension was more like His coronation as the world’s king. His future kingdom is yet to come!

Categories: Acts