The story of how Jesus was born, raised, and finally killed is among the most talked about stories in the Bible. After his crucifixion, Jesus was buried but resurrected on the third day. After his resurrection, Jesus did not immediately ascend to heaven after his resurrection to be with his Father but stayed on earth for several days. This usually leaves many bible readers wondering, “When did Jesus ascend into heaven?”
Jesus ascended into heaven forty days after his resurrection, as Acts 1:3 says, and went to sit at the right hand of his Father, who is God, waiting for his second coming. After his resurrection on Easter Sunday, Jesus appeared to Mary Magdalene, his two disciples on their way to Emmaus, and finally to all his apostles. He then spent the remaining days teaching his disciples about the Kingdom of God. After forty days, he took his disciples out of the city and ascended into heaven, as Luke 24:50-51 says. Some bible scholars also imply that Jesus ascended into heaven in 30 A.D.
So, what does the Bible say Jesus ascended into heaven? Why did Jesus wait for 40 days before ascending to heaven? Are the 40 days approximate? What year did Jesus ascend to heaven? Did Jesus predict his ascension to heaven? What did Jesus say on the day of his ascension? How is Jesus’ ascension into heaven significant to Christians? Read on to learn the answers to these questions.
What does the Bible say Jesus ascended into heaven?
The book of Luke is the only gospel book that records the ascension of Jesus. According to the Bible, when his ascension came, Jesus led his disciples out of the city as far as Bethany, where he raised his hands and blessed them. He then departed from the and ascended into heaven. After his ascension, the disciples worshipped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. They then spend all their time in the Temple giving praise to God.
Luke 24:50-51 says, “Then he led them out of the city as far as Bethany, where he raised his hands and blessed them. As he was blessing them, he departed from them and was taken up into heaven.”
The book of Acts 1:9-11 also briefly records the event in which Jesus ascended into heaven. According to these scriptures, Jesus was taken to heaven shortly after speaking to his disciples as they watched him. This book also reveals that a cloud hid Jesus from them, and two angels dressed in white appeared and questioned why they were looking at the sky, as Jesus was to come back to earth, the same way they see him ascending.
Why did Jesus wait for 40 days before ascending to heaven?
According to the book of Acts 1:3, Jesus waited for another forty days before ascending to heaven, where he taught his disciples about the Kingdom of God. Additionally, Jesus used this time to prepare his disciples for the new helper he was to send them after he ascended to heaven, which was the Holy Spirit. He commanded them not to leave Jerusalem until the Holy Spirit descended on them.
“For 40 days after his death, he appeared to them many times in ways that proved beyond doubt that he was alive. They saw him, and he talked with them about the Kingdom of God. And when they came together, he gave them this order; “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift I told you about, the gift my Father promised. John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit in a few days.”
Are the 40 days approximate?
It is still being determined whether the 40 days mentioned in the book of Acts were approximate or literal. This is because everything remains a suggestion as long as the scriptures need to be clarified about it. However, the 40 days could be literal, just like the rest of the number 40s that were used in the Bible.
For instance, scholars have suggested that just like everyone agreed on the 40 days and nights Jesus fasted in the wilderness, so should the days he spent on earth after his resurrection. There are several instances in which the number forty is mentioned in the Bible, and this has been implied that it symbolizes a period of trial, probation, or testing.
What year did Jesus ascend to heaven?
The Bible does not give us the exact year Jesus ascended into heaven. However, some scholars have been able to come up with the year they think Jesus ascended based on details of Jesus’ death and resurrection. According to them, Jesus ascended to heaven in A.D. 33, as they suggest he started his ministry in A.D. 29 and died approximately three and half years later, bringing it to A.D. 33.
Did Jesus predict his ascension to heaven?
There are several scriptures in the Bible in which Jesus predicted his ascension to heaven. Jesus first predicted his ascension to heaven in the book of John during his talk with Nicodemus, the Jewish leader. Predicting his ascension, Jesus revealed that no one had ever gone to heaven except him, the son of man. John 3:13.
Jesus also predicts his ascension to heaven in John 6:62 when he asks, “Suppose, then, that you should see the Son of Man go back up to the place where he was before?”. With this, Jesus predicted that he would return to heaven, where he was before coming to earth.
Lastly, Jesus predicted his ascension to heaven when he addressed Mary Magdalene after he appeared to her. In John 20:17, Jesus told Mary Magdalene not to hold onto her when he found her crying, as he had yet to return to his Father.
What did Jesus say on the day of his ascension?
Jesus’ words during his ascension are recorded in Acts 1:7-8. “Jesus said to them, “My Father’s authority sets the times and occasions, and it is not for you to know when they will be. But when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, you will be filled with power, and you will be filled with power, and witnesses for me in Jerusalem, in all Judea, and Samaria and to the ends of the earth.”
After he had said the above words, the bible records that Jesus was taken up to the heavens.
How is Jesus’ ascension into heaven significant to Christians?
Jesus’ ascension to heaven assures Christians of a place in heaven, as he had promised to make room for every saint in his Father’s house. Scholars also suggest that Jesus’ ascension into heaven is significant to Christians because it makes them long for the second coming of Jesus, which keeps them spiritually ready for him. When he ascended to heaven, the angels promised the disciples that he would return the same way he ascended, meaning he would one day descend from heaven to take his people (Christians). Jesus’ ascension into heaven also brought the most significant helper in their lives, the Holy Spirit.
References
What is the meaning and importance of the ascension of Jesus Christ?
When did Jesus ascend into heaven?
How Did Jesus Leave the Earth?
As a devout Christian, I have always been passionate about the Christian faith. This inspired me to pursue a degree in Religious studies and a Masters in Theology in college. I have also been privileged to teach 4 Christian courses in a college and university. Since I am dedicated to spreading the word of God, I am actively involved in the Church. Additionally, I share his word online and cover diverse topics on the Christian faith through my platform. You can read more about me on the about us page.