The Ascension of Jesus

The Ascension of Jesus

Stand with me on the hillside outside Bethany, where the disciples are about to watch the Ascension of Jesus carry Him beyond their sight and into glory.

Before we climb the hillside, let's pause at its base. The Ascension of Jesus asks something of us before it gives us anything: what is it you're afraid to let go of, even when you know letting go is the path to something greater? Hold that question loosely as we walk up together.

The Ascension of Jesus

We picture the disciples on the road out of Jerusalem, past the Mount of Olives, down into the quiet of Bethany — the same Bethany where Lazarus had walked out of his own tomb, where Martha had once fussed over a meal while her sister sat at the Lord's feet. It's a place that already knew what it was to watch death lose. Maybe that's why Jesus chose it for the Ascension of Jesus to unfold.

A cloud takes Him. That's all Scripture really gives us — a cloud, and then two figures in white asking the disciples a question we've probably all needed to hear at some point: why are you standing there looking up? He's not gone the way death is gone. He's gone the way a promise is gone — ahead of you, waiting for you to catch up to it.

We have a small space in our backyard — nothing grand, just a stone bench with a little carved angel, and a statue of the Blessed Mother a few feet away under the tree. Some mornings we sit there with coffee and just look up. Not for anything in particular. Just to remember that "up" isn't the same as "away." The disciples must have learned that lesson standing on that hillside — that you can lose sight of someone and still not lose them.

The Blessing and the Commission

He lifts His hands over them one last time. Not a wave goodbye — a blessing, the kind a father gives before a long journey, except here it's the one leaving who blesses the ones staying behind. He tells them what He needs them to carry: go to every nation, baptize, teach, and know that He is with them "always, to the close of the age." And then, while the words are probably still settling into their chests, He rises.

What strikes us most about the Ascension is how ordinary the disciples' next move was. They didn't stand on that hill forever, frozen, staring at the sky. Luke tells us they went back to Jerusalem "with great joy" and spent their days in the temple, praising God. Whatever grief came with watching Him go, it didn't stop them from living. So I'll ask you what I keep asking myself: where is He sending you right now, and what's keeping you standing on the hillside instead of walking back down to do it?

Jesus took them out as far as the outskirts of Bethany, and lifting up his hands he blessed them. Luke 24:50

"All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me." Matthew 28:18

"Go, therefore, make disciples of all the nations." Matthew 28:19

"Baptize them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." Matthew 28:19

"And teach them to observe all the commands I gave you." Matthew 28:20

"He who believes and is baptized will be saved." Mark 16:16

"He who does not believe will be condemned." Mark 16:16

"And know that I am with you always; yes, to the end of time." Matthew 28:20

As he said this he was lifted up, and a cloud took him from their sight. Acts 1:9

And so the Lord Jesus was taken up into heaven; there at the right hand of God he took his place. Mark 16:19

Which of these verses resonates most with your prayer today? Let it sit with you a moment before moving on.