Jesus Christ the Lord
rises into Heaven

Disciples commissioned before
Mount of Olives ascension

Forty days after Jesus Christ arose from the grave, His followers saw Him arise from the Mount of Olives going into Heaven.

While Jerusalem inhabitants and people throughout the region debated whether Jesus was indeed alive, the Christ seemed oblivious to the dispute. Jesus appeared to many, His family, disciples, friends and countless followers say.

Just like the time during Jesus’ three-year ministry, His 40-day post-grave existence included teachings, healings and miracles.

On a pristine and radiant spring day –– when many expected to see and hear more from the resurrected Christ –– something unexpected occurred, those who were fortunate to witness the supernatural spectacle affirm.

It was the fortieth day following His resurrection. Jesus led those who were with Him to the vicinity of Bethany, a city on the eastern slope of the Mount of Olives which is about two miles from Jerusalem.

As people worshipped Jesus, He lifted up His hands and imparted a final blessing on them. Jesus said all authority in Heaven and on earth has been given to Him. He stated that anyone who believes and is baptized shall be saved; but those who refuse to believe will be damned.

“And these signs shall follow them who believe,” Jesus said. “In My name they shall cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; they shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.”

Jesus instructed that they disciple all nations, preach the gospel to everyone, baptize in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, “teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you,” He said. “Surely I am with you always, to the very end,” Jesus said.

Right after the Lord Jesus blessed them, some inexplicable force caused Him to levitate. Rising toward the sky, Jesus ascended higher and higher.

Like an ocean gently undulating, the droves of people arose from kneeling on the ground to get a better view of the ascending Jesus.

Though a cloud finally hid Him from their sight, everyone still stared toward the Heavens –– expecting something else to happen.

Even after Jesus finally positioned Himself at the right hand of the Lord God Almighty, they continued to look skyward.

“Men of Galilee, why do you stand here continually looking at the sky,” asked two Angels, suddenly appearing before them in white.

“This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into Heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen Him go into Heaven,” they said.

They returned praising God with great joy to the Jerusalem Temple, which was a Sabbath day’s walk from the city.

Jesus’ disciples went out and preached everywhere. The Lord worked with and through them –– confirming His word by many signs and miracles.

Source: The Testament Spectator's Jesusaic Amalgamated Four-Gospel Edition, “Jesus Ascends,” Mt. 28:16-20; Mk. 16:19-20 and Lk. 24:44-53, page 47, Copyright © 2001 The Testament Spectator