Why was the ascension of Jesus important?

Answer 1

The scripture says that Jesus Christ asended from the Mount of Olives, a Sabbath's day journey from Jerusalum. Here is what Luke, who wrote the Book of Acts, said concerning the acension.

"Now when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their site."

And while they looked steadfastly towards heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood beside them in white apparal, who also said

"Men of Galilee, why do you stand, gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him him go into heaven."

Then they returned to Jerusalum from the mount called Olive, which is near Jerusalum, a Sabbath's days journey. Acts 1:9-12 NKJV.

The detail in which Luke presents the above account clearly indicates the importance of the Ascension of Jesus in his Gospel story. The Acension marks the end of one phrase of the Gospel story and the beginning of another. Jesus' personal ministry on earth is now at an end and the ministry of Jesus through the Church is about to begin.

Exactly, why does Luke tell us that Jesus ascended from the Mount of Olives? Why was that important for us to know? Why didn't Jesus ascend from Galilee? Or from the Temple in Jerusalum?

The Scriptures to not directly tell us the meaning. But there are a number of historical facts about Mount Olives which can provide us some clues.

In the Bible, geographic sites sometimes can have a symbolic meaning. They can convey a spritual message. Consider these examples, "Is there no balm for Gilead?" Jere. 8:22

"But I say unto you that it will be more tolerable in that Day for Sodom than for that city." Lk. 10:12

"And they gathered them together to the place called in Hebrew, Armageddon.

The Mount of Olives as a site has a meaning for the Jewish people which in my opinion, reveal the reason why the Acension occurred at that location.

Answer 2

The reason why the New Testament author included the ascension can be answered through speculating the author's intent in writing these verses.

The author of Luke's Gospel and of Acts of the Apostles was a very tidy writer who did not like to leave loose ends. Whereas the authors of the other gospels did not say what the risen Jesus did after he visited the disciples, Luke wrote in his gospel that on the evening of the day of his resurrection, Jesus went with the disciples near Bethany, where he ascended bodily into heaven. In Acts, written somewhat later, the same author tells us that Jesus remained on earth for forty days after his resurrection and then rose into heaven. Although somewhat contradictory, both accounts provide closure for the work of Jesus on earth, leaving no opportunity for speculation about any further mission.

If you take it that the ascension was an historical event, then theological reasons can be given as to why Jesus ascended to his heavenly father. Here are five:

1. The ascension is a symbol to the world that Christ's work on earth was completed in his death and resurrection.

2. The ascension to the Father confirms the belief of Christians that he was sent from the Father.

3. The ascension is necessary so that Jesus may serve as a high priest in heaven, interceding for humanity. See Hebrews 5:14.

4. The ascension is somehow necessary for the coming of the Holy Spirit (John 16:7).

5. The ascension creates an anticipation in the hearts of the faithful, ushering in a new phase in salvation history.

Jesus ascended into Heaven to save our souls and give us someplace to reside besides Hell after death. Until Jesus was sacrificed there was no human soul in Heaven. He Died, ascended to Heaven where he built a kingdom for us, descended into Hell and rescued all the human souls who had resided there and brought them to Heaven.

Answer 3

So that he could send the Holy Ghost or the Comforter to his believers, as he said in -

John 16.7. Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.

Answer 4

Some believers sat that Jesus ascended to heaven. They think that he sacrificed himself for everyone else and in giving himself up, the earths souls would be cleansed.

Answer 5

Jesus did not descent into heaven. In Acts 1:9 thru 11, it states that Jesus ascended into the clouds.

Answer 6

It gives us belivers hope as we to can go to heaven if we keep believing in Jesus.