The Ascension of Jesus (Luke 24:50-53 and Acts 1:9-11)
Sermon Summary
Pastor David Yan
10 May 2026
The idea of a physical body ascending into heaven makes little sense in the mind of people today. We need to wrestle with the Bible account of Jesus’s ascension.
When God does a work which defies logic and understanding he sends angels to announce what is happening. This was the case here with the ascension of Jesus, but also with his birth, resurrection and second coming. These matters were revealed by angels. Today, they are revealed by the Holy Spirit.
The body of Jesus ascended. He is no longer here bodily. He once said it was advantageous that he leave this world. In his place he would send the Holy Spirit. We do not now expect bodily appearances of Jesus. What would be the advantage of that? We now have the Holy Spirit who guides us to Jesus and into all truth.
Before he left, Jesus blessed his disciples. His last action toward his church was one of blessing. He blesses the church today for he is unchanging. Christians, despite their failings are blessed by Jesus, our great High Priest, who lives forever interceding for us.
His ascension indicates his work on earth is accomplished. He was sent to save his people from their sins. By his death and resurrection he has accomplished this. Nothing more needs to be done. Jesus has done it all.
As Jesus ascended, the disciples were gazing intensely at the sight. The angels asked why they were doing so. The disciples were perhaps expecting Jesus to return Immediately. But this was not the case. He shall return later at his second coming.
From heaven Jesus rules the universe. Earthly kings and presidents do not rule. It is Jesus who rules and he uses earthly rulers as he wishes.
From heaven he sends the Holy Spirit. Jesus is gone. The Spirit is given. The coming of the Holy Spirit is proof of the arrival of Jesus in heaven. The Spirit gives testimony to Jesus and leads us to him.
Jesus shall come again with a resurrected and glorified body. He is the same Jesus. He does not change. He does not lose his identity. Neither do we. We are individually unique. We will not lose our identity after death.
The disciples worshipped Jesus. Upon witnessing Jesus’s extraordinary ascension the disciples were constrained to worship. What else could they do? Jesus came from heaven. He returns to heaven. He is truly God. The disciples understood this. They worshipped.
The disciples had great joy and worshipped continually in the temple. It is a sign of religious revival when believers desire to meet often to worship and fellowship.
Finally, rejoice in the ascension of Jesus. His victory is your victory. In him you can overcome the control of sin in your life. In him you can live triumphantly. In him you will have peace when dying. Jesus shall guide you, protect you, provide for you. What a wonderful Saviour we have! He has ascended into heaven. We also shall rise to heaven and shall be with him and departed loved-ones forever.