Opinion column

Let us celebrate the ascension of Jesus

Ascension Day this year was on 9 May, and Rev Matthew Price reminds us why Christ’s ascension is relevant and significant for all of us.

The church recently marked the ascension of the risen Jesus back to heaven, after his resurrection. It’s part of the Apostle’s Creed: he “ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father.”
 
Yet, I think, the average Christian doesn’t really give it much thought. Maybe it’s a product of the church tradition in which I came to faith. Perhaps it's because the festival falls on a Thursday rather than a Sunday, but it has often simply passed me by.
 
However, over the last few years, I have become increasingly convinced of the significance of Jesus’ ascension and the importance of marking it and pausing to reflect on its implications. So, if the ascension passed you by last week, let me suggest three ways in which I think the ascension is significant for Christians today.
 
First, it means that Jesus’ work as priest is both complete and ongoing. In Old Testament times there always had to be yet another sacrifice - the priests of the temple were kept busy day after day.
 
But Hebrews 10 tells us that when Jesus had made his sacrifice on the cross, “he sat down at the right hand of God” (Hebrews 10v12b). And that is very good news for the Christian. There’s nothing more that needs to be done for our salvation. His priestly work of sacrifice is over. If we ever worry that what Jesus did for us wasn’t enough, we need to know: Jesus isn’t worried. He is seated at God’s right hand. His work is done.
 
And whilst, Jesus’ priestly work of sacrifice is over; now his priestly work of intercession continues on our behalf. He is always pleading our case before the Father (Romans 8v34). 
 
John Bunyan puts it brilliantly when he writes: “Believers should not only look to the cross for comfort; they should ascend up after him to the throne. At the cross you see his sorrow and humiliation, his tears, his blood; but if you follow him to where he is now, then you shall see him in his robes, in his priestly robes. Then you will see him wearing the breastplate, and your names are written upon his heart. Stand still awhile and listen and look. Enter with boldness. Here our High Priest ever lives to make intercession for us.”
 
Second, the ascension means that Jesus is enthroned in his rightful place as King of the universe. A bit like King Charles was enthroned at his Coronation, all power and authority is given to Christ as he is enthroned in heaven. So when the world feels like it is out of control (as, I think, it increasingly does just at the moment), we can rest in the truth that Jesus is on his throne. He rules over all things.
 
Third, the ascension means that Jesus has empowered us to continue his work. Acts 1 records Jesus’ last words before he ascended: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” (Acts 1v8).
 
Through the Holy Spirit, Jesus is now present with us, empowering us as we carry on his mission of announcing the good news in our lives. As theologian Thomas Schreiner puts it, “The followers of Jesus become the hands and feet of Jesus as they go out and speak about the Lord Jesus and perform signs and wonders, thus building and growing his church”.
 
Why does the ascension matter? NT Wright says, “To embrace the Ascension is to heave a sigh of relief.” May you breathe easy, as we are reminded that Jesus’ work is complete, he’s reigning as king, he’s empowered us to continue his work, and he’s coming again.
 
Image by Sabine Zierer on Pixabay

The Revd Matthew Price is Vicar at St Mary Magdalene Church in Gorleston and the Bishop of Norwich’s Adviser for Urban and Estates Ministry.