What Is Jesus Doing Now?
Why Did He Ascend to Heaven?
Why Did He Ascend to Heaven?
Category: Questions About Jesus Christ
Introduction
After His resurrection, Jesus did not remain on earth indefinitely. Forty days later, He ascended bodily into heaven. This raises an important and often overlooked question for both new and longtime believers: What is Jesus doing now? Far from being absent or inactive, Scripture presents the ascension as essential to God's redemptive plan and to the ongoing work of Christ on behalf of His people. This study examines the meaning and purpose of Jesus' ascension and His present work today.
The Ascension Was a Real, Bodily Event
The ascension of Jesus was not symbolic or spiritual only. It was a visible, historical event witnessed by His disciples.
And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.
Acts 1:9
Just as the resurrection was physical, so was the ascension. The same Jesus who walked, spoke, ate, and bore wounds was taken up into heaven in His glorified body. The angels present made clear that this was not the end of His involvement with the world:
This same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.
Acts 1:11
The ascension points forward to His return.
Jesus Ascended to Be Enthroned as King
One of the primary reasons for the ascension was Christ's exaltation and enthronement. Having completed His sacrificial work, He was seated in the place of authority.
The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool.
Psalm 110:1
This verse is quoted repeatedly in the New Testament and applied directly to Jesus.
Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come.
Ephesians 1:20-21
Jesus is not waiting passively. He reigns now, with all authority in heaven and earth, even while the final fulfillment of that reign is yet to come.
Jesus Is Our High Priest and Intercessor
Another central purpose of the ascension is Christ's ongoing priestly ministry. Unlike Old Testament priests who repeatedly offered sacrifices, Jesus offered Himself once-and now intercedes continually.
Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.
Hebrews 7:25
Jesus represents believers before the Father, not as a distant advocate but as one who knows human weakness firsthand.
For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
Hebrews 4:15
His ascension placed Him in the heavenly sanctuary, where His finished work is eternally effective.
Jesus Is Preparing a Place for His People
Before His crucifixion, Jesus made a personal promise to His disciples-one that explains part of His present activity.
I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
John 14:2-3
The ascension assures believers that their future with Christ is secure. Heaven is not an abstract idea, but a real destination prepared by a living Savior.
Jesus Sent the Holy Spirit After His Ascension
Jesus' physical departure made possible the sending of the Holy Spirit, who now dwells within believers.
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.
John 16:7
Through the Spirit:
- Believers are regenerated
- Conviction of sin occurs
- Guidance and comfort are provided
- Christ's presence is experienced continually
The ascension did not distance Jesus from His people-it extended His work through the Spirit to believers everywhere.
Jesus Is the Head of the Church
Jesus' current role also includes governing and sustaining His Church.
And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.
Ephesians 1:22-23
The Church does not exist merely as a human institution. It is actively directed by its risen and ascended Lord.
Jesus Is Waiting Until the Appointed Time
Scripture teaches that Christ remains at the Father's right hand until the moment appointed for His return.
But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God; from henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool.
Hebrews 10:12-13
This waiting is not inactivity. It is purposeful restraint within God's sovereign plan, allowing the gospel to go forth and people to be saved.
Why the Ascension Matters
The ascension assures believers that:
- Jesus' work on the cross was accepted
- He reigns with authority
- He intercedes continually
- He is actively involved in the life of the Church
- He will return visibly and bodily
Christianity is not faith in a departed teacher, but trust in a reigning, interceding, and returning Lord.
Conclusion
Jesus ascended to heaven because His earthly mission was complete — but His redemptive work was not finished in its application. Today, Jesus:
- Reigns as King at the Father's right hand
- Serves as our eternal High Priest
- Intercedes continually for believers
- Prepares a place for His people
- Directs and sustains His Church
- Awaits the appointed moment of His return
For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us.
Hebrews 9:24
The ascension is not the end of the story — it is the beginning of Christ's reign. He is not absent. He is active, interceding, ruling, and coming again.