The Ascension of Jesus: A Journey to Heaven

(Based on Acts 1:1-11)

For forty days after His resurrection, Jesus walked among His followers. He appeared to them in many places, proving beyond doubt that He was alive. He spoke to them of the kingdom of God and gave them a promise: soon, they would receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

One day, as they gathered on the Mount of Olives, Jesus spoke His final words to them. “Do not leave Jerusalem,” He said. “Wait for the promise of the Father. John baptized with water, but soon, you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”

The disciples, filled with expectation, asked Him, “Lord, is this the time You will restore the kingdom to Israel?”

Jesus gently replied, “It is not for you to know the times or seasons the Father has set by His authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, in Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

With those words, He lifted His hands and blessed them. And as they looked on, Jesus was lifted up, and a cloud carried Him out of their sight.

The disciples stood, eyes fixed on the heavens, straining to catch a final glimpse of their Lord. Suddenly, two men in white robes appeared beside them and said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you, will come back in the same way you have seen Him go.”

With this promise ringing in their hearts, the disciples returned to Jerusalem. They gathered in prayer, waiting as Jesus had instructed, trusting in the promise of the Holy Spirit and the hope of His return.

Thus, the story of Jesus’ time on earth closed, not with an end, but with the beginning of a new mission—a calling to spread His message to the world, as they waited for the day He would come again.