What does "He ascended on high" signify about Jesus' divine mission and purpose? Setting the Scene: Ephesians 4:8 “ ‘When He ascended on high, He led captives away and gave gifts to men.’ ” • Paul quotes Psalm 68:18, a victory song picturing a conquering king ascending Mount Zion. • Jesus is the greater King whose ascent is not to an earthly hill but to the highest heaven (cf. John 3:13). Ascension Proves His Total Victory • Colossians 2:15 ― “And having disarmed the powers and authorities, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.” • The empty tomb shows death defeated; the ascension shows the Victor parading His conquest before heaven itself. • Captives led away = sin, death, and Satan brought under His authority (Hebrews 2:14-15). Ascension Declares His Exaltation and Authority • Hebrews 1:3-4 ― “After He had provided purification for sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.” • Philippians 2:9-11 ― “Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name above all names…” • Seated at the Father’s right hand, Jesus reigns as Head of the church (Colossians 1:18) and Lord of all creation. Ascension Launches His Ongoing Priesthood • Hebrews 4:14-16 ― “a great high priest who has passed through the heavens… Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence.” • He intercedes continually (Hebrews 7:24-25), guaranteeing our salvation and access to God (Hebrews 10:19-22). Ascension Opens the Floodgates of the Spirit • John 16:7 ― “Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you.” • Acts 2:33 ― “Exalted… He has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear.” • The Spirit applies Christ’s finished work to believers and empowers witness worldwide (Acts 1:8). Ascension Distributes Gifts for Ministry • Ephesians 4:11-13 lists apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, teachers—grace-gifts flowing from the ascended Lord. • Every spiritual gift (1 Corinthians 12; Romans 12) is a share of Christ’s triumph, given to build up His body. Ascension Prepares Our Eternal Home • John 14:2-3 ― “I am going there to prepare a place for you… I will come back and welcome you into My presence.” • Hebrews 6:19-20 pictures our hope anchored “behind the veil,” where Jesus has gone as Forerunner. • Believers are already “raised with Christ” (Colossians 3:1), their citizenship secured in heaven (Philippians 3:20). Ascension Guarantees His Return • Acts 1:11 ― “This same Jesus… will come back in the same way you have seen Him go into heaven.” • The upward departure is the down-payment on a visible, bodily return to judge and to reign (Revelation 19:11-16). Living in the Light of His Ascension • Stand in confidence—our High Priest prays for us right now. • Serve in power—His Spirit equips us with gifts needed today. • Worship in awe—our Savior is enthroned, worthy of every knee. • Hope with certainty—He is preparing a place and will soon appear. |
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