The Ascension of Jesus (Luke 24:50–53)
Introduction to Luke 24:50–53
The Gospel of Luke doesn’t end in a whisper. It ends with blessing. After the resurrection appearances, after the teaching and the meals, Jesus leads his disciples out of the city—and then, right before their eyes, he blesses them and is carried up into heaven.
The Ascension of Jesus is not an afterthought or a quiet farewell. It’s a pivotal moment that marks both the end of Jesus’ earthly ministry and the beginning of the church’s mission.
In just four short verses, Luke roots the Jesus ascension into heaven in joy, worship, and the sweeping faithfulness of God.
This is the Ascension of Jesus in the Rabbula Gospels, which was created in 586 CE in Syria. It is about 33×25 c (13 inches by 10 inches), and is one of the earliest surviving depictions of the Ascension. It is divided in two - the upper with Christ within a mandorla; the lower with the Virgin Mary stading among the apostles.
Why is the Ascenscion of Jesus Important?
The Ascension of Jesus is not just a closing scene; it’s a cornerstone of Christian faith. Without it, the resurrection would seem unfinished. Without it, the mission of the church would be directionless.
Here’s why the Ascension matters:
1. It Confirms Jesus’ Reign.
The Ascension shows that Jesus is not just alive—he is enthroned. He didn’t just come back to life; he was exalted to the right hand of God (Psalm 110:1). He reigns now, not someday. Christ is not a memory; he is a living King.
2. It Shifts His Presence and Our Worship.
Before the Ascension, Jesus’ presence was localized. He was in Galilee or Jerusalem—but not both at once. After the Ascension, through the sending of the Holy Spirit, his presence is everywhere believers gather. The Ascension means Jesus is near, not far.
In John 4, Jesus speaks to a Samaritan woman about worshipping God “in spirit and in truth” rather than in a specific place. Since his presence is boundless, so too is the worship of the worldwide church!
3. It Launches the Church’s Mission.
After the Ascension, the disciples weren’t left staring at the sky (Acts 1:10–11). They were sent out to witness, to preach, to serve. The Ascension shifts the focus from “Come and see” to “Go and tell.
4. It Promises His Return.
The angels said it plainly: “This Jesus…will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven” (Acts 1:11, NRSV). The Ascension isn’t the end of the story. It’s the guarantee that Christ will return to make all things new.
5. It Assures Us of Our Future.
Because Christ ascended, we know that human life—redeemed, glorified, loved—has a future with God. As Paul writes, “God raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 2:6, NRSV).
Verse by Verse Breakdown of The Ascension of Jesus (Luke 24:50–53) and Commentary
Luke 24:50
“Then he led them out as far as Bethany, and, lifting up his hands, he blessed them.”
Jesus doesn’t just vanish. He leads his disciples out of Jerusalem, toward Bethany—a village rich with meaning. Bethany was the home of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus (John 11:1–5), making it a place of deep friendship. It was also the site where Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead (John 11:38–44), marking it forever as a village of resurrection.
As Jesus prepares to ascend, He chooses this village of friendship and resurrection as his final earthly setting. Then, in the ancient posture of a priest, He lifts His hands in blessing. His last act before leaving is not one of abandonment—it is an act of profound love.
One final walk, and they follow.
One final sending, and they go.
Luke 24:51
“While he was blessing them, he withdrew from them and was carried up into heaven.”
While Jesus is blessing them, He is carried up into heaven. Luke doesn’t describe it with spectacle; he describes it with reverence.
This moment is about God’s action: Jesus is carried, received, and welcomed.
There are similarities here with the great prophet Elijah (2 Kings 2:11), who ascended to heaven. Jesus is ascending to God’s right hand (Psalm 110:1). Just like Elijah, Jesus’ ministry on earth is complete. The mission of salvation is finished. Just like Elisha, who picked up the mantle from Elijah and continued the ministry faithfully, our mantle is the cross which we receive from Christ and strive to live faithfully. The cross is not just a symbol of suffering; it is a symbol of purpose.
Luke 24:5
“And they worshiped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy.”
Earlier in the Gospels, the disciples were often anxious about the idea of Jesus leaving them. But by the time we reach the end of Luke, something has changed. Luke 24:52 says:
“And they worshiped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy.”
The disciples worship Jesus—a remarkable moment for a group of Jewish believers. In Luke’s Gospel, worship is reserved for God alone (see Luke 4:8). Their response to the ascension of Jesus Christ isn’t fear, sorrow, or confusion—it’s worship. It’s joy.
The one they loved has not been lost.
He has been exalted.
Luke 24:53
“And they were continually in the temple blessing God.”
Luke’s Gospel began in the temple (Luke 1:8–22) and now ends in the temple.
The disciples don’t hide or mourn. They bless God continually, rooted in worship and ready for the next act—the sending of the Spirit at Pentecost.
Luke 24:50–53 Meaning for Today
The Ascension of Jesus invites us to live in hope.
Even though Jesus is no longer physically with us, He reigns. His absence does not mean distance—it means empowerment.
The same blessing that filled the first disciples now fills us through the Holy Spirit.
In a world that often feels heavy, chaotic, or lonely, the biblical Ascension reminds us that Christ is still ruling, still blessing, still present through His Spirit.
The story didn’t end when Jesus rose. It continues, right here, right now—in our worship, in our witness, and in the joyful lives we’re called to live.
FAQ on the Ascension of Jesus
1. What is the Ascension of Jesus?
The Ascension of Jesus is when Christ, after appearing to His disciples following the resurrection, was carried up into heaven. It confirms His divinity, fulfills Scripture, and marks the start of His heavenly reign.
2. When is the Ascension of Jesus?
The Ascension of Jesus is traditionally celebrated 40 days after Easter Sunday, known as Ascension Day. Biblically, Acts 1:3 notes Jesus appeared to His disciples for forty days before ascending
3. When did Jesus ascend to heaven?
Jesus ascended to heaven 40 days after His resurrection, as described in Acts 1:9–11 and summarized briefly in Luke 24:50–53.
4. What was the purpose of the Ascension of Jesus?
The purpose was to exalt Christ to the right hand of God, to send the Holy Spirit, and to commission His disciples to spread the Gospel. It shifts His presence from being localized to being with all believers everywhere.
5. Are there Ascension Bible quotes?
Yes. Key Ascension Bible quotes include Luke 24:50–53, Acts 1:9–11, and references like Psalm 110:1 and Ephesians 4:10.
6. Are there images or pictures of the Ascension of Jesus?
Yes! Throughout history, many artists have depicted the Ascension of Jesus in art. Classical paintings often show Christ lifting upward with disciples watching in awe.
