Six-Day Devotional: Death, Burial & Resurrection / Week 4

Why Did Jesus Have to Ascend?

Day 1: The Final Step in the Mission

Scripture: Acts 1:9 (NLT) – “After saying this, he was taken up into a cloud while they were watching, and they could no longer see him.”

Devotional Thought:
Jesus came from the Father, completed His redemptive work through the cross, the grave, and the resurrection, and then ascended back to the Father. His ascension was the final step in His earthly mission and the beginning of His eternal reign. He returned to His rightful place of authority, seated at the right hand of the Father.

His work on earth was finished, but His ministry in heaven continues. The ascension reminds us that Jesus is not absent—He is reigning.

Reflection Questions:
Do you see the ascension as a continuation of Christ’s work?

How does knowing Jesus reigns at the right hand of the Father impact your daily life?

Prayer: Father, thank You for sending Jesus. Thank You that His ascension means His mission is complete and His reign has begun. Help me live with heaven in view. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

Day 2: Seated in Authority for Your Benefit

Scripture: Ephesians 1:20-22 (NLT) – “God… raised Christ from the dead and seated him… far above any ruler… and made him head over all things for the benefit of the church.”

Devotional Thought:
Jesus’ authority isn’t just about His exaltation—it’s about your empowerment. His rule and reign are for your benefit. You don’t have to bow to fear, addiction, sin, or anxiety. Because He is Lord over all, you can walk in victory.

His headship means your life is under His covering. What threatens to control you must bow to the One who rules all.

Reflection Questions:
What areas of your life need to come under Christ’s authority?

How can you live in the benefit of His Lordship today?

Prayer: Father, thank You that Jesus rules over all things for my benefit. Help me surrender every part of my life to His authority. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

Day 3: Your Intercessor in Heaven

Scripture: Hebrews 7:25 (NLT) – “He lives forever to intercede with God on their behalf.”

Devotional Thought:
Jesus didn’t just ascend to sit in glory—He ascended to stand in the gap for you. As your High Priest, He prays for you, understands your weakness, and provides mercy and grace when you need it most.

You can be confident in prayer because your Savior is praying for you. You are not alone, unheard, or unworthy—your life is covered by the intercession of Christ.

Reflection Questions:
Are you relying on your own efforts or resting in Christ’s intercession?

What are you boldly bringing to the throne today?

Prayer: Father, thank You that Jesus is interceding for me right now. Help me to pray with boldness, knowing I’m covered by Your mercy and grace. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

Day 4: Empowered for Mission

Scripture: Acts 1:8 (NLT) – “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses…”

Devotional Thought:
Jesus ascended so the Holy Spirit could descend. The Spirit is not a secondary gift—it is the promise of the Father, the source of your power, boldness, and witness. Jesus said it was better for Him to go so the Spirit could come.

You weren’t just saved to sit—you were saved and sealed to be sent. You are now empowered to share the story of Jesus with the world.

Reflection Questions:
Have you received the power of the Holy Spirit for daily living and bold witness?

Where is God calling you to be a witness today?

Prayer: Father, thank You for the power of the Holy Spirit. Fill me again so I may boldly share the hope of Jesus with others. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

Day 5: The Promise Still Stands

Scripture: Acts 2:38-39 (NLT) – “This promise is to you, and to your children… all who have been called by the Lord our God.”

Devotional Thought:
The promise of the Holy Spirit wasn’t just for the early church—it’s for you. Sealed and filled with the Spirit, you have access to divine guidance, supernatural gifts, and a power-filled life.
Don’t settle for salvation without power. The promise still stands: ask and you will receive.

Reflection Questions:
Have you asked God to fill you with His Spirit?

Are you daily yielding to His leading and direction?

Prayer: Father, thank You that the promise of the Holy Spirit is for me. I ask for a fresh filling and for ears to hear Your Spirit speak. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

Day 6: Sealed and Sent

Scripture: John 20:22 (NLT) – “Then he breathed on them and said, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit.’”

Devotional Thought:
You are not just saved—you are sealed and sent. The Spirit is the breath of God that brings life, strength, and purpose. Like the disciples, you may feel afraid, unsure, or unqualified—but God has breathed His Spirit into you.

Your job is not to produce power—it’s to yield and walk in it. You have been empowered to make a difference. Live as one sent.

Reflection Questions:
What would change if you lived as one sent and empowered by God?

Are you walking in the breath of the Spirit, or trying to do life in your own strength?

Prayer: Father, breathe on me again. Fill me with Your Spirit so I may live and move by Your power. Send me to the places and people You’ve prepared. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.