The ascension of Jesus is more than just Jesus returning to heaven. It is about the reign and rule of Jesus wherever his followers may be found.

What do you know/understand about the ascension of Jesus?

So when the apostles were with Jesus, they kept asking him, “Lord, has the time come for you to free Israel and restore our kingdom?” 7 He replied, “The Father alone has the authority to set those dates and times, and they are not for you to know. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” 9 After saying this, he was taken up into a cloud while they were watching, and they could no longer see him. 10 As they strained to see him rising into heaven, two white-robed men suddenly stood among them. 11 “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why are you standing here staring into heaven? Jesus has been taken from you into heaven, but someday he will return from heaven in the same way you saw him go!” —Acts 1:6–11 (NLT)

Why do you think the disciples just stood there staring into the sky?
What do you understand the angels to mean with their statement in verse 11?

“Lord, has the time come for you to free Israel and restore our kingdom?” —Acts 1:6 (NLT)

What do you think this verse means?

In verse 8, Jesus promises that they will receive power. He had already talked about this power.

“But now I am going away to the one who sent me, and not one of you is asking where I am going. 6 Instead, you grieve because of what I’ve told you. 7 But in fact, it is best for you that I go away, because if I don’t, the Advocate won’t come. If I do go away, then I will send him to you. 8 And when he comes, he will convict the world of its sin, and of God’s righteousness, and of the coming judgment. —John 16:5–8 (NLT)

What do you understand about the Holy Spirit from these verses?

When Jesus ascended to heaven, he sent the Holy Spirit. God was able to reside with humans in a new way.

And this is the secret: Christ lives in you. This gives you assurance of sharing his glory. 28 So we tell others about Christ, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all the wisdom God has given us. We want to present them to God, perfect in their relationship to Christ. 29 That’s why I work and struggle so hard, depending on Christ’s mighty power that works within me. —Colossians 1:27–29 (NLT)

The ascension makes Christ available to everyone.

Why is this important to understand?