P9 MIRACLES | WHAT IS JESUS DOING IN HEAVEN RIGHT NOW?

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The Last Miracle of Jesus: Understanding the Ascension
When we think about Jesus' miracles, we often recall the healing of the sick, walking on water, or raising Lazarus from the dead. Many consider the miraculous catch of fish on the Sea of Galilee to be Jesus' final miracle before leaving earth. However, there's another miracle that truly caps Jesus' earthly ministry - His ascension into heaven.

What Happened During Jesus' Ascension?
After His resurrection, Jesus spent about 40 days on earth, appearing to many people. On the 40th day, while with His disciples on the Mount of Olives, they asked Him, "Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?" (Acts 1:6)

The disciples knew the Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah who would suffer and die, but also rescue and restore Israel as their conquering king. They were essentially asking Jesus if He was now moving to "part two" of the messianic prophecies.

Jesus responded by redirecting their focus: "It's not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority, but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you. And you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria and to the ends of the earth." (Acts 1:7-8)

Then the miracle happened: "After he said this, Jesus was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight." (Acts 1:9) Angels appeared and told the disciples that Jesus would return in the same way they saw Him go.

Why Is the Ascension So Important to Christians?
The ascension carries profound implications for our faith:

Jesus' Work on Earth Was Finished
Jesus didn't leave because He died - He left because His mission was complete. Jesus Himself said, "The Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost" (Luke 19:10). His purpose was to make a way for fallen people to be reconciled to a holy God.


On the cross, Jesus' final words were, "It is finished" (John 19:30). The work of redemption was complete. This is crucial because it means Jesus' death alone saves us from our sin - not Jesus' death plus our good works or our best efforts. Jesus ascended only after His redemptive work was fully accomplished.

Jesus Is Alive Today
Unlike Lazarus and others who were raised from the dead only to die again later, Jesus was raised in glorified form, never to die again. Romans 6:9 tells us, "For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again. Death no longer has mastery over him."

Right now, Jesus is alive in heaven, "sitting at God's right hand with angels, authorities and powers in submission to him" (1 Peter 3:22).

What Is Jesus Doing in Heaven Now?
Our living Savior is actively working on our behalf in three significant ways:

Advocating and interceding for believers

"My dear children, I write this to you so you won't sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ, the righteous one" (1 John 2:1). Jesus is our go-between to God the Father, sticking up for us and praying for us.

Preparing a place for believers

"My Father's house has many rooms... I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me" (John 14:2-3). Jesus is getting heaven ready for our arrival with joy and anticipation.

Building His church

"I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it" (Matthew 16:18). Jesus is building His church through believers, giving each of us spiritual gifts to participate in this work.

Does the Ascension Point to Jesus' Return?
Perhaps the most striking implication of Jesus' ascension is that it points to a future miracle - His return. The angels told the disciples, "This same Jesus who has been taken from you into heaven will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven" (Acts 1:11).

The Bible describes two events related to Jesus' return:

The Rapture - Jesus will descend to the clouds and the church will be caught up to meet Him in the air.

The Second Coming - Jesus will physically return to earth, specifically to the Mount of Olives from which He ascended.

How Will Jesus' Second Coming Differ from His First?

First coming: Humble and lowly, born in obscurity

Second coming: With great glory and power as a conquering king

First coming: Private, known to few

Second coming: Public, "every eye will see him" (Revelation 1:7)

First coming: About salvation, not condemnation

Second coming: About justice and judgment

Life Application
The ascension of Jesus challenges us to consider our readiness for His return. Every person will stand before God one day. For those who have placed their faith in Jesus' death as sufficient payment for their sins, this judgment will be about receiving rewards. For those who haven't trusted in Jesus, they will face the consequences of their sins themselves.

Ask yourself:

Have I placed my complete trust in Jesus' death as payment for my sins?

Am I living with an awareness that Jesus is alive and advocating for me right now?

How am I participating in Jesus' work of building His church?

Am I ready for Jesus' return, living each day with eternity in mind?


The ascension reminds us that Jesus' work of redemption is complete, He is alive and active today, and He will return. This should give us both comfort in our present struggles and urgency in our mission to be His witnesses to the ends of the earth.