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Although we don’t always spend a lot of time thinking about it, surely one of the strangest mysteries of Christianity is the fact that Jesus returned to heaven after His Resurrection.
Think about it for a moment.
As Christians we believe that the almighty Triune God became a human being and died a slave’s death on a cross for our sake, after which He descended into hell, plundered the strongholds of the devil, and rose again on the third day. We believe Jesus did all of this . . . only to announce that He would be leaving again as soon as it’s over.
It’s a puzzling move, and certainly not one we would expect. For many of us, therefore, our desire is like that of Mary Magdalene at the empty tomb: we wish we could cling to the Risen Jesus and never let go. But instead we must learn, like her, to wrestle with the mystery of Christ’s Ascension: “Do not hold me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to my brethren and say to them, I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God” (John 20:17).
These must have been incredibly tough words for Magdalene to hear. And yet, earlier on in the Gospel of John, Jesus had already forewarned His disciples regarding the necessity of His Ascension: “Nevertheless I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you” (John 16:7).
It’s a startling claim for Jesus to make, and perhaps it’s one we are tempted to doubt during the more difficult seasons of our lives. Perhaps there are times when we’re just not convinced that the Counselor (the Holy Spirit) is truly present. And so, if we’re being honest, maybe we find ourselves saying: I disagree, Jesus. I disagree with your methods. I disagree that it is better for me if you go away. I don’t want you to leave again. I want you to stay.
Continued below.
stpaulcenter.com
Think about it for a moment.
As Christians we believe that the almighty Triune God became a human being and died a slave’s death on a cross for our sake, after which He descended into hell, plundered the strongholds of the devil, and rose again on the third day. We believe Jesus did all of this . . . only to announce that He would be leaving again as soon as it’s over.
It’s a puzzling move, and certainly not one we would expect. For many of us, therefore, our desire is like that of Mary Magdalene at the empty tomb: we wish we could cling to the Risen Jesus and never let go. But instead we must learn, like her, to wrestle with the mystery of Christ’s Ascension: “Do not hold me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to my brethren and say to them, I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God” (John 20:17).
These must have been incredibly tough words for Magdalene to hear. And yet, earlier on in the Gospel of John, Jesus had already forewarned His disciples regarding the necessity of His Ascension: “Nevertheless I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you” (John 16:7).
It’s a startling claim for Jesus to make, and perhaps it’s one we are tempted to doubt during the more difficult seasons of our lives. Perhaps there are times when we’re just not convinced that the Counselor (the Holy Spirit) is truly present. And so, if we’re being honest, maybe we find ourselves saying: I disagree, Jesus. I disagree with your methods. I disagree that it is better for me if you go away. I don’t want you to leave again. I want you to stay.
Continued below.
Why Did Jesus Leave Again After His Resurrection? - St. Paul Center
Article from the St. Paul Center | Although we don’t always spend a lot of time thinking about it, surely one of the strangest mysteries of Christianity is the fact that Jesus returned to heaven after His Resurrection. Think about it for a moment. As Christians we believe that the almighty...
