“And He led them out as far as Bethany, and lifting up His hands He blessed them.” (Luke 24:50)
In the Bible, to bless someone means that the person being blessed is connected to God. In a blessing, something good is said about someone. The prayer or expectation that goes with it is that God will grant that good thing. Good examples of this are Numbers 6:24-26; Philemon 1:25; 2 Corinthians 13:13. When Jesus blesses his disciples on His return to heaven, it means that they will remain in the care of their Heavenly Father.
This blessing continues to connect them to the Father and the Son. Jesus would no longer be physically present, but the connection with Him was not broken. Jesus’ return to His Father is as important as His birth, crucifixion and resurrection. For it was this return that was the crowning glory of His work on earth. So Ascension Day could also be called Coronation Day. Jesus had fulfilled His Father’s will in His incarnation, suffering, death and resurrection. However, Jesus’ Ascension did not mean the end of God’s work for the world. The Ascension is a wonderful inauguration. Jesus has not disappeared or “gone out of our reach”. Jesus has ascended to His throne and reigns from heaven. And His hands bless all who believe in Him. No wonder the Christian Church has made this a feast day!
Read Luke 24:50 again.
Question: What does it mean to you that the hands of Jesus are also present over your life in a blessing?