This chapter is based on Luke 24:50-53; Acts 1:9-12.
The time had come for Christ to ascend to His Father’s throne as a divine Conqueror. After His resurrection, He remained on earth for a time so that His disciples could become familiar with Him in His glorified body. Now He was ready to leave them. His disciples no longer had to associate Him with the tomb. They could think of Him as glorified in the sight of the heavenly universe. HH 380.1
As the place for His ascension, Jesus chose the Mount of Olives—the spot so often made holy by His presence while He lived on earth. His prayers and tears had consecrated its groves and secluded valleys. At its foot in the garden of Gethsemane He had prayed and agonized alone. On its summit His feet will rest when He comes again as a glorious king, while Hebrew hallelujahs mingle with Gentile hosannas and a mighty gathering swells the shout, “Crown Him Lord of all!” HH 380.2
Now with the eleven disciples Jesus made His way toward the mountain. As they passed through the gate of Jerusalem, many people were amazed to see the little company, led by One whom the rulers had crucified a few weeks before. The disciples did not know that this was to be their last conversation with the Master. Jesus spent the time talking with them, repeating His former instruction. As they approached Gethsemane, He paused. He looked at the vine by which He had represented the union of His church with Himself and His Father. Again He repeated the truths He had unfolded then. HH 380.3
In the world for thirty-three years, Christ had endured scorn, insult, and mockery. He had been rejected and crucified. Now as He reviewed the ingratitude of the people He came to save, would He withdraw His sympathy and love from them? No; His promise is, “I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:20. HH 380.4
When they reached the Mount of Olives, Jesus led the way across the summit to the vicinity of Bethany. Here He paused, and the disciples gathered around Him. He looked at them lovingly. He did not criticize them for their faults and failures. Words of deep tenderness were the last they heard from their Lord. With hands outstretched in blessing, as if to assure them of His protecting care, He slowly ascended from among them, drawn toward heaven by a power stronger than any earthly pull. As He rose, the disciples strained to catch a last glimpse of their ascending Lord. A cloud of glory hid Him, and the words came back as the cloudy chariot of angels received Him, “I am with you always.” At the same time the sweetest and most joyous music from the angel choir floated down to them. HH 380.5