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.3TC 479.2

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!”3TC 479.3

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.3TC 479.4

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 28:20.3TC 479.5

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.3TC 479.6

Received by Chariots of Angels

While the disciples were still looking upward, two angels in the form of men spoke. “Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.”3TC 480.1

These angels, the most exalted among the angel ranks, were the two who had come to the tomb at Christ’s resurrection. They longed to join the heavenly assembly that welcomed Jesus, but in sympathy for those whom He had left, they waited to give them comfort.3TC 480.2

Christ had ascended in human form—the same Jesus who had broken bread with them and who that very day had climbed with them up the slope of the Mount of Olives. The angels assured them that the very One whom they had seen go into heaven would come again just as He had ascended. He will come “with clouds, and every eye will see Him.” “The Lord himself, with a cry of command, with the archangel’s call and with the sound of God’s trumpet, will descend from heaven, and the dead in Christ will rise.” “When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory.” Revelation 1:7; 1 Thessalonians 4:16, NRSV; Matthew 25:31.3TC 480.3

This will fulfill the Lord’s own promise to His disciples: “If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.” John 14:3.3TC 480.4

After the trial and crucifixion, the disciples’ enemies expected to see an expression of sorrow and defeat on their faces. Instead of this there was gladness and triumph. Their faces glowed with a happiness that did not originate on earth. With rejoicing they told the wonderful story of Christ’s resurrection and ascension, and many people believed them.3TC 480.5

The Disciples’ Fear Was Gone!

The disciples no longer had any distrust about the future. They knew that Jesus was in heaven and that His sympathies were still with them. They knew that they had a friend at the throne of God, and they were eager to present their requests in the name of Jesus. In awe they bowed in prayer, repeating the assurance, “Whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you. ... Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.” John 16:23, 24. And Pentecost brought them fullness of joy when the Comforter came to be with them, as Christ had promised.3TC 480.6

All heaven was waiting to welcome the Savior. As He ascended, He led the way, and the multitude of captives set free at His resurrection followed. As they approached the city of God, the escorting angels gave the challenge—3TC 480.7

Lift up your heads, O you gates!
And be lifted up, you everlasting doors!
And the King of glory shall come in.
3TC 481.1

Joyfully the angels waiting at the gates responded—3TC 481.2

Who is this King of glory?3TC 481.3

They said this, not because they did not know who He was, but because they wanted to hear the answer of exalted praise—3TC 481.4

The Lord strong and mighty,
The Lord mighty in battle.
Lift up your heads, O you gates!
Lift up, you everlasting doors!
And the King of glory shall come in.
Psalm 24:7-93TC 481.5

Then the gates of the city of God were opened wide, and the angel throng swept through the gates in a burst of ecstatic music. The commanders of the angel hosts and the sons of God representing unfallen worlds were assembled to welcome the Redeemer and to celebrate His triumph.3TC 481.6

But He waved them back—not yet. He entered into the presence of His Father. He pointed to His wounded head, His pierced side, His marred feet; He lifted His hands bearing the print of nails. He presented those raised with Him as representatives of that great number who will come from the grave at His second coming. Before the earth was created, Father and Son had clasped hands in a solemn pledge that Christ would become the Redeemer for the human race. When Christ on the cross cried out, “It is finished,” He addressed the Father. The agreement had been fully carried out. Now He declared, “Father, I have completed the work of redemption.” “I desire that they also whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am.” John 17:24.3TC 481.7

The voice of God proclaimed that justice was satisfied, that Satan was vanquished. Christ’s toiling, struggling ones on earth were “accepted in the Beloved.” Ephesians 1:6. The Father’s arms encircled His Son, and He gave the word, “Let all the angels of God worship him.” Hebrews 1:6.3TC 481.8

Heaven seemed to overflow with joy and praise. Love had conquered! The lost was found! Heaven rang with voices in lofty tones proclaiming,3TC 481.9

“Blessing and honor and glory and power
Be to Him who sits on the throne,
And to the Lamb, forever and ever!”
Revelation 5:133TC 481.10

From that scene of heavenly joy, there comes back to us on earth the echo of Christ’s words, “I am ascending to My Father and your Father, and to My God and your God.” John 20:17. The family of heaven and the family of earth are one. For us our Lord ascended, and for us He lives! “Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.” Hebrews 7:25.3TC 481.11

“Go ... Teach All Nations”