In the Life of Christ
“And he led them out as far as Bethany, and lifting up his hands he blessed them. While he blessed them, he parted from them and was carried up into heaven.” —Luke 24:50–51
Goodbyes have a way of fixing certain details in our memories. We remember a face at the window, a final embrace, or words spoken as someone walked away. When I read Luke’s account of Jesus’ ascension, I find myself lingering over the detail he wants us to remember: Jesus lifted His hands and blessed His disciples. Their final view of Him was filled with reassurance. These men, who had misunderstood His teaching and scattered when He was arrested, stood beneath the blessing of their risen Lord. Jesus departed with His hands raised in blessing over people who still had much to learn.
This departure had been woven into the story long before the disciples understood it. At the transfiguration, Moses and Elijah spoke with Jesus about His “departure,” which He would accomplish at Jerusalem (Luke 9:31). The Greek word is exodos, recalling the great deliverance associated with Israel’s departure from Egypt. Here it points toward Jesus’ saving departure through His death, resurrection, and return to the Father. Later, Luke tells us that Jesus set His face toward Jerusalem as the time approached for Him to be taken up (Luke 9:51). He walked that road deliberately, carrying forward the Father’s purpose through suffering into glory.
Luke’s Gospel gives us a brief account of the ascension; Acts supplies further detail, including the forty days of resurrection appearances and the promise of the Spirit’s power. Together, these accounts show that Jesus prepared His followers for a new stage of discipleship. They would bear witness to Him without seeing Him walking beside them. They would depend upon His promises and the Holy Spirit’s presence. David Guzik makes the point plainly: “They could not do the work Jesus had called them to do” without power from above. Their commission required dependence before it required activity.
Those lifted hands also recall a priestly blessing. In Leviticus 9:22, Aaron raises his hands toward the people and blesses them. Luke’s description invites us to recognize the fitting gesture of Jesus, whom Hebrews identifies as our Great High Priest. Earlier in this same resurrection chapter, Jesus had shown His disciples His hands and feet to assure them that He was truly alive (Luke 24:39–40). Now those hands were lifted over them in blessing. I find deep comfort in that connection. The Savior who suffered for His people continues to care for them. His ascension brings Him into heavenly glory without diminishing His love.
We should receive that blessing according to the life Jesus actually promised. These disciples would encounter opposition, imprisonment, and suffering. His blessing would sustain them through costly obedience. Matthew Henry places their experience within God’s larger saving purpose: “for in him all the families of the earth were to be blessed.” The grace they received would reach others through their witness. They were blessed as people entrusted with good news for the world. Christ’s blessing gives us courage to remain faithful when obedience carries us into difficult places.
Then Luke records something remarkable: they returned to Jerusalem with great joy. We might expect sorrow to dominate a departure, but worship fills this one. They had seen the risen Jesus, heard His promises, and watched Him ascend. Their Lord was alive and exalted. Hebrews 7:25 helps us understand the continuing comfort of that truth: “He always lives to make intercession for them.” When I feel inadequate for the responsibilities before me, I need to remember that Jesus’ care has not become a memory. The One who calls me to serve also receives my prayers and sustains my faith.
Luke 24:50–53 presents the ascension as a departure accompanied by blessing, worship, and joy. Today, bring one unfinished responsibility or troubling uncertainty before the risen Lord. Ask for the Spirit’s help, then take the next faithful step beneath the care of Christ.
Perhaps you could explore passages like this with two or more friends in a study group of your own. Through our Intentional Community Experience ministry, I welcome questions and can offer support by email as you study Scripture together and encourage one another in faith.
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