Sometime later, Jesus appeared to the disciples again on a mountain in Galilee. Matthew tells us: “when they saw him they worshipped him, but some doubted” (Matthew 28:17). These men had seen the risen Lord, and some of them still had questions. But Jesus did not wait for them to have perfect faith. He had work for them to do:
“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:18–20)
Jesus had three priorities: making disciples, baptising them, and teaching them to live in accordance with His words and example. This commission is not only for the first disciples, but also for all of Jesus’ disciples in every generation. As we pursue His commission, Jesus gives us this promise:
“Behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20)
We might think that the disciples would be devastated by the departure of Jesus, when he ascends back into heaven, but Luke tells us that that they “returned to Jerusalem with great joy” (Luke 24:52). They knew that in heaven, Jesus would speak to the Father on their behalf.
He intercedes for us. Because He is in heaven, you will have all that you need for all that you face in every circumstance of your life (Hebrews 7:25).
When Jesus ascended, an angel appeared to the disciples and said:
“Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.” (Acts 1:11)
When Jesus entered heaven, He opened heaven for us, He is in heaven now; and when He returns, He will take us home (John 14:3).
