The Jesus Story: Ascended

A 5-Day Devotional from Acts 1:1–11

Day 1 – The King on the Throne

Summary

Jesus did not simply disappear after the resurrection—He ascended to the Father and now reigns as King. The ascension reminds us that Christ is alive, exalted, and ruling over all things.

Read

Acts 1:9–11
Hebrews 1:3
Philippians 2:9–11

Background

After forty days of appearing to His disciples, teaching them, and preparing them, Jesus ascended visibly into heaven. This was not an ending but an enthronement.

The One who humbled Himself in incarnation and crucifixion now takes His rightful place at the Father’s right hand.

Key Words

Ascension – Jesus’ bodily return to heaven after His resurrection.

Exaltation – Christ being lifted to supreme honor and authority.

Reign – Christ’s active rule as Lord and King.

Theological Truths

1. Jesus is reigning right now over heaven and earth.
2. The ascension completes Christ’s work of humiliation and begins His exalted reign.
3. No power, government, or circumstance is above King Jesus.

John Calvin wrote:
“Christ ascended into heaven that He might govern all things.”

Questions for Reflection

1. How often do you think of Jesus as reigning right now?(MULTILINE)
2. What current fear or burden becomes smaller when viewed under Christ’s kingship?(MULTILINE)
3. How does Christ’s authority strengthen your trust in difficult times?(MULTILINE)
4. Who needs hope from knowing Jesus is still on the throne?(MULTILINE)
5. How can worship become more central in your relationship with God this week?(MULTILINE)

Application

Take five minutes today to praise Jesus specifically as your reigning King.

Day 2 – Jesus Is Still Serving You

Summary

Though ascended in glory, Jesus has not stopped caring for His people. He intercedes for us and stands as our advocate before the Father.

Read

Romans 8:34
1 John 2:1–2
Hebrews 7:25

Background

Many people imagine Jesus as distant in heaven, but Scripture says the opposite. Christ is actively ministering for believers.

He intercedes for us, meaning He represents us before the Father, and He advocates for us when we sin.

Key Words

Intercession – Christ praying and representing believers before the Father.

Advocate – One who stands in defense of another.

Grace – God’s undeserved favor toward sinners.

Theological Truths

1. Jesus continues His ministry for believers even now.
2. Our standing with God rests on Christ’s righteousness, not our performance.
3. Believers can run to Jesus after failure, not away from Him.

Charles Spurgeon wrote:
“When we pray, Christ pleads.”

Questions for Reflection

1. What difference does it make that Jesus is interceding for you today?(MULTILINE)
2. How do you usually respond when you fail spiritually—hide or run to Christ?(MULTILINE)
3. What guilt do you need to bring before your Advocate?(MULTILINE)
4. How can confidence in grace deepen your prayer life?(MULTILINE)
5. Who around you needs encouragement that failure is not final in Christ?(MULTILINE)

Application

Confess any lingering sin to God today and thank Jesus that He stands as your Advocate.

Day 3 – Christ in You

Summary

Jesus ascended so He could send the Holy Spirit. The only thing better than Christ with His disciples was Christ in His disciples.

Read

John 16:7
John 14:16–17, 26
Galatians 2:20

Background

Jesus told the disciples it was for their benefit that He go away. Once ascended, He would send the Holy Spirit to dwell in believers.

The Spirit teaches, guides, convicts, comforts, and empowers Christians to live for Christ.

Key Words

Holy Spirit – The third Person of the Trinity who indwells believers.

Indwelling – The Spirit living within every true believer.

Counselor – One who helps, teaches, and guides.

Theological Truths

1. Every believer is indwelt by the Holy Spirit.
2. The Christian life cannot be lived in human strength alone.
3. God’s presence is now personal and permanent in His people.

R.C. Sproul wrote:
“The Holy Spirit is not a force to use, but God Himself dwelling with us.”

Questions for Reflection

1. Do you think of the Holy Spirit as active in your daily life?(MULTILINE)
2. Where do you most need the Spirit’s help right now—guidance, strength, wisdom, boldness?(MULTILINE)
3. How can dependence on the Spirit change your daily routines?(MULTILINE)
4. What habits help you listen to God through Scripture and prayer?(MULTILINE)
5. Who might God empower you to encourage or witness to this week?(MULTILINE)

Application

Before beginning your day tomorrow, pray: “Holy Spirit, lead me, strengthen me, and glorify Christ through me.”

Day 4 – Power for the Mission

Summary

Jesus did not leave His followers idle. He empowered them by the Spirit to be His witnesses to the ends of the earth.

Read

Acts 1:8
Matthew 28:18–20
Romans 1:16

Background

The disciples wanted to know about future timelines and kingdom restoration. Jesus redirected them to present obedience.

Their task was not date-setting but witness-bearing.

Key Words

Witness – Someone who tells what they know about Jesus.

Mission – God’s plan to save people from every nation.

Empowerment – Strength given by the Spirit for God’s purposes.

Theological Truths

1. The church exists to bear witness to Jesus.
2. The Holy Spirit empowers ordinary believers for extraordinary mission.
3. Speculation about the future must not replace obedience in the present.

John Stott wrote:
“The Spirit was given not for our enjoyment only, but for our employment.”

Questions for Reflection

1. Are you more focused on spiritual curiosity or spiritual obedience?(MULTILINE)
2. How has God uniquely positioned you to be a witness?(MULTILINE)
3. Who in your life needs the gospel right now?(MULTILINE)
4. What fear keeps you from speaking about Jesus?(MULTILINE)
5. How can you participate in disciple-making this week?(MULTILINE)

Application

Choose one person to pray for daily and one intentional gospel conversation to pursue this month.

Day 5 – Ready for His Return

Summary

Jesus is coming again at an unknown time. Until then, believers are called to live faithfully, urgently, and fruitfully.

Read

Acts 1:10–11
Matthew 24:36
Matthew 24:14
Matthew 25:14–30

Background

As the disciples stared into heaven, angels reminded them that Jesus would return. The church now lives between ascension and second coming.

This season is not passive waiting—it is active faithfulness.

Key Words

Return – The future visible coming of Christ.

Faithfulness – Steady obedience over time.

Multiplication – Using what God has entrusted to expand His kingdom purposes.

Theological Truths

1. Jesus will return personally and visibly.
2. No one knows the timing except the Father.
3. God expects His people to steward their lives for kingdom fruitfulness.

Martin Luther wrote:
“Live as though Christ died yesterday, rose today, and is coming tomorrow.”

Questions for Reflection

1. If Jesus returned soon, what would you want to change in your life?(MULTILINE)
2. Are you living with urgency or spiritual drift?(MULTILINE)
3. What gifts, opportunities, or influence has God entrusted to you?(MULTILINE)
4. How can you multiply those resources for God’s kingdom?(MULTILINE)
5. Who could be impacted if you lived more intentionally on mission?(MULTILINE)

Application

Identify one talent, opportunity, or relationship God has given you—and use it this week for kingdom impact.