6 Reasons I’m Glad Jesus Left

Jesus lived. Jesus died. Jesus rose. Jesus left for heaven.

I grew up hearing all about the first three acts of this story and what they mean for Christ, the redeemed, and the lost.

But his ascension is important, too!

And although it didn’t take place until 40 days after the resurrection, verses like John 13:1 make it clear that Jesus’ return to the Father is just as much a part of this story:

“Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.”

Here are six reasons I’m glad Jesus returned to the Father:

1. We can go home, too.

Jesus tells his disciples a little later that he’s going to prepare a place for them in his Father’s house. Because Jesus returned to the Father, I can say with Paul that “to live is Christ, and to die is gain”—when I depart, I will be with Jesus.

2. Jesus mediates for us to God.

It’s phenomenal: Jesus, the God-man, advocates for me before the holy and righteous God. He knows what it’s like to be human (Hebrews 4:14–16), but he’s not just asking God to give me a break. Jesus was broken, and because of his perfect sacrifice, he sustains our right relationship with God (Hebrews 9:15).

3. Jesus says we should rejoice.

Jesus is pretty straightforward about this one: “If you loved Me, you would have rejoiced because I go to the Father.” This alone is reason to be glad.

4. We get the Holy Spirit.

Jesus plainly states that he must leave in order to send the Holy Spirit (John 16:7). The Spirit teaches and convicts and comforts us—I’m glad he’s here.

5. We have the inspired Gospels.

Jesus promises his disciples that the Holy Spirit will teach them and remind them of all that he said (John 14:25–26). And that’s good for us, because the disciples were able to give accurate accounts of events they didn’t understand while they were happening (Matthew 15:15–17; 16:9; Mark 6:52; 9:32; John 12:16).

6. My king is where he belongs.

Jesus, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, has taken his seat in glory at the Father’s right hand (Hebrews 1:3). He obeyed, and at his name every knee will bow, and every tongue will confess that he is Lord (Philippians 2:9–11).

Jesus lived. Jesus died. Jesus rose. Jesus reigns forevermore. Amen.