by Debbie Wicker BCCC
We are continuing our journey through the major events of the Bible, and now we arrive at one of the most powerful moments in Scripture: Jesus’ ascension back to heaven.
Jesus’ time on earth as both fully man and fully God had come to its completion. Through His life, teachings, death, and resurrection, He showed humanity everything we need to live with purpose, peace, and hope while preparing for His return.
Jesus Accomplished His Mission
Jesus came to earth for us.
He came to save us from sin through His death and resurrection, but He also came to teach us how to live according to the will of God the Father. During His public ministry, Jesus showed us what it truly means to live as God intended — with love, humility, faith, compassion, and obedience.
The first four books of the New Testament — Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John — beautifully document His life and teachings. Through these writings, Jesus continues to speak to all of us today in a deeply personal and life-changing way.
Much emphasis is rightly placed on Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection because they opened the door for our salvation. But His teachings are also infinitely valuable. They guide us toward the life God desires for us both now and forever.
Jesus Begins the Countdown to His Return
After His resurrection, Jesus ascended into heaven. But His ascension was not the end of the story.
One day, Jesus will return to Jerusalem. We do not know the exact time, but Scripture makes it clear that we must be ready by following Him now.
Jesus will not return as a helpless baby born in a manger. He will return as Lord, King, and Judge over all creation.
“The revelation from Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants what must soon take place… Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near.”
— Revelation 1:1–3
And later in Revelation:
“Look, he is coming with the clouds,”
and “every eye will see him,
even those who pierced him”;
and all peoples on earth
Jesus Tells Us Everything We Need to Know
Jesus lived on the earth for 33 years to show humanity the truth about God and the path to eternal life. Through His words and actions, He revealed everything we truly need to know.
Now the choice is ours.
We must respond to Him. We must believe in His death and resurrection so that we can be restored to a relationship with God both now and forever.
The message of Jesus is simple, yet life-changing: turn toward Him, trust Him, and follow Him.
Jesus transforms lives. But we must be willing to seek Him and surrender to Him. Transformation begins when we open our hearts to His presence and accept Him as Lord.
Jesus Transformed My Life
There is a deeply personal reason why my faith in Jesus is so strong.
When I was nine years old, something happened that completely changed my life. A friend’s mother gave me a Bible and told me about Jesus. At the time, I did not fully understand what she meant, and I did not think much about it afterward.
But during that season of my childhood, life at home was very difficult. My mother was physically abusive toward me and my siblings, and fear was a constant part of daily life.
One day, while my mother was beating my older sister in the bedroom we shared, I became overwhelmed with fear. In that terrifying moment, something extraordinary happened.
I saw Jesus.
He appeared before me as clearly and as real as anyone standing in the room. He reached out toward me, and His presence immediately filled me with peace. The fear that had consumed me suddenly disappeared.
I will never forget that moment.
From that day forward, I felt guided by Him. Through every challenge in my life, I have continued to feel His presence, His comfort, and His love.
Not Everyone Experiences Jesus the Same Way
I rarely share this story because I understand that many people may struggle to believe it. I also know that not everyone experiences Jesus in such a dramatic or visible way.
Some people may even wonder why God would reveal Himself so powerfully to one person and not another.
I do not know why Jesus chose to reveal Himself to me in that moment. What I do know is that I desperately needed Him, and He was there.
While many people may never experience a vision like mine, countless believers experience Jesus through answered prayers, inner peace, transformed lives, Scripture, worship, and quiet moments of guidance and comfort.
Jesus reaches people in many different ways.
When Jesus Ascends Reminds Me That Jesus Is Still With Us
When I think about Jesus ascending into heaven, I often remember the moment I saw Him as a child.
I picture Him returning to heaven in glory, yet still remaining close to us — watching over us, guiding us, and helping us when we call on Him.
His ascension did not mean abandonment. It marked the beginning of His eternal reign and the promise that He will one day return again.
My Prayer for You
I share this story with the hope that it encourages you to turn toward Jesus and invite Him fully into your life.
Jesus came to earth for you. He taught for you. He suffered for you. He died for you. And He rose again for you.
He is alive today, and He is still changing lives.
No matter where you are in life or what you have experienced, Jesus is waiting for you to seek Him. When you do, He will meet you with love, grace, forgiveness, and truth.
And one day, the same Jesus who ascended into heaven will return again in glory.
About the Author
Debbie Wicker is a Board Certified Christian Counselor who brings a thoughtful mental health perspective to the study of the Bible. With more than 15 years of counseling experience, Debbie helps individuals understand Scripture not only spiritually, but emotionally and psychologically as well.
Before entering counseling, Debbie was a partner in a Big 8 public accounting firm, where she built a successful career in management consulting. After a mid-life career change, she felt called to integrate faith and mental health — equipping others to grow spiritually while addressing real-life struggles with wisdom and compassion.
Through the-Bible.net, Debbie writes to help readers better understand God’s Word, human nature, and the transforming power of Christ.