When he had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, he lifted up his hands and blessed them. While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven. Then they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. And they stayed continually at the temple, praising God.
Luke 24:50-53
Where is the King?
The ascension of Jesus is key to understanding the Kingdom of God, yet it’s often misunderstood as Jesus simply floating into the sky and leaving the world behind. But the biblical story paints a far richer picture; one of royal enthronement, with Jesus taking His rightful place as King over all creation.
Ascension as Enthronement
The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.
Hebrews 1:3
In ancient times, a king’s enthronement was a significant event, a public declaration of their authority and the start of their reign. The people would witness the moment, understanding it as the king being established in his rightful place of power. This cultural understanding helps us better grasp the significance of Jesus’ ascension. He wasn’t merely leaving the earth. He was being enthroned, stepping into His role as the victorious King who reigns over heaven and earth.
The New Testament repeatedly draws from this royal imagery. Jesus’ ascension is described as His return to the heavenly throne room, where He sits at the right hand of God, the place of ultimate authority and power. Psalm 110:1 captures this moment clearly: “The Lord says to my Lord: ‘Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.’” Quoted often by Jesus and the apostles, this verse reveals Jesus as the victorious King whose reign has begun and continues even now.t
Kingdom Implications
The ascension doesn’t signify Jesus stepping away from His Kingdom; it confirms and establishes His authority. His reign was not postponed but fully inaugurated. This has profound implications for how we understand the Kingdom of God today:
- Empowering the Church: Jesus’ enthronement made way for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost (Acts 2). The Spirit empowers the Church to live out the values of the Kingdom and bear witness to Jesus’ reign, expanding His influence throughout the world.
- The Kingdom Has Been Inaugurated: Jesus’ ministry, death, and resurrection ushered in the Kingdom of God. His ascension marks the formal enthronement of the risen Lord. This moment echoes Daniel 7:13-14, where the Son of Man is presented before the Ancient of Days and given authority, glory, and sovereign power. His reign began then and continues now.
- Jesus Reigns Now: The Kingdom of God is not just a future hope; it is a present reality. Jesus reigns as King now, and His authority extends over all creation. His followers are called to live under that reign today, embodying His justice, mercy, and faithfulness in their daily lives.
- Intercession and Advocacy: Jesus’ ascension means He now serves as our High Priest, continually interceding for His people before the Father (Hebrews 7:25). His reign isn’t cold or distant; He reigns relationally, advocating for us and inviting us to draw near with confidence.
Not “Leaving” but Reigning
He exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, 21 far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. 22 And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.
Ephesians 1:20-23
The common image of Jesus simply rising into the clouds can create a false sense of distance, as if He left creation behind. But the ascension wasn’t about Jesus leaving; it was about His coronation. He is fully present with His people through the Holy Spirit, continuing to reign and work in the world. His Kingdom is already expanding, and His return will one day bring its ultimate fulfillment.
The ascension, then, isn’t about absence but about enthronement. It’s a declaration that Jesus is King now; ruling, interceding, and empowering His people to live as citizens of His Kingdom here and now.
Additional Scriptures and Discussion Questions
- How does viewing Jesus’ ascension as a royal enthronement rather than a departure change your understanding of His role today?
- How does the imagery of Jesus seated at the right hand of God influence your perspective on His authority and power?
- If Jesus’ reign has already begun, how should that shape the way we live as His followers today?
- What does it mean to live as citizens of the Kingdom of God in the present?
- How can the Church today better embody the reign of Christ and expand His Kingdom?
- Where do you see evidence of Jesus actively reigning in your life and community?
- What areas of your life need to come more fully under the authority of King Jesus?
- How can you personally bear witness to the reality of Christ’s Kingdom this week?
Next week’s Topic: Conclusion
To start from the the first post in this series, click here:
Speaking of the Kingdom #1: Intro
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Tanner H Griffin 
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