Unexpected joy

If there were places on earth that Jesus liked most, we suspect that Bethany was one of them. We know that he had close friends there. It was the location where he raised one of them from the dead. It was the last place he was in before he ascended to heaven. Luke tells us some details of what happened on that occasion (Luke 24:50-53).

First, Jesus blessed his disciples by lifting up his hands. The hands they saw were pierced hands, a reminder to them of the reality of the crucifixion, but also a reminder that blessings only come to his disciples because he went to the cross. His posture was that of a priest, but he was a different kind of priest because he could actually provide the blessing.

Second, he was parted from them and carried up into heaven. What does Luke mean when he says Jesus was carried up into heaven? Is this a reference to angelic activity, a heavenly conveyance to bear him to the throne? It was common for earthly rulers to sit on carriages as they entered places of importance. What would be a suitable vehicle for the King of heaven? Perhaps a clue is given in Acts 1 where Luke says that the disciples could not see Jesus ascending further because of a cloud, maybe something like the shekinah glory that once was in the temple. Did a sample of glory come out of heaven to escort the Conqueror in?

The initial response of the disciples to the One who so left them was to worship him. What they had experienced was further evidence that he was divine, and the only proper response to a divine being is worship. The man who had been walking and talking with them a few minutes before is also the God who would bless them from heaven. 

Although Jesus had left them, the disciples of Jesus were not sad. Usually, a separation does not result in great joy. But it did on this occasion. What the disciples had witnessed happening to Jesus made them the happiest people in the world. The joy they had was the first blessing received from his uplifted hands, a vivid sign that he had reached his rightful place. 

We can share that joy today as we think of Jesus, where he is, and what he is doing.