I am returning (Dan Wells)

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“I am returning to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.” (John 20:17)

Today is Ascension Day, a day where we focus on Jesus’ return to the Father before the giving of the Spirit at Pentecost. Ascension Day doesn’t quite get top billing in the church calendar like Christmas or Easter, but it is an important part of the story of God’s purposes.

When Jesus appears to Mary Magdalene on Easter Sunday, he tells her not to hold on to him (John 20:17). That’s not because he was a ghost – she could certainly have touched him – but because she wanted to hold on to him and not let him go. Jesus knew it was necessary for him to return to the Father. And he tells her to let the other disciples know “I am returning to my Father and your Father…”

Jesus’ death, resurrection and ascension allows his Father to be our Father. Jesus has made it possible for our relationship with the Father to be the same as his. That’s a mind-blowing and amazing truth to contemplate. If you have some time, you might want to read through John’s Gospel and see what Jesus says about his relationship with the Father. Then consider how that is now true of us and the Father. Here are a few examples:

  • The Father loves the Son and shows him all he does (John 5:20)
  • My Father… is the one who glorifies me (John 8:54)
  • I and the Father are one. (John 10:30)

Jesus ascends to connect us to the Father. He ascends to prepare a place for us with the Father. He ascends so that he will return and bring us to the Father.

Heavenly Father, thank you that we can know you as our Father. Thank you that Jesus sits with you as our friend and brother. We long for him to return and bring us to you. Come, Lord Jesus. Amen.

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