Why The Ascension is (Still) Worth Celebrating...

Let me ask you a question: 

Have you ever tried throwing a party that no one showed up for?

When I was in full-time ministry, I would hold a special service every year on Ascension Day, 40 days after Easter. And every year, without fail, it fell on a Thursday, and every year, without fail, it was hard to get people to come. 

I’d try everything—reminders, encouragements, a bit of friendly guilt, even—

But most people just didn’t make it.

And to be fair, it’s a Thursday night. I get it. 

But friends, what a shame, because the Ascension of Jesus is huge. 

It’s one of the most powerful, hope-filled events in the entire gospel story.

So today, I want to bring the Ascension front and centre. 

Not just as a historical event, but as a living reality—

One that still shapes our faith, our identity, and our future.

Let me give you five reasons why the Ascension is not just a footnote, but a foundation of our faith.

1. The Ascension Shouts: "It Is Finished!"

Imagine, for a moment, a builder who has just completed a beautiful home. 

After months of digging foundations, laying bricks, installing plumbing, and painting walls—it’s finally done. And as they pack up their tools and walk away, they don’t leave behind a to-do list for someone else. The work is complete.

That’s the Ascension. That moment, when Jesus returned to the Father, 

is the heavenly confirmation that His work on earth is completely done.

Think of the cross as a comma in history. The Ascension is the full stop.

That means there’s nothing left for Jesus to do to save us. 

And here’s the beauty of that: If Jesus has already finished the work, 

Then we don't have to try and earn what He’s already given us. Let that sink in.

You don’t have to strive, perform, or hustle for God's approval. 

You already have it—because of Jesus.

That’s good news for tired souls and weary hearts. 

The Ascension says, “You can rest now. Jesus has got this.”

2. The Ascension Puts Jesus Where He Belongs

But here’s the part I love—He didn’t go up as some glowing, untouchable spirit. 

He went as Jesus. In a human body. With scars in His hands.

He ascended as the same one who walked dirt roads, touched lepers, and made breakfast on a beach after His resurrection.

That’s who rules heaven.

Not a cold king on a golden throne—but the Friend who wept at Lazarus’ tomb. 

The Carpenter who washed feet.

That’s who has the final word over history—and over your life.

So when you pray, you’re not talking to someone who can’t relate. 

You’re talking to the King who still carries the scars of the cross. 

That’s the kind of saviour we have.

3. The Ascension Starts a New Ministry

Years ago, someone I knew was going through a messy divorce and felt crushed. 

One day, he told me, “I don’t even know how to pray anymore. 

I feel like I’ve broken too much.” 

And I reminded him, 'You have someone praying for you already.'

1 John says, “We have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One.”

That means when you mess up—and we all do—Jesus isn’t wagging His finger at you. He’s pleading your case before the Father. 

And His case isn’t based on your achievements; it’s based on His perfect life and love.

So instead of living in fear of letting God down, we get to live in freedom, knowing that our Saviour is for us, not against us.

4. The Ascension Makes Pentecost Possible

You may remember Jesus saying to His disciples, “It’s better for you if I go away, because if I don’t, the Spirit won’t come.” (John 16:7)

That might’ve sounded strange to them at the time—but He meant it. 

Without the Ascension, there is no Pentecost.

Because Jesus ascended, the Holy Spirit descended. 

And that Spirit didn’t just fill one person, in one place—it filled all believers.

That same Spirit lives in you. 

You’re not doing life on your own strength—the Spirit of God empowers you.

So when you feel weak, or stuck, or unsure of what comes next, you can lean into that Spirit. You are not alone.

5. The Ascension Gives Us Access to the Throne of Grace

When I was younger, I got in trouble at school and was sent to the head teacher's office. 

I remember sitting outside that office, sweating buckets. 

The door felt like a wall between me and judgment.

Now contrast that with what Hebrews says:

“Since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven… let us approach God’s throne of grace with confidence.” (Hebrews 4:14,16)

Confidence! Not fear! We’re not sneaking into God’s presence, hoping He’s in a good mood. We’re invited to walk right up—boldly—because of Jesus.

And what do we find when we get there? Mercy. Grace. Help in our time of need.

That’s what the Ascension gives us: a direct line to God, no middleman required —except Jesus, who knows you, loves you, and speaks on your behalf.

So What Does This Mean for Us? Friends, the Ascension is not just a bit of theology for textbooks or church calendars. It’s a living hope for us today.

• Because Jesus ascended, our salvation is secure.

• Because Jesus ascended, our King is reigning.

• Because Jesus ascended, our future is certain.

• Because Jesus ascended, the Spirit is with us.

That’s the hope the Ascension gives us. 

A future that’s certain. A Saviour who’s close. A grace that never runs dry.

Let’s not treat the Ascension like an optional extra on the Christian calendar. 

Let’s bring it front and centre. 

Because the Ascension isn’t just something that happened to Jesus

—It’s a reminder of what’s coming for us.

Risen Lord, You have ascended in glory,Yet You are closer than our breath.High King of Heaven, You reign beyond the clouds,Yet Your Spirit dwells in our hearts.

Lift our eyes to see Your majesty,Lift our hearts to rest in Your grace,Lift our lives to walk in Your way.

Until we rise to meet You,May Your peace go before us,Your love surround us,And Your light guide us home. Amen.