And that’s exactly what happened on the Day of Pentecost, ten days after Jesus’ ascension. Jesus had told his disciples that it was good for him to go away because only then would he send them another Helper, the Spirit of truth ( John 16:7-16). The ascended and enthroned Christ pours out his Spirit on the church. 'And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold two men stood by them in white apparel, who also said, 'Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.'' The Importance of Jesus' Ascensionġ. It always falls on the fortieth day from Easter and, since Easter always falls on a Sunday, Ascension Day always falls on a Thursday it is frequently called 'Holy Thursday.' Traditions of Ascension Dayīecause the date of Easter varies from year to year, the celebration of the Ascension moves with it. 'Now when he had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up and a cloud received Him out of their sight.' ( Acts 1:4-9, New King James Version). But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and to the end of the earth. Therefore, when they had come together, they asked Him saying, 'Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?'Īnd He said to them, 'It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority. Jesus' Ascension in Scriptureįorty days after He rose from the grave, Jesus ascended into heaven. This year, Ascension Day will be on Thursday, May 18, 2023. 'No one has ascended into heaven except He who descended from heaven, the Son of Man.' ~ John 3:13 Ascension Day 2023 Ascension Day is generally observed on a Thursday, the fortieth day after Easter. This feast day is one of the ecumenical feasts of Christian churches, along with the celebrations of the Passion, Easter, and Pentecost. The Christian holiday of Ascension Day, also known as the Feast of the Ascension, celebrates when Jesus ascended to heaven.

Ascension meaning