After Jesus rose from the dead, He ascended into heaven. He is seated at the right hand of God until He will return to the earth to judge the living and the dead. Then there will be a new heaven and a new earth. But in the meantime, how does it help you that Jesus is in heaven?
Jesus prays for us
Firstly, Jesus is in heaven seated at the right hand of God to pray for you: “Christ Jesus is the one who died – more than that, who was raised – who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us” (Romans 8:34). Of course, this promise, like most promises in the Bible, is not for everybody but only for those who trust in Christ. But if you trust in Christ, this is one of the most comforting verses in the Bible. You probably already feel encouraged when a friend says he is praying for you. This verse tells you Jesus is praying for you! Why did Jesus go to heaven? So that He could be really close to the Father to pray for you. What a tremendous good news that is.
Jesus helps us
Secondly, Jesus is in heaven seated at the right hand of God to help us. He is not inactive, but He is actively helping us when we are serving God: “After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, He was taken up into heaven and He sat at the right hand of God. Then the disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them and confirmed His word by the signs that accompanied it” (Mark 16:19-20). You probably already feel encouraged when a friend is helping you with a difficult task. This verse tells you Jesus is helping you! Why did Jesus go to heaven? So that He could be really close to the Father to help you with God’s power. What a tremendous good news that is.
It makes it easier to focus on spiritual things
Thirdly, Jesus is in heaven seated at the right hand of God so that it is easier for us to focus on spiritual things: “Set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God” (Colossians 3:1). We can’t see the things above and therefore often the things of this earth feel more real than the spiritual realm. But we know Jesus. He is a real man, and He is in heaven as a real man. So it is easier for us to picture Jesus than other spiritual realities. And that is okay, for the first thing that Paul says when he tells us set your hearts on things above is: that is where Christ is! So you can do it! Why did Jesus go to heaven? So that it would be easier for you to be focused on heaven. What a tremendous help that is.
It assures us we will reign
Fourthly, Jesus is in heaven seated at the right hand of God so that we will be sure we are on our way to a glorious future in which we will reign with Him. Jesus said to the church in Laodicea: “To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to sit with Me on My throne, just as I was victorious and sat down with My Father on His throne” (Revelation 3:21). Why did Jesus go to heaven? To assure you that just like He got a throne, you will get a throne if you are faithful to Him. What a tremendous encouragement that is.
How does it help me that Jesus is in heaven?
Whenever you are tempted to think it would be wonderful if Jesus would still be on earth, remind yourself of all the blessings you get because Jesus is in heaven. Jesus is in heaven to pray for you. Jesus is in heaven to help you from heaven when you serve God. Jesus is in heaven to help you focus on spiritual things. Jesus is in heaven on his throne to assure you you will get a throne and reign with Him.
Read more about: The ascension of Jesus and Jesus sitting at the right hand of God