Jesus came to this earth about two thousand years ago, lived to the age of about 33, died on the cross, was raised from the dead and then, after forty days, He returned to heaven (Luke 24:50-51). And to this day, Jesus is still in heaven. There are a lot of verses in the Bible which teach us this.
At the right hand of God
Paul tells us in Romans 8:34, that Jesus is at the right hand of God. Jesus being seated at the right hand of God means that He has the highest place of honor possible. The letter of Ephesians states that Jesus was raised from the dead by God, then seated at the right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and that God put all things under his feet (Ephesians 1:21-23). Reading these verses, there is no doubt at all about where Jesus is and whether or not He is in charge.
In the book of Acts, an episode is recorded where Jesus is actually seen being at the right hand of God. When Stephen, one of the seven men who were chosen to help look after the church, was stoned, he saw Jesus standing at the right hand of God (Acts 7:55).
Even though He is not physically present on the earth anymore, the Lord Jesus is still intensely interested in the welfare of his followers. He saw the suffering of Stephen and comforted him at the moment Stephen was in great physical pain.
Why did Jesus go to heaven?
Why did Jesus go to heaven? In John 16 He explains that it is to the church’s advantage if He goes, so the Holy Spirit can come. Jesus promises He will send the Helper, and this Helper will convict the world of sin, judgment and righteousness; He will teach and guide and help the church to understand the truth (John 16:7-9). Jesus went to heaven so He could prepare a place for every person who believes in Him (John 14:2-3). When we die, believing in the name of Jesus Christ, we are sure that we will be received in heaven, and that a place has been prepared for us by our Savior.
Jesus went to heaven to continue with His ministry as a Mediator between God and people. Romans 8:34 teaches us that He is interceding for us. “Who is to condemn? 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.” With Christ on your side, there is nothing to fear: He died for sins, conquered death, and He was lifted up to the place of greatest honor and speaks on your behalf in the presence of God. Thank God that Jesus is at the best possible place He can be and that He sent the Holy Spirit to guide you and transform you, and keep you safe until the day you will join Jesus in heaven and see Him face to face.