Ascension Day: what, why and how do people celebrate?
Have you ever lost a friend or family member? When you think back on their life, which moments do you cherish most deeply? For many people, the memories that remain most vivid are the final moments shared together—the last conversation, a last touch or advice, or simply their quiet presence. Often, it is these precious memories that return to us most clearly when we remember someone we love.
Ascension Day of Jesus
Imagine you are standing on a hill outside Jerusalem. You're still overwhelmed by everything that has happened in recent days—Jesus' death, the shock of the empty tomb, and then the overwhelming joy and confusion of seeing him alive again. You do not fully understand what is happening when it begins, but suddenly Jesus is taken from your sight. Your eyes are searching the place where he was just a moment before.
In the account found in Acts 1, Jesus' disciples watch as Jesus is taken from their sight. This event on Ascension Day is shaped by love, memory, and uncertainty about what comes next.
The ascension of Jesus was the disciples' last moment with their precious friend. The last time they saw him before Jesus returned to heaven. For many Christians all over the world, Ascension Day reminds them of this wonderful historical moment.
What Happened Just Before Ascension Day?
Jesus and his friends have gone through a lot. They have been traveling throughout Israel for three years together. The friends have seen Jesus preach, perform miracles and heal the sick. They were present when Jesus was received like a king in Jerusalem, on Palm Sunday. They listened to him speak fervently about justice and forgiveness.
On Maundy Thursday, they ate the Last Supper together. Horrified, they watched as Jesus was arrested, tortured, and condemned, even though he was completely innocent. They witnessed Jesus' gruesome death on the cross on Good Friday and got the surprise of their lives when they found out he had risen from the dead three days later.
What is Ascension Day?
After Jesus was raised from the dead, we learn that he spent 40 days with his followers, talking to them and helping them understand what happened and why it mattered. He promised them his Holy Spirit. In the book of Acts we read about Ascension Day:
After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight.
As they stood there staring two angels came and said to them:
Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.
Want to learn more about Ascension Day?
Read the Bible: Curious about the whole story? The Ascension is described twice in the Bible, by the same writer Luke (Luke 24:50-53 and Acts 1:6-11). Click here if you want to know more about the Bible.
Start a Reading Plan: Through the Bible app YouVersion you can follow a free Reading Plan about Ascension. In 11 days you will discover more about the meaning and background of Ascension. Or follow our Reading Plan about the Book of Acts.
Watch a movie: in the LUMO series about Acts you can find the Ascension Day scene from the book of Acts. Or check out the movie The Life of Jesus. This film takes you through all the highs and lows of Jesus' life.
Meaning of Ascension Day
You may be wondering: 'So why is Ascension Day so important to Christians?'
Ascension Day is important to Christians because it marks the transition between the ministry of Jesus and the beginning of the church’s mission in the world. In the story of the Ascension, Jesus departs from his disciples, but promises that they will not be left alone. Through the Holy Spirit, his presence continues in a new way within the community of believers. The Ascension also marks the moment when the disciples are called to carry forward Jesus’ message of hope, love, and reconciliation. Rather than being simply a farewell, Ascension Day is understood as a beginning—one that invites Christians to live faithfully, courageously, and with trust in God’s continuing presence.
Did Ascension Day really happen?
Let's face it. The Ascension of Jesus is a pretty wild story after all: Jesus disappearing into the clouds, returning to heaven. There is no physical evidence that this happened, only witness accounts. Maybe they were making it up? There is historical evidence that most of Jesus followers were killed for what they believed about Jesus. If it was a lie, would they really die for it?
Then there is the indisputable reality that Christianity is alive a growing today! It has endured every kind for persecution, and scrutiny for thousands of years. It continues to thrive and transform lives, a testimony to the truth of Jesus.
What happens after Ascension Day?
Jesus had promised not to leave them alone, so trusting Jesus' words they locked themselves in a room and prayed together. They waited. They had to wait 10 days.
Then the Holy Spirit descended and filled all the believers! Just as Jesus had promised. They were not left alone, as orphans.
Do you have doubts about whether Jesus existed at all? There's actually no need to. Read how (non-Christian) historians confirm the existence of Jesus here.
What Date is Ascension Day?
Ascension is celebrated on a Thursday each year, exactly 40 days after Easter and 10 days before Pentecost. In the coming years, Ascension will be celebrated on 6 May in 2027, and May 25th in 2028.
