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\u201cFather, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world\u201d (John 17:24).

When the Heidelberg Catechism discusses the ascension of Jesus (which the church celebrates today) it begins with this question, \u201cHow does Christ's ascension to heaven benefit us?\u201d In a court of law, this might be ruled a leading question and not permitted. The authors of the Catechism meant it as a leading question. They wanted their students to understand that Christ\u2019s ascension is not merely a topic for theologians to debate, nor is it simply the conclusion of Jesus earthly life.

The church has come to understand that Jesus\u2019 return to heaven has significant pay off for Christians. On Tuesday, we considered Jesus\u2019 intercessor ministry on behalf of us sinners. Today, a second benefit. Just before his arrest and crucifixion, Jesus prayed for himself, for his first disciples and then for all who will believe in him. Our text comes from that part of the prayer.

Let us assume that what Jesus said in his prayer would actually come about. The implication is that when Christians die, they go to be with Jesus. This is corroborated by Jesus\u2019 reassurance to the penitent criminal on the cross, \u201cToday you will be with me in paradise\u201d (Luke 23:43) and by Paul\u2019s statement that when Jesus returns, he will bring with him all who have died in him (1 Thessalonians 4:14).

Death is frightening. It is the great unknown. It is the end of life as we know it. All are hopes and dreams die with us. Those we leave behind will shed their tears. I have conducted several funerals (before COVID) which hardly anyone attended. They were as sad as those with a large gathering. When I was a child, my parents attended a funeral of a neighbour. I remember vividly my mom\u2019s summary of the event, \u201cThey had no hope.\u201d

Christians are people who have hope. We may have many questions about what exactly life will be like after death, such as, how can we live without a body? The Bible largely leaves our questions unanswered. But there is one thing God wants us to know: when we die, we will be with Jesus in heaven. Jesus went ahead of us. He will take us home.

He identified with us in our humiliation, therefore He will take us to be with himself in his glory. When we find ourselves afraid of death, Jesus invites us to see himself in human flesh, sitting at God\u2019s right hand. He went before us, we will follow. Whatever questions we might have, they will become inconsequential because we will be with Jesus. All will be well.

The ascension marked the completion and success of Jesus\u2019 earthly mission. During this mission, his glory was veiled. At his ascension, he was welcomed into glory by God the Father and God the Father declared Jesus Christ the King of the universe. The one who was dead is now alive; more than that, he is King, and he is human. Because the Father welcomed this Human home, we can be assured that he will welcome us as well.

If death frightens you, then Jesus invites you to lift up your chin and see him, the human who was dead, now alive and seated on the throne of glory and power. Death could not hold him; therefore, it cannot hold anyone who believes in him. Satan would have you forget this. The Holy Spirit reminds us and helps us believe it is true.