Even though Jesus returned to heaven, He is still the King who still leads. Luke tells us where Jesus ascended and that He blessed the disciples as He left. Luke 24: 50 Then Jesus led them to Bethany, and lifting his hands to heaven, he blessed them. 51 While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up to heaven [1]
The Gospel of Mark adds another detail. Mark 16: 19 When the Lord Jesus had finished talking with them, he was taken up into heaven and sat down in the place of honor at God’s right hand.[2] Jesus receives honor because He was willing to suffer and die for us so that we, as believers, can receive a restored life here on earth and forever in heaven.
Jesus as High Priest
A priest acts as a mediator between humans and God. Jesus, as God and man, is the ideal priest and intercedes for us as He sits on His throne. Hebrews 4: 14 So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. 15 This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. 16 So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. [3]
It is significant that Mark’s account states that Jesus sat down in honor. In the Old Testament, the priests were not allowed to sit because their work was never done. In contrast, Jesus completed His work.
Hebrew 10: 11 Under the old covenant, the priest stands and ministers before the altar day after day, offering the same sacrifices again and again, which can never take away sins. 12 But our High Priest offered himself to God as a single sacrifice for sins, good for all time. Then he sat down in the place of honor at God’s right hand. 13 There he waits until his enemies are humbled and made a footstool under his feet. 14 For by that one offering he forever made perfect those who are being made holy. [4]
Jesus as King
In His ascension, Jesus physically left this earth, and the disciples would no longer be able to walk and talk with Him like they had during His ministry. But Jesus still rules with authority from heaven because He is worthy. Revelation 5: 12 And they (angels) sang in a mighty chorus: “Worthy is the Lamb who was slaughtered—to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessing.” [5]
The work He accomplished on earth gives Jesus the authority to rule, and He is the King who still leads. Ephesians 1: 21 Now he is far above any ruler or authority or power or leader or anything else—not only in this world but also in the world to come. 22 God has put all things under the authority of Christ and has made him head over all things for the benefit of the church. 23 And the church is his body; it is made full and complete by Christ, who fills all things everywhere with himself.[6]
To learn more, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/ascension-jesus-and-the-disciples-in-transition
[1-6] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.