Jesus' Ascension

In ACTS 1:9-12, the Bible teaches that Jesus ascended into heaven after His resurrection. That event is celebrated on Ascension Day, which is usually a Thursday 40 days after Easter. The Feast of the Ascension is celebrated throughout Christianity and is considered an ecumenical (uniting) feast, along with Pentecost and the Passion. 

Most don't understand why Jesus waited 40 days before ascending into heaven. Here's why:

• His ministry started with a 40-day fast.

• His ministry ended with a 40-day fast.

• A 40-day fast is spiritual purification.

• After the 40-day period all righteousness was completed.

That's why Jesus told Mary, "Don't touch me. I have not yet ascended to My Father." John 20:17. He had to maintain purity. But He allowed doubting Thomas to touch Him, so he'd believe. Jesus also sent the Holy Spirit down upon His disciples 10 days after He ascended (the day of Pentecost)! In Luke 24:42-43, It states the disciples gave Jesus a piece of fish and honeycomb and He did eat the same day He rose from the dead. That was done to prove He wasn't a spirit but flesh and bones. However, there's no record that He ate anything after that.