Luke 24:50-51 NIV
When he had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, he lifted up his hands and blessed them. While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven.
Other Bible Translations
Luke 24:50-51 KJV
And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them. And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven.
Luke 24:50-51 ESV
And he led them out as far as Bethany, and lifting up his hands he blessed them. While he blessed them, he parted from them and was carried up into heaven.
Luke 24:50-51 NKJV
And He led them out as far as Bethany, and He lifted up His hands and blessed them. Now it came to pass, while He blessed them, that He was parted from them and carried up into heaven.
Luke 24:50-51 NLT
Then he led them out as far as Bethany, and, lifting up his hands, he blessed them. While he was blessing them, he withdrew from them and was carried up into heaven.
Luke 24:50-51 NRSV
He led them out as far as Bethany, and he lifted up his hands and blessed them. While he blessed them, he withdrew from them and was carried up into heaven.
Luke 24:50-51 WEB
And He led them out as far as Bethany, and He lifted up His hands and blessed them. While He was blessing them, He parted from them and was carried up into heaven.
Luke 24:50-51 NASB
Then he led them out as far as Bethany, and lifting up his hands he blessed them. While he was blessing them, he departed from them and was taken up to heaven.
Luke 24:50-51 NCB
Then he led them out as far as Bethany, and lifting up his hands he blessed them. 51 While he was blessing them, he departed from them and was taken up to heaven.
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Luke 24:50-51 Commentary
After living on earth for about 33 years, Jesus’ mission was complete. He had fulfilled the purpose for which He came to reveal the Father, to teach about the Kingdom of God, to heal the broken, and ultimately, to give His life as a ransom for many. Now, it was time for Him to return home and take His rightful place at the right hand of the Father.
Throughout His ministry, Jesus constantly showed care and compassion for people. He didn’t just perform miracles, He restored dignity. He didn’t just teach, He nurtured. He called people not only to repentance, but into relationship with the Father. He longed for everyone to know of His Father’s house, and He invited all to “seek first the kingdom of God.”
Even after His resurrection, Jesus didn’t leave His followers confused or abandoned. He appeared to them, encouraged them, and walked with them. And when the time came for Him to leave, He did it in the most tender and caring way possible, He led them out personally, to a quiet place near Bethany.
Now imagine if Jesus had simply vanished without a word, never explaining where He went, leaving His followers to wonder.
In Ghanaian history, there’s a figure known as Okomfo Anokye, a powerful and deeply respected traditional priest and spiritual leader. He was one of the founding figures of the Ashanti Kingdom and is credited with performing many wonders, including calling down the Golden Stool, which symbolises the soul of the Ashanti people. Okomfo Anokye was revered for his wisdom and miraculous acts.
One day, according to legend, he announced he was going to retrieve the “keys to death” but he never returned. No one knows where he went, how he left, or whether he will ever come back. His story ends in mystery, leaving questions and speculation.
But Jesus’ story is different.
Jesus didn’t leave in silence or secrecy. He ascended openly, in the presence of His disciples. They saw Him go. They heard His final blessing. They received His promise that He would return. And perhaps most importantly, He didn’t just leave, He left with His hands raised in blessing.
Take a moment to reflect on that: Jesus’ final act before leaving this earth was not a sermon, not a miracle, not a sign, it was a blessing. As He ascended into heaven, His hands were still outstretched over His followers. That image captures His heart: a Saviour who loves His people deeply, who blesses even as He departs, and who promises to return.
This was no ordinary farewell. It was the loving departure of a Shepherd who never stops caring for His flock.
