"Then 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 ESV)
J.C Ryle writes the following:
"We cannot for a moment doubt that there was a meaning in this circumstance. It was intended to remind the disciples of all that Jesus had brought with Him when He came into the world. It was intended to assure them of what He would yet do, after He left the world.
He came on earth to bless and not to curse, and blessing He departed.
He came in love and not in anger, and in love He went away.
He came not as a condemning judge, but as a compassionate Friend, and as a friend he returned to His Father. He had been a Saviour full of blessings to His flock while He had been with them. He would be a Saviour full of blessings to them even after He was taken away.
Forever let our souls lean on the gracious heart of Christ, if we know anything of true religion. We shall never find a heart more tender, more loving, more patient, more compassionate, and more kind."
