The Authority of the Ascended Christ
"Hereafter shall the Son of man sit on the right hand of the power of God." - Luke 22:69

In the quiet of the garden and the turmoil of the trial that was to follow, Jesus stood before the high priests and the multitude, firmly declaring who He was and the grandeur of His purpose. In Luke 22:69, we read in the King James Version, **"Hereafter shall the Son of man sit on the right hand of the power of God.”** This declaration not only affirms His identity as the Messiah but also proclaims the culmination of His redemptive work and His sovereign authority.
To understand the weight of this statement, we must delve into the significance of sitting at the right hand of God. Throughout Scripture, the right hand signifies a position of honor, authority, and power. In ancient cultures, including the Judaic society of Jesus’ time, the right hand was associated with a person’s closest ally or their most powerful advocate. To sit at the right hand means to share in governance and to wield great influence in the affairs of the realm.
Jesus often referred to Himself as the “Son of man,” emphasizing His humanity and His relational identity with us. Here, He draws upon the profound prophecies of Daniel 7:13-14 that foretold of the Son of man coming with the clouds of heaven and presented before the Ancient of Days, receiving authority and dominion over all peoples and nations. By stating that He would sit at the right hand of the power of God, Jesus asserts that He is that promised figure—ascended and exalted.
This statement also has eschatological implications. When Jesus speaks of the 'hereafter,' He is not merely offering a glimpse into a distant future but is promising a reality that begins with His resurrection and ascension. His power was demonstrated in His victory over death, a victory that was sealed three days after the crucifixion. The event of the ascension, where He physically departs from the earth and returns to the heavenly realms to sit at the right hand of God, represents not an end but a new beginning for all believers. The resurrection equipped the disciples with hope and unveiled the promise of the Holy Spirit to empower them for the mission ahead.
For you and I, Jesus’ ascension means that we serve a King who is alive and actively engaged in the affairs of our lives. **Hebrews 12:2** declares, **"Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”** This assurance allows us to approach Him in our struggles, knowing that He reigns with authority and power. Our prayers rise to a King who intercedes for us (Romans 8:34) and who understands our suffering (Hebrews 4:15).
Furthermore, as believers, we are called to emulate this relationship with Christ. Ephesians 2:6 reminds us that we are seated with Christ in heavenly places. This profound truth elevates our understanding of our identity and purpose. We are not merely passersby in this life; we are ambassadors of Christ’s kingdom, representatives of His authority and grace.
In times of uncertainty, chaos, or doubt, let us remember the words of Jesus in Luke 22:69. The Son of man sits at the right hand of the power of God, signifying that He holds ultimate authority over all circumstances. Our hope is anchored in His unwavering dominion, and we are called to trust in His power and sovereignty, even in the darkest of times.
Let us take comfort in knowing that the ascended Christ governs our lives, equips us for the challenges we face, and hears our prayers as we continually look forward to His righteous reign. As we ponder this truth, we are reminded of our privilege to invite others into the knowledge of His power and grace, heralding the good news of the Kingdom where our God reigns supreme.
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Luke 22:69 - "Hereafter shall the Son of man sit on the right hand of the power of God."
"Hereafter shall the Son of man sit on the right hand of the power of God." - Luke 22:69
Luke 1:69 - "And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David;"
Psalms 69:22 - "Let their table become a snare before them: and that which should have been for their welfare, let it become a trap."
"And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David;" - Luke 1:69
"Let their table become a snare before them: and that which should have been for their welfare, let it become a trap." - Psalms 69:22
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Luke 22:5 - "And they were glad, and covenanted to give him money."
Luke 22:28 - "Ye are they which have continued with me in my temptations."
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Luke 22:63 - "¶ And the men that held Jesus mocked him, and smote him."
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Luke 22:21 - "¶ But, behold, the hand of him that betrayeth me is with me on the table."
Luke 22:43 - "And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him."
Luke 22:3 - "¶ Then entered Satan into Judas surnamed Iscariot, being of the number of the twelve."
Luke 22:57 - "And he denied him, saying, Woman, I know him not."
Luke 22:7 - "¶ Then came the day of unleavened bread, when the passover must be killed."
Luke 21:22 - "For these be the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled."
Luke 22:9 - "And they said unto him, Where wilt thou that we prepare?"
Luke 22:24 - "¶ And there was also a strife among them, which of them should be accounted the greatest."
Luke 22:14 - "And when the hour was come, he sat down, and the twelve apostles with him."