Thought for Ascension Day

Today is the celebration of the day Jesus ascended into the sky and disappeared from his disciples sight. Here is a question for you to ponder:

If Jesus primarily came to be an example to us,
why didn't he stay with us and continue to be an example?

The answer is that Jesus did not come primarily to be our example, but instead to be our substitute. He took our place on the cross. He then promised that the Holy Spirit would come to guide His followers "into all truth".

"However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide
you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority,
but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you
things to come. He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is
Mine and declare it to you. All things that the Father has are
Mine. Therefore I said that He will take of Mine and declare it
to you. A little while, and you will not see Me; and again a
little while, and you will see Me, because I go to the Father."
-- John 16:13-16

The Holy Spirit guides us into the truth that Jesus was our substitute. He confirms in us a faith that trusts that Jesus has done all that was needed to pay for our transgressions.

Even the disciples of Jesus needed to be guided into truth. Just prior to Jesus' ascension, they asked Him:
"Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?" -- Acts 1:6. They were still quite confused. However, the Holy Spirit came to them, inspired them to write down the books of the New Testament and now the Holy Spirit works through the written word of the Bible to bring us into all truth.