Salvation involves both the coming of Christ into the world and His going back to heaven. Morris notes that “Christ’s heavenly origin is important, else He could not be the Saviour of men. But His heavenly destination is also important, for it witnesses to the Father’s seal on the Son’s saving work.” In this verse Jesus mentions His origin with the Father, His stay on earth, and His coming departure to return to heaven, all of which were voluntary.

Jesus is the only man who has ever chosen to be born. He could have remained in heaven but chose to become part of that which He created so He could accomplish His Father’s will. In the upper room when He took off His outer garments, wrapped a towel around Himself and washed the feet of those who followed and served Him, He was painting a picture of His incarnation. He Who was Lord and God took off His Deity and His position and became a servant of those over whom He was King.

He also voluntarily gave His life for us. He didn’t have to die, but He chose to do so. He is the One Who gave up His spirit; it wasn’t taken from Him (Luke 23:46). He was Master of giving up His life and He was Master of being resurrected from the dead (John 10:17-18). Everything He did for us, He did of His own free will.

Luke 23:46  Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” When he had said this, he breathed his last.

John 10:17-18  The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life— only to take it up again.  No-one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father.”

Christ was also the Lord over His ascension into heaven. “There was no need for Elijah’s chariot of fire. There was no need for a whirlwind to sweep a mortal to the sky. There was no need for any external vehicle or agency whatsoever. No angels bore Him up upon their wings. . . . He ascended by His own inherent power.” (Maclaren)

Jesus is now in heaven exactly where He was before he came to earth. The place is the same but He isn’t. He left as God the Son and returned as God the Son Who has taken on manhood. He has chosen to take our nature so that we can be His brothers and sisters. Our Brother has now been given the throne in heaven with all of its power and fortune. Because Joseph had power and wealth in Egypt due to his elevated position, his whole family were well cared for, even in the face of a devastating drought. How much more do you think that we will be cared for by our Brother Who is Lord of lords and King of kings?

Also note that before Jesus came to earth and then ascended back to the Father, heaven was an unknown and therefore perhaps a scary place for us, but now that our Brother is there ahead of us and is fixing up a place for us, what was fear has now turned into joy and anticipation. He is waiting there for us with open arms.