One proof that Jesus ascended to heaven before the crucifixion event in the Bible

 

Another passage that is often discussed is John 16, where Jesus speaks about his departure. According to this interpretation, Jesus' words suggest that he was about to leave and return to God, and special attention is given to the timing of his statement.

In Mark 14:21, Jesus says:

"The Son of Man goes as it is written of Him..."

This indicates that the Son of Man is about to depart in fulfillment of what had been written concerning him.

Likewise, in John 16:5, Jesus says to his disciples:

"But now I am going to Him who sent Me."

The emphasis in this argument is on the word "now." According to the Gospel narrative, Jesus spoke these words during the Last Supper, approximately 8 to 12 hours before his arrest and crucifixion. Thus, Jesus says:

"But now I am going to Him who sent Me."

From this perspective, the statement is understood to mean that Jesus was speaking of an immediate departure to God. He does not say, "After I die I will go," or "In a few days I will go." Rather, he says, "Now I am going to Him who sent Me."

Those who advance this interpretation argue that the wording suggests an immediate transition to God rather than an event that would occur only after the crucifixion. They contend that Jesus' use of the present expression, "I am going," indicates that his departure had already begun according to God's plan.

On this reading, the passage is understood to describe Jesus' return to the One who sent him—namely, God the Father—rather than serving as a direct description of the crucifixion itself. Therefore, proponents of this view argue that Jesus' words in John 16 should be carefully distinguished from later events in the Passion narrative and interpreted according to their immediate context.