How many ascensions of Jesus are there, and when did they happen?
Scripture indicates two ascensions: the first occurred early Sunday morning after the resurrection, before Jesus appeared to the disciples, when He told Mary not to touch Him because He had not yet ascended to the Father. The second ascension happened from the Mount of Olives in Acts chapter 1, as the disciples watched Him go.
Les teaches that the first ascension is recorded in John 20:17, early Sunday morning after the resurrection. Mary wanted to hug Him, but He said 'Touch me not, for I am not yet ascended to my Father.' This was before He later invited Thomas to touch His hands and side. The second ascension occurred in Acts chapter 1, when He left from the Mount of Olives as the disciples watched Him go. Hebrews chapter 9, verse 11, provides the complete record of what took place early that Sunday morning, both in time and eternity, as Jesus left the confines of this earth.
Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.