The last time humans saw Jesus, “He was received up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God” (Mark 16:19; cf. Hebrews 10:12).  This might lead some
to believe He is simply sitting, waiting for the time to come back and take us to heaven.
Preachers concentrate on what Jesus did in the past—His incarnation, life, teachings, death, resurrection—and emphasize His future return from heaven. However, the New Testament includes a surprising amount of material that describes Jesus’ current work. Hebrews 9:23–28 focuses on Jesus’ three appearing:

• Jesus has appeared once for all at the end of the ages “to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself” (9:26).

• Jesus now appears in God’s presence for us (9:24).

• He will appear a second time to those on earth (9:28).

Jesus ascended with responsibilities He did not have when He descended. His ministry has three aspects:

Prophet, Priest, and King (Hebrews 1:1–3). At His first coming He functioned as a Prophet, representing God to the people. He is that great Prophet whom Moses foretold, the Jews expected, and all men needed (Deuteronomy 18:15; John 1:24–25, 45; 6:14).

Presently, He functions as our High Priest, representing His people to God. He reigns as King over His kingdom, the church. Of the kingly office, Jesus said,

“All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth” (Matthew 28:18). At His second coming He will reign as King forever.