As I was reading John 1 this morning, one verse captured my attention in a profound way.
“I tell you the truth, you will all see heaven open and the angels of God going up and down on the Son of Man, the One who is the stairway between heaven and earth.”
—John 1:51 (NLT)
What a breathtaking statement from Jesus. The imagery is rich and deeply symbolic. If it sounds familiar, it’s because it echoes a scene from Genesis 28, where Jacob has a dream of a ladder reaching from earth to heaven, with angels ascending and descending on it. Jacob wakes up and declares, “Surely the Lord is in this place, and I was not aware of it.”
But here in John 1, Jesus doesn’t just refer to the ladder—He is the ladder. He is saying, “I am the connection. I am the bridge. I am the stairway between heaven and earth.”
Heaven Opened
In a world filled with division—between nations, races, political camps, even within families—Jesus stands as the divine connector. He opens the heavens to us. Not just one day when we die, but right now. Because of Jesus, the veil is torn. Heaven is no longer a far-off dream; it’s a present reality accessible through Him.
Jesus is the One who brings God to us and brings us to God.
Angels Going Up and Down
Why does this matter? Because it reminds us that there is ongoing activity between heaven and earth. God isn’t distant. His messengers are active. His presence is near. His power is at work. And it all flows through Jesus.
In your ordinary day—while making coffee, driving to work, playing with your kids, or going for a walk —Jesus is the stairway. You are never far from God’s presence.
The Son of Man
It’s striking that Jesus refers to Himself here as the “Son of Man.” It’s a humble title, but also a messianic one. He is fully human and fully divine. He knows our struggles. He walks in our shoes. And yet He opens the heavens to us.
This verse is more than poetry. It’s an invitation.
What It Means for You
- You are not alone. Heaven is open over your life because of Jesus.
- You have access. You don’t need to climb up to reach God—He has come down to you.
- You are part of a greater story. The activity of heaven surrounds your life more than you realize.
When you pray, worship, or simply call on Jesus’ name—you are standing at the foot of the divine stairway. You’re connected to the very throne of God.
May that truth give you hope, boldness, and peace today.
Reflection Question:
Where in your life do you need to remember that heaven is open because of Jesus?
