The Vegan Ascension of Jesus Christ. By Dr. Chapman Chen

Today is the Ascension Day of Jesus the Vegan Christ.

Mary Magdalene was the first person to whom Jesus Christ appeared after His resurrection (John 20:11–18). She had remained faithful to Him throughout His ministry, crucifixion, burial, and resurrection. Her devotion was unmatched—even the male disciples fled, but she stayed.

Before His crucifixion, Jesus had already instructed His disciples: “But after I am risen again, I will go before you into Galilee” (Matthew 26:32; cf. Matthew 28:7,10). After His resurrection, He met them in Galilee, fulfilling that promise. This was the first and last collective meeting of Jesus and His disciples on the mountain in Galilee, traditionally associated with the Great Commission:

“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations…” (Matthew 28:16–20).

This renders post-resurrection fishing episodes in Jerusalem or Galilee—such as Jesus allegedly eating broiled fish or helping His disciples catch fish (Luke 24:42–43; John 21:9–13)—highly dubious or symbolic at best, especially from a vegan theological perspective.

Immediately before His ascension, Jesus commanded:

“Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15, KJV).

The Greek word translated as “creature” is κτίσις (ktisis), which, according to Strong’s Concordance (G2937), refers to “creation,” “creature,” or “the created order.” This shows that Jesus's concern extended beyond humans—encompassing all sentient beings, affirming His divine care for the entire creation.

Mary Magdalene must have been present at the Ascension, even though she is not explicitly named in Acts 1:9–11 or Luke 24:50–53. Given her unwavering commitment, it is improbable she would leave Jesus' side at this pivotal moment. After all, she had followed Jesus from Galilee to Jerusalem (cf. Luke 8:2–3; Matthew 27:55–56), witnessed His crucifixion (John 19:25), prepared His burial (Mark 16:1), and was the first to behold the risen Christ (John 20:16–18). Magdalene must have also fought side by side with Jesus in His liberation of sacrificial animals from the Temple (which cost Him His life), for without His close followers’ help, He would have been destroyed by the high priests and their underlings on the spot.

According to the Gospel of Mary (Gospel of Mary Magdalene, discovered in the 5th-century Coptic Codex) and the Gospel of Philip (part of the Nag Hammadi library), Mary Magdalene is described as Jesus’s most beloved disciple, His close companion, and the one who received secret teachings. The Gospel of Mary even depicts Peter's jealousy and resistance to her authority.

In contrast, the institutional patriarchal church later sought to diminish Mary’s role. Pope Gregory I ("the Great") in 591 CE delivered a homily conflating Mary Magdalene with the unnamed repentant prostitute in Luke 7:36–50, a claim with no biblical basis. This slanderous conflation persisted for centuries, clouding her true status as apostle to the apostles.

The final parting between Jesus and Mary Magdalene on the mountain in Galilee must have been emotionally intense. Their spiritual and prophetic bond transcended flesh and time. Yet, in the divine realm, we trust that they were reunited, in the fullness of the Kingdom of God.

Full Text: https://www.vegantheology.net/post/the-vegan-ascension-of-jesus-christ-by-dr-chapman-chen