Jesus Goes Up to Heaven

1. Story (based on Luke 24:44-53)

•  Last week we learnt about how Jesus appeared his disciples. What was the name of the disciple who wanted proof that Jesus was alive? (Thomas) And who did Jesus say was more blessed because they believed without seeing? (All of us)
• Over the next 40 days, Jesus met and talked with His disciples and explained many things to them.
• He explained to them about what all the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms were talking about — they were talking about Jesus. Everything that happened to Him — His life, His death and His resurrection — had already been planned by God from the beginning of time.
• As Jesus talked, the disciples’ minds were opened so that they could understand the Scriptures.
  •  Jesus is the Saviour who had to suffer and rise from the dead on the third day
  • Those who put their faith in Him will receive forgiveness of their sins
  • This good news will be preached in Jesus’ name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
  • The disciples are witnesses of these things. They can tell other people about Jesus.
  • But before that, Jesus told his disciples to stay in the city first until they receive the Holy Spirit.
  • Jesus promised to send them His Holy Spirit, which will give them the power to do all that God has called them to do.
• Jesus and His disciples went out to Bethany.
• He lifted up His hands and blessed his disciples. While He was doing so, He was taken up into heaven in front of their eyes.
• The disciples worshipped and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. They stayed in the temple to praise God.

• Jesus opened their minds about the Scriptures
  • The disciples began to see that all Scripture was about Jesus.
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• Jesus had to go so the Holy Spirit could come
  • When Jesus was on earth, He could only be in one place at a time. But when He returns to the Father, His Holy Spirit can come and live in each and every one of us forever.
  • We cannot serve or do anything for God in our own strength. We need the Holy Spirit’s power in our life to do all that God wants us to do.
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• Jesus has gone to the Father, and He will come back for us!
  • The story of The Ascension is one of great joy. It would seem quite sad to have to say goodbye to Jesus so soon, but He does promise to come back for us one day.  
  • We can look forward to Jesus’ coming again with great joy and expectation!

• Related craft with “Jesus will come back again for us one day”
• Worksheets:
  • Wordsearch