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Jesus Returned to Heaven

Bible Passage: Matthew 28; Acts 1

Kids Church: November 29, 2020

Volume 9: Jesus the Savior. Unit 27: Out of the Grave. Session 4 of 4

Leading Parent, please read below for an overview of today's lesson (drop down) ----->>

Jesus Returned to Heaven

The disciples were devastated that Jesus had died. They believed that Jesus was the Messiah, but they had abandoned Him and Jesus was killed. How After Jesus’ death and resurrection, He appeared to His disciples over a 40-day period. At one point, He appeared to more than 500 people. During that time, Jesus taught about the kingdom of God. Some of them wondered if Jesus was finally going to overthrow the Roman government and set up His kingdom on earth.

Jesus had a different plan for the disciples. He directed the Eleven to go to a mountain, where He appeared to them again. They worshiped Him, but some still doubted. (Matt. 28:17) On the mountain, Jesus gave His disciples the Great Commission. He commanded His disciples to go into the world and preach the gospel, the good news about Him.

The Great Commission is not just for missionaries far from home. All believers are called to share the gospel with others, teach them to obey God’s commands, and baptize them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Jesus finished His commission with a profound promise: “And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matt. 28:20).

Jesus told the disciples to remain in Jerusalem until they received the Father’s promise—the Holy Spirit. Those who repented of their sins and trusted in Jesus’ death and resurrection would be baptized by the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit would give them power to live holy lives and take the gospel to the ends of the earth. After Jesus told the disciples these things, Jesus was taken up into the sky—right in front of their eyes!

Christ Connection: Jesus is alive in heaven, waiting to return for His people. Jesus told the disciples He was going to prepare a place for them, and when we die, we will be with the Lord. (John 14:1-3) In the meantime, Jesus has not left us alone. Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to be with us and help us do God’s work. One day, Jesus will return to make all things new and to rule as Lord over all.

Opening Prayer for Kids Church Worship

Dad (or Mom) lead your family

Praise God for His attributes: holiness, greatness, grace, love, mercy, etc.
Thank God for His goodness, provision, forgiveness, etc.
Ask God for His Holy Spirit to prepare our hearts, minds, and spirits to worship God and learn the lesson He has for us today.
God, we are here to worship, adore, and exalt You. Speak and teach us through Your Word. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

You may ask all the kids to take turn to pray as well.

Pledges - recite out loud together

Right hand to your heart

Bible raised high in the air

Praise & Worship singing to God together

Leader - Ask the Big Picture Question

Everyone reply with the Big Picture Answer

Everyone memorize the Scripture verses CSB version

NIV

Leader: The Bible reminds us that we don’t know the day or time Jesus is returning to earth. It could be next year, next month, or even tomorrow. That’s why it’s so important we share the truth of this key passage with as many people as we can so they might trust in Jesus before His return. let's all sing “Live (John 11:25).”

Everyone sing the Scripture song CSB version

Everyone open your Bible and read aloud Romans 10:14-15

Leader: I am so thankful God sent someone to me to share His good news. He loved me so much He wanted me to know Him. The same is true for you. And He has someone with whom He needs you to share this good news. Let’s praise Him for how He works in our lives to bring us to Himself. Let’s sing together “Jesus, Our Savior.”

Praise & Prayer Time

Share praises from this past week of what you see God's been doing in your lives.
Confess and repent of our sins. Pray to God for His holiness and purity in our lives.
Ask God to forgive us, and ask the Holy Spirit to help us in self-control.
Share prayer requests with each other. Pray for each other.
Ask God to give wisdom for parents, school teachers and kids for virtual learning to manage time, technology, and meals for this semester.
Ask God for protection for those back to school and work physically from the COVID-19 virus.
Let's pray that God's justice will prevail for the office of the presidency during this unprecedented time of ballot counting.
Jesus, thank You for the forgiveness of our sins and the gift of eternal life through Your death and resurrection. Strengthen us by the Holy Spirit so we can share this amazing gift with others. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Bible Lesson Time

Leader - Read the main story point below

Watch the Bible Story video

Apply the Bible Lesson

Distribute Bibles, and guide kids to open their Bibles to Acts 1. Explain that the Book of Acts was written by a doctor named Luke, who also wrote the Gospel of Luke.

Choose volunteers to read aloud Acts 1:8.

LEADER SAY • Where did Jesus say the disciples were to go? [As kids respond, point out Jerusalem, Judea, and Samaria on the Israel in the Time of Jesus Map. Point out the “end of the earth” by showing the areas around the Mediterranean Sea.]

Jesus gave His disciples the Great Commission. He knew they needed a plan. Jesus said to start in Jerusalem and then spread out to Judea, then to Samaria, and then to the end of the earth. Jesus calls everyone who follows Him to share the good news of the gospel in their city, nation, and around the world.

Ask the following questions. Lead your family to discuss:

(Take your time to ask, let the kids to ponder and answer the following questions)

1. What is the Great Commission? (drop down for answer) ----->>

Lead kids to recognize that Jesus is in heaven, and He is going to come back someday. While we wait for Him, we have a special mission. Jesus wants us to help more people follow Him. The Great Commission is Jesus’ command that His disciples go out and preach the gospel to all people.

(Option: Choose a volunteer to read 2 Pet. 3:9.)

2. Why is obeying the Great Commission so important? (drop down for answer) ----->>

Help kids recognize that because of the obedience of believers before us, we can know and respond to the gospel. Jesus wants us to tell others about Him too. Encourage kids to obey Jesus’ Great Commission.

(Option: Choose a volunteer to read Rom. 10:14.)

3. How does the Great Commission apply to us? (drop down for answer) ----->>

Emphasize that the Great Commission wasn’t just for Jesus’ disciples. It is a command for everyone who believes in Him! Everyone needs to hear this good news. God calls some people to travel to faraway places to share the gospel, and sometimes He calls people to stay where they are and share the gospel with their neighbors. God wants believers to share the gospel with everyone in the whole world.

(Option: Choose a volunteer to read Rom. 1:16.)

Sing the "Go!" Response Song below

Closing Prayer - Leader

Praise and thanksgiving to God that His Son was born to save and redeem us.
Protection from the COVID-19.
Productive at home this week.
For others who are sick or lost of job.
Wisdom for government officials and President Trump and VP Pence.
Wisdom for Governor Greg Abbott of Texas.
Wisdom for church leaders about ministering online, and reopening of church gatherings.

Enjoy a Jesus' Ascension Moments!

It's in Chinese!! 它是中文!!

Enjoy a Powerful Musical Moment! ~The Thorn~

The musical is told from the Apostle John's perspective while he was in his old age in exile on the island of Patmos. John is rather humorous and engaging with the audience. But a word of caution: The crucifixion of Jesus Christ is "semi-gory" and might be disturbing to younger kids, K and under. Parental preview is advised (starts at 1:19:09). But then again, the crucifixion is real and Christ died to pay the death we all deserve.... As we're going through this unit in Kids Church, I pray you will take those many spiritual, Gospel moments that God provides to teach, and lead your child(ren) to salvation in Jesus Christ.

From the Production: A livestream of the 2020 Thorn production. This video was shot at one of our final dress rehearsals before the tour was cancelled. Though it's not DVD-quality audio or edits, we wanted to share the power of Jesus' love as told through this amazing cast & crew. Happy Easter! He is Risen. (special thanks to Matt Doyon for his help in getting this footage shot and posted!)

Enjoy a full motion picture of Jesus for the whole family!

"The Story of Jesus for Children" provides a solution to the challenge of teaching children the truth about God and His Son, Jesus. This film uses 40 minutes of the original "JESUS" film (1979), most watched film of all time in history and integrates into the drama, 22 minutes of new footage involving six children who might have lived during the time of Christ. Told from a child's point of view, this film provides an overview of Christ's life and ministry.

Children enjoy this captivating retelling of the true story of Jesus from a child's perspective. If you want to reach a child with the message of Jesus in a compelling, understandable, and exciting way, "The Story of Jesus for Children" is the tool you've been looking for!

To download this movie for free in English and other languages, go to www.jesusfilmmedia.org.

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