WELCOME TO WEEK 4

We may have hard tasks in front of us that we know we have to complete, but we may feel as though we are not strong enough to handle it on our own. Maybe you have a difficult test coming up or you’ve had to say goodbye to a loved one. We may not feel strong enough to get through those things alone, but Jesus said he has not left us alone. This week we will see how Jesus encouraged the disciples before he returned to heaven and assured them they were not alone.

JMatthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:3-11; Acts 4:5-12

BIBLE STORY

We all need help sometimes to do the things we have a hard time completing on our own. We can get help from a person or we may need a tool that will help us get the job done faster. Listen to the following scenarios and decide what tool or person can help.

-Going on a hike and you get lost. What can help you? (A map)

-You can’t figure out how to do your math homework. What can help you? (A teacher, book)

-You dog is not behaving himself even though you are trying to train him. What can help you? (A dog trainer)

-You don’t know how to make your favorite dessert for your guest. What can help you? (A recipe)

-You are climbing a mountain and get tired along the way. What can help you? (A snack, water, and rest)

-Your garden is not growing and you don’t know what you are doing wrong. What can help you? (A gardener or gardening book)

-You are sad over the death of a loved one. What can help you? (God)

Read or listen to the scripture Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:3-11;

In Matthew 28: 18-20 what task did Jesus give the disciples to do? (Preach to all nations, teaching and baptizing them in his name)

What did Jesus tell the disciples to wait in Jerusalem for? (For the gift of the Holy Spirit)

Jesus said John baptized with water but now what would they be baptized with? (The holy Spirit)
Where did Jesus said they would be his witnesses? (Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.)

Where did the disciples watch Jesus go? (He was taken up before their eyes)

Where were the disciples still looking for Jesus to return? (Into the sky)

What did the two men in white tell the disciples? (The same Jesus who was taken into heaven, will come back in the same way you saw him go into heaven)

BIBLE STORY ACTIVITY

Jesus returned to heaven in a cloud and left the disciples behind but he gave them a purpose and a helper. Jesus did not want the disciples to feel alone or discouraged by the big task in front of them. Although they no longer had Jesus with them, they had power through the Holy Spirit. They would accomplish more with the strength of the Holy Spirit than what they could do alone. We also have been given the power of the Holy Spirit. We can spread the gospel of Jesus with the strength of the Holy Spirit.

Activity

Complete the following activity sheet. Choose which object is stronger than the other.

Materials: printed animal comparison sheet or device for viewing

Alternate

Jesus commanded the disciples to teach others his ways. He told them to teach others to obey all that Jesus had commanded. We can be disciples when we teach others Jesus’ commands as well. Think about something you know how to do, or a truth you’ve learned from the Bible. Practice teaching each other things by giving a demonstration of how to do something, or read a verse and tell what you learned from it. Have each person participate and demonstrate or teach something they know.

Independent activity:

When Jesus returned to heaven, the Bible says that the disciples were standing watching and Jesus was covered by a cloud on his way to heaven. Then two men dressed in white spoke to the disciples telling them Jesus would return in the same way he left. Draw a picture of the scene of Jesus being taken to heaven. Add as many details as you are able to your picture.

Materials: drawing paper, crayons, pencil

ARTS & CAFTS

CRAFT 1

Create the scene of Jesus ascending to heaven using construction paper. Use a sheet of white construction paper, add a strip of green paper to the bottom to create the grass and blue above it to cover the rest of the page as the sky. Draw a picture of Jesus in the sky and the disciples on the ground. Then use white cotton balls to create clouds that partly cover Jesus in the air. Decorate the rest of the page as desired.

Materials: construction paper colors: white, green, blue; cotton balls

Craft 2

Coloring page

Materials: printed coloring sheet, crayons

Who is the strongest person you know?

Who gives you strength?

What makes you strong?

How does Jesus give you strength?

What are some things you need Jesus to give you strength for?

Practical Application at Home

Peter and John were able to heal the man at the temple because they had the strength of the Holy Spirit. It was not their own power and strength that allowed them to do these things but the Spirit of God. Think of the following scenarios and decide how the Holy Spirit can help you in these situations be stronger than you can be on your own.

-sharing the gospel with a friend

-Praying over your food in public

-Showing kindness to someone who is being mistreated by others.

-Returning extra money to the cashier who gave you more than the correct change

-Introducing yourself to someone new to welcome them to the group

-being kind to the opposing team when you are losing and they are rubbing it in your face

-Telling the truth to your parents even if you know you could get into trouble.

-Working in a food bank or food kitchen

-Helping clean up a disaster area after a natural disaster.

-Obeying your parents even when its the opposite of what you want to do.

Additional Resources

Outings to Reinforce Lesson

Donate to a local food shelter or toy drive this Christmas season. As a family, volunteer together or pick out toys you think another child your age might enjoy.