The Ascension — Jesus Goes to Prepare a Place
Scripture: Luke 24:50-53, Acts 1:1-11
Theme: Jesus went to heaven but promised to come back
Age Group: 1st-3rd Grade (Ages 6-8)
Overview
Lesson Overview This Sunday school lesson explores the exciting and hopeful story of Jesus’ Ascension, when He left His disciples on the Mount of Olives, rose up into heaven, and sat at God’s right hand (Luke 24:50, 53). After His resurrection, Jesus gave His followers a promise: He wasn’t leaving them alone forever. Instead, He promised to return someday, just like He left (Acts 1:1, 11). The lesson helps kids understand that while Jesus went to prepare a special place for them in heaven, He also promised to come back one day to welcome them home. Through simple stories and questions, children will learn that God’s love never ends, and Jesus is always watching over them, even when He’s not with them in person. Key Verse Explanation The verse Acts 1:11 is like a big, encouraging hu Optional reflection: children can draw a picture of Jesus helping their friends, then share one way they can help someone else this week. This extra activity supports the lesson’s theme and gives teachers a simple, lowprep option for extending the discussion.
Bible Story
One bright Easter morning, after the women had gone to the tomb to anoint Jesus’ body, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome ran back to tell the disciples, ‘The stone has been rolled away! Jesus is not here!’ But Peter and the other men were already outside the city of Jerusalem, walking and talking. Suddenly, Jesus stood right in front of them, with a bright light shining around Him. His clothes glowed like gold, no one could hide His presence. Peter, startled, said, ‘It’s really You, Lord!’ and fell to his knees. The others were so amazed they couldn’t speak.
Jesus smiled and said, ‘Don’t be afraid! You’ve been looking for Me in the wrong place. My body isn’t here, but My presence is with you.’ Then He sat down with them at a meal, gave them bread and fish, and said, ‘This is My body, broken for you. Drink from this cup, for it is My blood.’ The disciples were overjoyed and ate with Him that day. Jesus knew they needed to believe He was alive and would return to them soon.
After the meal, Jesus took the disciples to the Mount of Olives, where He explained, ‘This will happen when I am taken up to heaven. You will see Me lifted up there in the clouds, and then I will come back just like that!’ The disciples watched as Jesus was lifted up into the sky, a cloud wrapped Him away. Just as He disappeared, two bright angels stood beside them, wearing white robes. One angel said, ‘Why are you looking up so sadly? This Jesus will return the same way He went, into heaven!’
The disciples were filled with fear and wonder. They ran back to Jerusalem, where the eleven men and the women waited. As they gathered, the Lord Jesus appeared to them and said, ‘I will not leave you as orphans. I will come to you in a little while!’ Then He opened their hearts to understand all that was written about Himself in the Scriptures. While they watched, He was taken up into heaven, and they saw Him ascend in a cloud. As He disappeared, the angels said, ‘This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen Him go!’
Activities
Jesus’ Ascension Story Craft
Supplies: Paper plates or cardboard, Markers/crayons, Stickers (clouds, angels, etc.), Glue sticks, Scissors (adult-assisted), Printed images of Jesus’ ascension or a drawing guide
- Step 1: Draw a simple cloud or ladder at the top of the plate/cardboard. Ask children what they think represents Jesus’ journey up to heaven.
- Step 2: Let them color and decorate with Jesus’ figure (draw or print a small image) and add angels or other elements. Discuss: ‘Jesus didn’t stay in heaven, He promised to come back!’
Cloud Observation & Promise Chart
Supplies: White paper or chart paper, Markers/crayons, Stickers (optional)
- Step 1: Discuss: ‘Clouds look fluffy and high, just like Jesus went up to heaven. What does He promise us?’
- Step 2: Children draw clouds and fill in a promise from Luke 24:50-53 or Acts 1:11 (e.g., ‘Jesus will return!’).
Discussion Questions
- Q1: Where do you think Jesus went after He left the disciples? How can we know He’s really gone to heaven? (Hint: Look at Acts 1:9-11!)
- Q2: Why did Jesus have to go to heaven? How does His going help us? (Remind them of John 14:2: ‘I go to prepare a place for you.’)
- Q3: What promises does Jesus make in Luke 24:50-53? How can we wait for His return with hope?
- Q4: If Jesus promises to come back, what should we do while we wait? (Share: ‘Be ready, share God’s love, and trust in Him!’)
- Q5: How can we help others remember Jesus’ promises? (Acts 1:8: ‘You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you!’)
Prayer Focus
Thank God for Jesus’ sacrifice and promise to return. Ask Him to help us stay hopeful and ready to meet Him again, especially for families facing hardship in the Middle East (Israel/Palestine/Jordan). Ask for His strength to share His love and His promises with others.
Missions Spotlight
In the Middle East, where Jesus walked and ascended, believers face challenges. Pray for Christians who live in places where Jesus’ promises are hard to understand, help them trust Him and share His love with others.
To the Cross
Jesus’ death and resurrection made heaven possible! The cross proves God loves us so much that He sent Jesus to die for us. Because of this, we have a home in heaven waiting for us, just like Jesus promised!
Family Take-Home
Jesus went to heaven after His resurrection, but He promised to come back! His death on the cross gives us a home there. While we wait, we can trust Him, share His love, and stay hopeful like the disciples did.