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: 4th-6th Grade (Ages 9-11)
Overview
This Sunday school lesson explores the profound truth of Jesus’ Ascension, where He went to prepare a place for believers (Luke 24:50-53) and promised His disciples He would return (Acts 1:1-11). Students will learn that while Jesus physically left Earth, His presence remains powerful through the Holy Spirit, and His return is a hope worth waiting for. The passage shows the disciples watching Jesus’ departure as He ascended into heaven (Acts 1:9-11), emphasizing that while He is no longer seen in the flesh, His mission isn’t finished, He’s still working in and through them. They’ll also discover that His promise to return is a living, active hope, not just a distant dream, tying into their own experiences of waiting and anticipation. The key verse, Acts 1:11, “This same Jesus, who has been 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
After Jesus rose from the dead, He spent forty days teaching His disciples in Jerusalem. One evening, while they were gathered together in the upper room, Jesus took His disciples aside to show them something special. He said, ‘Stay here in the city until you are clothed with power from on high,’ meaning they needed the Holy Spirit to help them share the good news. Then He led them to the Mount of Olives, a nearby hill, where He sat with them.
As Jesus was walking away, His disciples watched in amazement. One of them, Peter, asked, ‘Lord, is it really at this time you are going to be taken away?’ Jesus smiled gently and said, ‘You will all be scattered, and I will not be able to pray with you for a little while. But after I am taken up to heaven, I will send you what my Father promised.’ Then He led them to a place where they could see Him clearly.
When Jesus had finished His teaching, He took them to a place called the Mount of Olives, where He sat down with them. He lifted His hands to heaven and blessed them. Peter, James, and John, who were close friends, asked, ‘Lord, will You really be taken away?’ Jesus replied, ‘You will see Me doing something amazing before you know it! For I will be lifted up on a cross, but three days later I will rise again.’ The disciples looked at each other, confused, but Jesus’ words gave them hope.
Then Jesus took them by the hands and said, ‘I will not let you leave here without the Holy Spirit.’ He led them to a small room near the city walls, where He gathered them together. As they looked up, they saw two men dressed in shining white robes standing beside them. They asked, ‘Why are you looking into the sky when Jesus is taken away from you?’ The disciples didn’t understand at first, but the men told them, ‘This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen Him go into heaven.’ They were filled with fear but also with joy as they remembered Jesus’ words.
That same evening, as the disciples were gathered in the upper room, Jesus appeared to them in a bright, glowing form. He ate with them, just as He had before, and said, ‘Do not be afraid. I am here with you always.’ Then He lifted His hands again, and as they watched, He was lifted up into the sky and disappeared from their sight. The disciples fell to their knees, praying, ‘Lord, will You really come back?’ But the angels assured them, ‘It is true. Wait for His promise.’ As they watched, the angels ascended into heaven, leaving the disciples in awe.
Activities
Ascension Art Project
Supplies: Paper (large construction paper or poster board), Crayons, markers, or colored pencils, Glue sticks, Stickers or printed images of angels, clouds, or crosses (optional), Scissors (for older children)
- Step 1: Divide the paper into three sections: the ground (Jesus’ feet on earth), the sky (clouds), and the heavens (top space).
- Step 2: Have children draw Jesus’ body ascending (use a long oval or a figure with arms raised). Include a cross near the ground level.
- Step 3: Draw or glue on angels, clouds, and a swirling effect to represent Jesus’ ascension into heaven.
- Step 4: Label key parts: ‘Jesus Ascending,’ ‘Cross,’ and ‘Promised Return.’
Promise Jar Craft
Supplies: Clear plastic jar or container, Small slips of paper, Markers or pens, Stickers or ribbons (optional for decoration)
- Step 1: Explain that Jesus’ promise to return is like a ‘promise jar’, we store hope in it.
- Step 2: Have children write down a promise they hold onto (e.g., ‘I will learn to pray better,’ ‘I will share God’s love with my friends’).
- Step 3: Fill the jar with these notes and seal it. Talk about how Jesus’ return gives us confidence to live faithfully.
Discussion Questions
- Q1: What do you think it felt like for the disciples when Jesus left and ascended into heaven? How do you think they felt about His promise to return?
- Q2: Why do you think Jesus went to heaven first? What does that tell us about His love for us?
- Q3: If Jesus is coming back again someday, what are some things you’re excited about because of that?
- Q4: How can we be ready for Jesus’ return, just like the disciples were when He left?
- Q5: Who can share this promise of Jesus’ return with someone else? How can we spread hope together?
Prayer Focus
Pray for the courage to wait on God’s timing, thank Him for His promise to return, and ask Him to help Christians in the Middle East (Israel, Palestine, Jordan) remain strong in their faith despite challenges. Ask for wisdom to live faithfully until Jesus comes again.
Missions Spotlight
In the Middle East, where Jesus physically ascended from the Mount of Olives, believers face intense pressure. Pray for Christians in Israel, Palestine, and Jordan who live in the very land where Jesus walked, died, rose, and ascended. Ask God to protect them, strengthen them, and remind them of His promises, even in hard times.
To the Cross
Jesus’ death on the cross and His resurrection prove He loves us enough to save us from sin. Because of this, we have a home in heaven waiting for us, and we can trust that He will return one day to claim us!
Family Take-Home
Jesus left earth after His resurrection and ascended to heaven, but He promised to return! His promise gives us hope and excitement to live faithfully until He comes again. The disciples were filled with joy because of His love for them, and we can too, no matter what life brings.