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: PreK-K (Ages 3-5)
Overview
This Sunday school lesson helps little ones understand that Jesus didn’t stay away forever, He went to heaven to prepare a special place for them and all believers, just like He promised! After His resurrection, the disciples watched as Jesus lifted His hands to the sky and was taken up in a bright, shining cloud (Luke 24:50-51). Even though Jesus left them, He gave them a big promise: one day, He would come back to earth the same way He left (Acts 1:11). The lesson teaches that while Jesus is away in heaven, He never stops loving us and watching over us, so we can trust that He will return when it’s time! The key verse from Acts 1:11 tells us that Jesus is still with us in heaven, just like He promised! For little kids, this means Jesus is always looking after them, like a big, loving Fat 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 walked with His friends for a long time on a special day called Easter Sunday. Suddenly, the two men who had followed Him, Cleopas and another, stopped. Jesus stood among them, and His hands and side were still full of wounds from when He died. ‘Why do you look for the living among the dead?’ Jesus asked gently. Cleopas and the other man were surprised. ‘We saw the angels tell us this morning,’ they said, ‘that He would be alive!’ Jesus smiled and said, ‘You don’t have to believe me yet. Just go tell everyone what happened to you.
That same day, Jesus took His disciples to the top of a hill where many people were waiting. He sat with them and ate a meal together. Then He lifted His hands and blessed the food. The disciples were very happy because Jesus was safe and alive. They had seen Him rise from the dead, and they were so glad to be with Him again! Jesus told them, ‘You will stay in Jerusalem until the Holy Spirit comes to help you. Then you will tell everyone about Me.
One day after Jesus left, the eleven disciples were sitting together in a big room. Suddenly, two men in bright white clothes stood next to them. ‘Men of Galilee,’ the men said, ‘why are you looking into the sky? Jesus is not far away anymore. He is going to the place where He came from, heaven, with power and great glory. He will come back the same way you saw Him go!’ The disciples were afraid but believed what they heard. They bowed down and worshiped Jesus’ name. Then they were taken away in a bright cloud, and they saw Jesus go up into heaven.
Activities
Walking to Heaven
Supplies: Picture of Jesus, Blue Sheet, Soft Ball
- Step 1: Teacher holds up picture of Jesus.
- Step 2: Children point up and say hello.
- Step 3: Teacher holds the ball high.
- Step 4: Children walk slowly on hands.
- Step 5: Children wave and say See You.
Cloudy Sky Craft
Supplies: White Paper, Cotton Balls, Glue, Scissors
- Step 1: Teacher holds a piece of paper.
- Step 2: Children help add cotton balls.
- Step 3: Children draw a simple star.
- Step 4: Teacher cuts the shape.
- Step 5: Children hold up the cloud.
Discussion Questions
- Where do you think Jesus went after He left the disciples? (Hint: Look up Luke 24:50-51!)
- How do you think the disciples felt when they saw Jesus go away? Why do you think He told them to wait?
- If Jesus promised to come back, what does that mean for us today?
- What is one way you can remember that Jesus will return and live forever with God?
- Where do you think Jesus is now? How can we follow His example of trusting God?
Prayer Focus
Prayers of thanksgiving for Jesus’ resurrection and ascension, and prayers of hope that He will return. Ask God to help children trust in His promises, especially in times of uncertainty.
Missions Spotlight
Pray for Christians in the Middle East (Israel, Palestine, Jordan) where Jesus walked and taught. Ask God to protect them and help them share His love, just like Jesus did.
To the Cross
Jesus’ death on the cross showed His love for us, and His resurrection proved He is alive! His promise to return means we can always hope in heaven and trust God’s plans for our lives.
Family Take-Home
Jesus went to heaven after His resurrection and promised to return! This means we can always trust God’s love and have hope in heaven, no matter what happens on Earth.