This story is featured in a collection of Bible stories for kids called Do Not Be Afraid: Bible Stories for Kids about Hope.
Matthew 28:19; Acts 1:6–11
After his resurrection, Jesus remained with the disciples for forty days. Eventually, it was time for him to return to his Father in heaven, but not before giving his followers a few parting words of hope.
As you read this story, pay attention to the reasons the apostles are filled with hope instead of fear after Jesus ascends up into heaven.
Jesus gathered his disciples together and they asked him, “Lord, are you going to restore the Kingdom of Israel now?”
Jesus was staring up into the sky. He looked to his disciples and replied, “It is not for you to know the time that the Father has planned for his kingdom. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Then, to the amazement of the disciples, Jesus began to float up into the air. He rose higher and higher into the clouds until they could see him no more.
They were staring up into the sky when two men in white robes appeared by their sides. They were angels. They said, “Why do you stand looking up toward heaven? This Jesus, who has ascended into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.”
The angels left them, and the men returned to Jerusalem. As they walked along the way, they remembered some parting words Jesus had spoken to them not long before. He told them, “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
With a renewed sense of hope in the future, the apostles began their mission to make more disciples of Christ throughout the world.
Reflection Questions
- What did Jesus tell the apostles to do after he left?
- Why do you think the apostles felt hope after Jesus ascended up into heaven?
- How can you be Jesus Christ’s witness and teach others about what he said and did?
Download & Print this Story and Reflection Questions
You can read this story to your kids online or download a PDF printout along with discussion questions here:
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