After his resurrection from the dead, Jesus spent forty days with his disciples. Before ascending to heaven, he gave the apostles important instructions on announcing the gospel to all people and making them followers of Jesus.  This is the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20). An angel comforted the apostles by reminding them that just as Jesus rose up into the clouds, he would someday come back to earth again.

Bible verses used in this episode:

• Matthew 28:16-20 
• Acts 1:3-11

Outline:

1. The Great Commission (Matthew 28:16-20)
2. The promise of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:3-5)
3. The Ascension (Acts 1:6-11)

Tips for teaching:

• You will need a helium balloon and a still clear day to use the following method.  Take children outside and tell the story of the ascension.  After telling the story, release the balloon and watch it rise in the sky.
• Another outside idea is to spend time watching the clouds in the sky.  As you look at the clouds, talk about what the apostles might have felt like watching Jesus ascend.
• When learning about the “going into all the world” make crafts involving maps or globes.
• Adults: Go outside and look up into the sky.  How far can you see into the sky?  Try this at night, too.  How far can you see into the night sky?  Know that Jesus is enthroned over everything you can see day or night.  Ask the class to discuss what it means that Jesus is enthroned over the whole cosmos.  What does it mean for the creation?  What does it mean for the nations of the world?  What does it mean for our communities?  And what does it mean for me?
• Adults: The apostles had a special commission of being his witnesses.  Today, we can’t be the same kind of witness they were, but we can still be a witness to Jesus.  What can you do to tell others the good news of Jesus?  How can you be a witness in your neighbourhood?  In your city?  In your country? In the world? Think of ways to announce to the people in your world that Jesus is the world’s rightful and true Lord and that he loves them and wants them to give him their allegiance and loyalty.

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson:  The Great Commission and Ascension of Jesus  

Scriptures quoted from the International Children’s Bible®, copyright ©1986, 1988, 1999, 2015 by Tommy Nelson. Used by permission.

Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.

For questions or comments email: mary@missionbibleclass.org